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Can somebody help me with wheel sizing? I have an 2015 IS350 Fsport AWD.
I want to get TE37SL's but I don't know what offset to get. I see most people get +35 front and +45 rear. I also see most people have a staggered set up. So to get a look similar to these photos, does this sound right: (I don't know much about wheels)
F 18x9 +35, 225/40/18 , R 18x10 +45, 225/40/18. Or should it be 18x8.5, 18x9.5? Or... Is it better to keep things square and run something like 18x9 front and rear?
It looks like the color is Pressed Double Black but I'm not sure.
In the pic, it seems the wheels come out pretty far. Do you guys think it's more than a +35? I see I can buy +30 and +20 too.
Can somebody help me with wheel sizing? I have an 2015 IS350 Fsport AWD.
I want to get TE37SL's but I don't know what offset to get. I see most people get +35 front and +45 rear. I also see most people have a staggered set up. So to get a look similar to these photos, does this sound right: (I don't know much about wheels)
F 18x9 +35, 225/40/18 , R 18x10 +45, 225/40/18. Or should it be 18x8.5, 18x9.5? Or... Is it better to keep things square and run something like 18x9 front and rear?
It looks like the color is Pressed Double Black but I'm not sure.
In the pic, it seems the wheels come out pretty far. Do you guys think it's more than a +35? I see I can buy +30 and +20 too.
Based on the specs on Rays website, here are some possible options to achieve the look in the pic:
Square setup:
18x9.5 +40
Staggered setup:
18x9.5 +35
18x9.5 +40
18x9.5 +35
18x10 +40
While there are other sizes that will fit the car, due to the higher offset they won't give the flush look as in the pics you provided.
Also, we don't know if the pictured car has those higher offset rims combined with spacers...which can achieve the same look. Example would be square 18x8.5 +45 with a 15mm or 20mm spacer...or 18x9 +45 with a 10mmm or 15mm spacer.
Based on the specs on Rays website, here are some possible options to achieve the look in the pic:
Square setup:
18x9.5 +40
Staggered setup:
18x9.5 +35
18x9.5 +40
18x9.5 +35
18x10 +40
While there are other sizes that will fit the car, due to the higher offset they won't give the flush look as in the pics you provided.
Also, we don't know if the pictured car has those higher offset rims combined with spacers...which can achieve the same look. Example would be square 18x8.5 +45 with a 15mm or 20mm spacer...or 18x9 +45 with a 10mmm or 15mm spacer.
Hi, I was able to contact the owner, and he is Russian, I think. We have a language barrier but he said he has 18x9 et35 with 20 mm spacers. So... does that basically mean if he didn't have spacers then it would be 18x9 +15? So I would be fine getting anything from +35 to +15? Maybe I should get something in the middle, like +22 ? He didn't tell me if he has any rubbing but I don't want to deal with any fender adjustments. Should I stick with 18x9+35 all around if that's the case? I see there is 18x9.5 +22 if rubbing isn't an issue.
Hi, I was able to contact the owner, and he is Russian, I think. We have a language barrier but he said he has 18x9 et35 with 20 mm spacers. So... does that basically mean if he didn't have spacers then it would be 18x9 +15? So I would be fine getting anything from +35 to +15? Maybe I should get something in the middle, like +30 ? He didn't tell me if he has any rubbing but I don't want to deal with any fender adjustments. Should I stick with 18x9+35 all around if that's the case?
He said his tires are 225/40/18.
According to Rays website, the 18x9 is only offered in a +45 offset.
Maybe he made a typo and meant to say it's an 18x9 +45 with a 20mm spacer...making the final offset +25. That's sounds more realistic than +35 with a 20mm spacer...and would explain the poke in the pics. +15 is too aggressive for these cars.
Likely that is why he went with the undersized 225/4018, to try and avoid any rubbing. An 18x9 should have a 255/35/18 tire...which is the same diameter as a 225/40/18, but much narrower is order to make more clearance at the fenders.
It would be nice to get a +30, but it doesn't appear they offer that offset.
I guess the first things you need to decide is do you want a square or staggered setup...and are you ok with using spacers or not.
Once those two things are decided, then tire size would be easy at that point.
According to Rays website, the 18x9 is only offered in a +45 offset.
Maybe he made a typo and meant to say it's an 18x9 +45 with a 20mm spacer...making the final offset +25. That's sounds more realistic than +35 with a 20mm spacer...and would explain the poke in the pics. +15 is too aggressive for these cars.
Likely that is why he went with the undersized 225/4018, to try and avoid any rubbing. An 18x9 should have a 255/35/18 tire...which is the same diameter as a 225/40/18, but much narrower is order to make more clearance at the fenders.
It would be nice to get a +30, but it doesn't appear they offer that offset.
I guess the first things you need to decide is do you want a square or staggered setup...and are you ok with using spacers or not.
Once those two things are decided, then tire size would be easy at that point.
