RWD M3: Rubbing on 20" Performance Wheels + 255/35/20 Tires

[darryl2120]

I just got a RWD M3 last month. I bought some used 20" sport wheels (8.5" ET 35) and 255/35/20 Michelin Pilot Sport AS4. I found a thread on Reddit with someone claiming this exact tire/wheel setup did not rub....well the front tires rub for my car now

I want to say there is about a 3mm gap between the top of the tire and the steering knuckle. I put some masking tape on the steering knuckle where it rubs. The tape ended up with some black marks on it, but did not really get pulled off the steering knuckle at all. This makes me think that the tire is just slightly rubbing. I also did not hear any significant rubbing sounds while driving. I saw a some people suggest a 3mm spacer, I tried this and it looks like it helped a little bit. But it is still rubbing and now my tires poke out a little. The picture is what it looks like now with the 3mm spacer.

I might try a 5mm spacer but from what I can tell it will still rub with this too. Is there any major risk to just leaving this as is until the tires wear down and it stops rubbing? This making me really nervous, any guidance would be greatly appreciated for this!!

 

[eglove]

AS4 255's run a little bit wider than other brands FYI

 

[darryl2120]

Thanks! Yeah I just figured that out last night when I was comparing tire specs on tire rack...I wish I knew this earlier lol

 

[darryl2120]

If I got an alignment shop to squeeze out some negative camber (without going for aftermarket camber arms), would that make a difference at all?

 

[CKwik240]

If I got an alignment shop to squeeze out some negative camber (without going for aftermarket camber arms), would that make a difference at all?

No. The steering knuckle assembly and your wheel will move with each other so their relative distance to each other will not change. Even if it worked, changing the camber to do it would be a terrible solution. Though increasing negative camber would accelerate wear where you need to most. Lol.

 

[darryl2120]

No. The steering knuckle assembly and your angle will move with each other so their relative distance to each other will not change. Even if it worked, changing the camber to do it would be a terrible solution. Though increasing negative camber would accelerate wear where you need to most. Lol.

lol...okay yeah totally makes sense.

my tire diameter is 27.3". Seems like people are doing fine with tires up to 27.1 inches. It doesn't sound like I am at risk of blowing my tire or anything with the steering knuckle moving in line with the tires for the most part. if the knuckle is just grazing my tire does that seem okay to you?

 

[dsgerbc]

I see a tight clearance. It's not rubbing in a literal sense, but once you get close, the crap/road debris that tires throw around may start sticking to the upright. And if you drive on gravel, the upright will get sandpapered by rocks etc.

 

[darryl2120]

I see a tight clearance. It's not rubbing in a literal sense, but once you get close, the crap/road debris that tires throw around may start sticking to the upright. And if you drive on gravel, the upright will get sandpapered by rocks etc.

Thanks! I will keep this in mind

 

[bnekic]

lol...okay yeah totally makes sense.

my tire diameter is 27.3". Seems like people are doing fine with tires up to 27.1 inches. It doesn't sound like I am at risk of blowing my tire or anything with the steering knuckle moving in line with the tires for the most part. if the knuckle is just grazing my tire does that seem okay to you?

I bought a set of Falken Azenis FK460 which are a 27.1” tire, do you think those should clear the knuckle?

 

[MountainPass]

I bought a set of Falken Azenis FK460 which are a 27.1” tire, do you think those should clear the knuckle?

Most likely not

 

[bnekic]

Most likely not

Ugh I have an appointment this Friday to get them installed so I guess we’ll see…

 

[MountainPass]

Ugh I have an appointment this Friday to get them installed so I guess we’ll see…

I would ask them to mount one and test-fit it on the front. If this clearance is alright, then you're ok and they can mount the rest.

 

[bnekic]

I would ask them to mount one and test-fit it on the front. If this clearance is alright, then you're ok and they can mount the rest.

Great advice, I’ll do that

 

[kpanda17]

How about using spacers?
We’ve been modifying our RWD to be a MS/M3P poser
Just added a spoiler (not showing in the photo)
Like the idea of used 20’s, we have covers on the 19s right now

What’s a good price for what you purchased?

 

[darryl2120]

I got new tires , PS4S 255/35/20 with a diameter of 27.0” and fit perfectly with no issues without spacers. I don’t think anything above 27” will work.

My last tires were 27.3” and I tried 3mm spacers which did not help at all. Luckily Costco let me exchange my tires still