Wheel size / offset!
 

So I though I'd figured out how to solve the rear wheel gap situation by using 8/7/5 series wheels. Luckly with an 840 to hand i "borrowed" the spare wheel to try. This is a 235/45/R17 on a 17x8J rim. Attached to Sportster with 4 to 5 lug adapter:

Rear wheel looks good!
http://www.msportster.co.uk/data/TN_body001.jpg

Stock E30 205/55/R15 on 15x7J rim no spacers - bit tight on the body:
http://www.msportster.co.uk/data/TN_body002.jpg

Much better with gap and spacing:
http://www.msportster.co.uk/data/TN_body003.jpg

Now heres the :cry: bit - not nearly enough room for the wheel to fit in!
http://www.msportster.co.uk/data/TN_body004.jpg

And again:
http://www.msportster.co.uk/data/TN_body005.jpg

Front cover, the looks fine, if a little tight:
http://www.msportster.co.uk/data/TN_body006.jpg

OK as well:
http://www.msportster.co.uk/data/TN_body007.jpg

I hear Marlin do wide arches - how do I know if I have the wide ones? Does anyone have any measurements?

There's obviously no chance of fitting a wider rear wheel in there!

Plan B it is then:

3 series E46/36 wheels, these are the Alpina's from my daily driver 225/45R17 on a 17x8J rim - I'd still like to know what those people with 8.5J or 9J rims are doing at the back. Also the wheels are awfully close to the body work:

http://www.msportster.co.uk/data/TN_body008.jpg

http://www.msportster.co.uk/data/TN_body009.jpg

http://www.msportster.co.uk/data/TN_body010.jpg

Patrick,

Where did you get your 4 to 5 stud adaptors from? I'm finding it impossible to finda set of 4 stud wheels I truly like that don't cost a fortune, or have 5 stud fitments.

I'm after a set a split rim cross-spokes, 17" for preference. I've seen some, (BBS RS?) but they only come as 5 stud. Of course, I'd really like some wire wheels (to go with the whole 30's feel), but they're just silly money!

Cheers,

Jason

I think I saw some Fox racing split rim 4 studs on eBay yesterday

edit: here we go: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/17inch-4-stud-...QQcmdZViewItem

I'd actually thought about getting those for mine, but I dunno yet :)

As for the spacers, again eBay was the souce. Seller was someone from e30zone, he originally bought them off some in the states via eBay. The original manufacturer in the states was http://www.motorsport-tech.com/