I guess I don't know why one chooses square vs staggered so it doesn't matter to me. Let's say I do square, would it be completely fine to do 18x9.5 +22 all around? I notice most people do 8.5 in front and 9.5 in the rear.
Will there be any performance or physical rubbing issues at all? I would rather not deal with any type of rubbing or extra mods to make it work.
If +22 is too much, then I would be okay with 18x9.5 +35 all around, if you think that is perfectly fine.
I guess I don't know why one chooses square vs staggered so it doesn't matter to me. Let's say I do square, would it be completely fine to do 18x9.5 +22 all around? I notice most people do 8.5 in front and 9.5 in the rear.
Will there be any performance or physical rubbing issues at all? I would rather not deal with any type of rubbing or extra mods to make it work.
If +22 is too much, then I would be okay with 18x9.5 +35 all around, if you think that is perfectly fine.
Some stick with the staggered setup as that is what most of the 3IS's came with, especially the F Sport models.
From a performance standpoint there are handling benefits to both a staggered and square setup, but it really depends how you intend to use the car.
For an everyday daily driver, it really won't make a difference. For the more spirited drivers and those that take their 3IS to the track, they will more notice the difference.
If you want to go square, then the two choices, based on what offsets Volk has to offer, are:
18x9.5 +40
or
18x9.5 +35
The 18x9.5 +40 is ideal for the rear, and you could use a 255/35/18 or 265/35/18...a 265/30/18 doesn't exist in case you were wondering.
The 18x9.5 +35 is ideal for the front, and you could use a 255/35/18/ or 265/35/18.
The issue with the 18x9.5 +35 on the rear is clearance at the fender depending on tire size/brand and height of vehicle, stock vs. lowered.
Chances are with a square 18x9.5 +35 with a 255/35/18 tire that is narrow, even lowered, you will be fine on the front, and should be fine on the rear.
When I say a narrow tire, even though tire sizes (the numbers) are standard, the real world physical dimensions are not. A Michelin 255/35/18 is much wider than a Firestone 255/35/18, even though the tire is the same size, technically by the numbers.
It comes down to how square or round the sidewalls really are.
The issue with a 18x9.5 +40 on the front is the clearance between the rim and the steering knuckle.
Rim width is measured between the tire beads of the rim...the bead is where the tire actually sits on the rim. Outside of the inner and outer bead is the flange of the rim...this hides the tire bead when the tire is mounted on the rim.
Typically the flange is 0.5 inches thick, but there is not standard thickness that could be applied to all rims.
So in reality a 9.5 inch rim is really closer to 10.5 inches in real world width. 9.5 inches is the width for the tire, and then 0.5 inches on the inside and outside if for the flanges.
A 18x9.5 +38 rim will fit on the front no problem, but with a +40, that brings it 2mm closer to the steering knuckle. Depending on the thickness of the flange, the rim will either clear or contact slightly the steering knuckle.
So either the +40 will be ok on the front, or you would need a small spacer, 3 or 5mm.
The likelihood is that a +40 would still clear just fine on the front, and definitely clear on the rear. You would be using a 255/35/18 tire.
That may have seemed very confusing...I'm not gonna lie.
Some stick with the staggered setup as that is what most of the 3IS's came with, especially the F Sport models.
From a performance standpoint there are handling benefits to both a staggered and square setup, but it really depends how you intend to use the car.
For an everyday daily driver, it really won't make a difference. For the more spirited drivers and those that take their 3IS to the track, they will more notice the difference.
If you want to go square, then the two choices, based on what offsets Volk has to offer, are:
18x9.5 +40
or
18x9.5 +35
The 18x9.5 +40 is ideal for the rear, and you could use a 255/35/18 or 265/35/18...a 265/30/18 doesn't exist in case you were wondering.
The 18x9.5 +35 is ideal for the front, and you could use a 255/35/18/ or 265/35/18.
The issue with the 18x9.5 +35 on the rear is clearance at the fender depending on tire size/brand and height of vehicle, stock vs. lowered.
Chances are with a square 18x9.5 +35 with a 255/35/18 tire that is narrow, even lowered, you will be fine on the front, and should be fine on the rear.
When I say a narrow tire, even though tire sizes (the numbers) are standard, the real world physical dimensions are not. A Michelin 255/35/18 is much wider than a Firestone 255/35/18, even though the tire is the same size, technically by the numbers.
It comes down to how square or round the sidewalls really are.
The issue with a 18x9.5 +40 on the front is the clearance between the rim and the steering knuckle.
Rim width is measured between the tire beads of the rim...the bead is where the tire actually sits on the rim. Outside of the inner and outer bead is the flange of the rim...this hides the tire bead when the tire is mounted on the rim.
Typically the flange is 0.5 inches thick, but there is not standard thickness that could be applied to all rims.
So in reality a 9.5 inch rim is really closer to 10.5 inches in real world width. 9.5 inches is the width for the tire, and then 0.5 inches on the inside and outside if for the flanges.
