Does the wheel offset change if you change the width of your wheels?

[Root Ginger]

My mates getting some new wheels for his 850CSi but we were debating whether the offset changes or remains the same if you get wider wheels?

If the extra width is added evenly inside and outside surely the offset measurement is the same.

Right, wrong

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ginge

If the extra width is added evenly inside and outside surely the offset measurement is the same.

Offset is measured from the centerline of the wheel ... adding the same width on both sides of the centerline won't effect the offset.

[Root Ginger]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC

Offset is measured from the centerline of the wheel ... adding the same width on both sides of the centerline won't effect the offset.

Exactly what I thought. I was just reading somewhere that it did and it totally confused me!

[petecrosby]

But, if you get a wider wheel with the same offset, then you are adding width to both the inside of the wheel and the outside of the wheel and possibly creating a problem with rubbing on the fenders or suspension. In other words, if the current wheel is very close to having the tire rub somewhere, then a different offset should be chosen to compensate for the wheel size change.

[pocketrocketowner]

I just get what the man says to get.......

[Cherry2005]

I increased my wheels from 17 x 7 to 17 x 8 with the same offset. No rubbing, no changes in suspension, just a hot new look.

[Root Ginger]

Yeah we are talking about an 850CSi here though. Not much knowledge of offsets available for this car other than what the standard offsets are.

There is an insane amount of room under the arches on these beasts though so should have no problems.. Cheers for the help