A 18x9.5 +38 rim will fit on the front no problem, but with a +40, that brings it 2mm closer to the steering knuckle. Depending on the thickness of the flange, the rim will either clear or contact slightly the steering knuckle.
So either the +40 will be ok on the front, or you would need a small spacer, 3 or 5mm.
The likelihood is that a +40 would still clear just fine on the front, and definitely clear on the rear. You would be using a 255/35/18 tire.
That may have seemed very confusing...I'm not gonna lie.
Okay, so it seems like the best route to take with least headache and possible issues, while getting that meaty flush look like his would be:
Square:
Front 18x9.5 +35 255/35/18
Rear 18x9.5 +40 255/35/18
Staggered:
Front 18x8.5 +35 225/40/18
Rear 18x9.5 +40 255/35/18
Since you say the 3IS comes staggered, then I guess I will keep it the same and go with the staggered option.
Do you have recommendation what brand/model tires you would put on? I live in the Northeast USA and would use it 3 seasons. I will put all season or snow tires on the stock rims to change out for the winter months.
Another thing I guess I don't understand is, if he has +45 and 20mm spacers, how come I can't do +22? A +45 and 20mm spacer basically means +25 total, right? the 3mm difference would be too much? Or maybe he's mistaken on his specs
Okay, so it seems like the best route to take with least headache and possible issues would be
Square:
18x9.5 +35 front
18x9.5 +40 rear
And I'm guessing for staggered it would be
18x8.5 +35 front
18x9.5 +40 rear
All with 255/35/18.
Since you say the IS Fsport comes staggered, then I guess I will keep it the same and stagger it.
Do you have recommendation what brand/model tires you would put on? I live in the Northeast USA and would use it 3 seasons. I will put all season or snow tires on the stock rims to change out for the winter months.
Another thing I guess I don't understand is, if he has +45 and 20mm spacers, how come I can't do +22? A +45 and 20mm spacer basically means +25 total, right? the 3mm difference would be too much? Or maybe he's mistaken on his specs
For a true square setup all specs have to be the same...including the offset. So the choices you quoted above are technically still all staggered.
Honestly, i would go with a square setup of 18x9.5 +40 and only if needed, add a small spacer to the front. You wouldn't need anything more than 5mm, and likely 3mm is enough...if you needed a spacer at all.
Stick with 255/35/18 all around.
The +25 offset was already pushing the envelope, hence why he was using the undersized tires. +22 just puts you more into issues.
Personally I prefer to use a tire size that is appropriate and safe to the rim/vehicle.
For tires I would look at Continentals, Hankook, Falken, and Firestone. They should all offer that size, and to determine how they all relate to each other in terms of narrow and wide, look at their Tread Width.
The tire specs can be found for all these tires easily on tirerack.com. Then you can compare them to a Michelin tire to see how wide their Tread Width is.
Just backing up Sasnuke - I would opt for another tire manufacturer other than Michelin unless the installer is willing to mount them and make sure that they clear everything - that means not just dropping the car to the ground, but driving it to confirm it isn't rubbing under dynamic loading of the suspension. Most installers won't do this, so you'll be stuck with tires that rub.
I run a square Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ 245/35 on an 18x9 +35ET wheel on my 2018 F-Sport, lowered 1.25". I tried a 255/35 in the same tire - it rubbed the front inner fender liner at full lock. Not that big a deal, but the back was way too close to the fender for a daily driver and my comfort level.
Looking at the specs I pulled off Tirerack.com, you can see that while the section width (at the rim) remains pretty consistent across manufacturers (as expected), tread width can vary greatly. Tire choice becomes more critical, especially if you're planning a smaller wheel offset to push the wheel out. You can see that Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ are very wide - a lot wider than everything else. In fact, a 245/35 A/S 3+ is wider than some of the other manufacturers' 255/35 tires.
Looking at the specs I pulled off Tirerack.com, you can see that while the section width (at the rim) remains pretty consistent across manufacturers (as expected), tread width can vary greatly. Tire choice becomes more critical, especially if you're planning a smaller wheel offset to push the wheel out. You can Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ are very wide - a lot wider than everything else. In fact, a 245/35 A/S 3+ is wider than some of the other manufacturers' 255/35 tires.
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+
Size: 255/35
Section Width = 10.2"
Tread Width = 9.3"
Size: 245/35
Section Width = 9.8"
Tread Width = 8.8"
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4
Size: 255/35
Section Width = 10.2"
Tread Width = 8.8"
Yokohama Advan A/S
Size: 255/35
Section Width = 10.1"
Tread Width = 8.6"
Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate
Size: 255/35
Section Width = 10.2"
Tread Width = 8.9"
Continental Extreme Contact DWS 06
Size: 255/35
Section Width = 10"
Tread Width = 9"
Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS
Size: 255/35
Section Width = 10.2"
Tread Width = 8.7"
Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus
Size: 255/35
Section Width = 10.2"
Tread Width = 8.4"
Good reference info to really illustrate the various in tires that are supposed to be the "same size". Obviously all things are not created equally.
11-02-20, 04:02 PM
