Extended Fender Flares on 18" wheels

I am looking for any picture or your opinions on using stock 18" rims (210) with extended fender flares.

This will be on my winter setup, which I use for about 5 months every year. Someone have mentioned on the forum that 18" will look odd with extended flares, since they are intended for 20"+ wheels.
I am not too excited about using wheel spacers as I do not know how they may affect the car performance and safety long term.

Can anyone comment on running 18" wheels with extended fender flares during winter or even all-year-around? Thanks, do not want my car to look silly...

I know this is a late response, but did you ever wind up doing this? I am considering the same thing. I've only found one picture of the fender flares with 18" wheels. It actually had mud flaps as well. It was in the snow and actually looked pretty tough. Unfortunately, a bmw ad and how they look in real life could be very different.

Originally Posted by njkelland

I know this is a late response, but did you ever wind up doing this? I am considering the same thing. I've only found one picture of the fender flares with 18" wheels. It actually had mud flaps as well. It was in the snow and actually looked pretty tough. Unfortunately, a bmw ad and how they look in real life could be very different.

I purchased the flares, installed them but ended up removing them after couple of weeks. I did not like the look and did not want to use any wheel spacers. YMMV.
I am now planning to sell them.

Originally Posted by Treeboy

I purchased the flares, installed them but ended up removing them after couple of weeks. I did not like the look and did not want to use any wheel spacers. YMMV.
I am now planning to sell them.

Are you still selling? I can take them off your hands for the right price

Originally Posted by Treeboy

I purchased the flares, installed them but ended up removing them after couple of weeks. I did not like the look and did not want to use any wheel spacers. YMMV.
I am now planning to sell them.

Are they painted (glossy finish)? If yes what color?

Originally Posted by tribecaX5

Are they painted (glossy finish)? If yes what color?

I asked first....

Originally Posted by civicrtype1

I asked first....

so?


whatever this civic guy offers, I'll offer double

Originally Posted by tribecaX5

Are they painted (glossy finish)? If yes what color?

Here are the pics:

Thanks for the quick response. I've really been trying to decide whether or not to try it. I'm surprised by how few pics there are...probably because few people have that setup. I wouldn't want to use the spacers either. I'd rather find a set of rims with an offset but at that point I'd just get the y-spoke 20's. Tires are outrageous though. Do you have any pics of yours while you had the flares? How much would you sell them for? Might be nice to have in case I decide to go with a wider tire later.

I've got my winter 19" wheels on... and for me the look of my flares with the mudflaps on the 19's just makes me wish spring was here to put the 20's back on. They look good with the 20's, but anything smaller looks odd IMO.

Also keep in mind that the 20in tire uses the extended flares due to the larger tire width and wheel offset. The stock 20's are staggered tires: 20x10 (front) & 20x11 (rear). The stock 18" wheels are only 18x8.5.

Hope this helps someone. Ordered this setup from my BMW dealer at about their cost(wheels tpms and tires). I got a set of 20mm spacers for the rear and am very happy with this setup. Absolutely no vibration and plenty of performance.

http://www.shopbmwusa.com/ProductDet...cessories.aspx
Before



After

B and B

Very nicely done. I have stock 19s without flare extensions. I think in around 2 years, I will either trade the car or may get some flares and larger wheels to make the car look sightly different.

Can you elaborate on the 20mm spacer setup? What are these? Do they go on before the wheel goes on so that the wheels stick out a bit further and thus fill out the fender flare so it looks ok with the smaller wheels?

Originally Posted by BeamerandBimmer

Hope this helps someone. Ordered this setup from my BMW dealer at about their cost(wheels tpms and tires). I got a set of 20mm spacers for the rear and am very happy with this setup. Absolutely no vibration and plenty of performance.

Originally Posted by BeamerandBimmer

Hope this helps someone. Ordered this setup from my BMW dealer at about their cost(wheels tpms and tires). I got a set of 20mm spacers for the rear and am very happy with this setup. Absolutely no vibration and plenty of performance.

http://www.shopbmwusa.com/ProductDet...cessories.aspx
Before



After

Do you have any pictures from behind or without the spacers on the rears?

They are black plastic finish, not painted. PM me if interested in pics and asking price.

op,
How hard is it to install the flares?
Is there a DIY write up somewhere?
Thanks

Originally Posted by DCC

op,
How hard is it to install the flares?
Is there a DIY write up somewhere?
Thanks

Not that hard. I am no mechanic. You just remove the existing rivets, carefully unlock the clips and slide the existing flares out. Reverse the process for installation. You will need to buy the rivets for the installation at your dealer or local store. They are inexpensive. Manual rivet gun is recommended.
Look for the DIY on BMW forums. I recall following one, however I do not have the link anymore.

Originally Posted by Treeboy

Not that hard. I am no mechanic. You just remove the existing rivets, carefully unlock the clips and slide the existing flares out. Reverse the process for installation. You will need to buy the rivets for the installation at your dealer or local store. They are inexpensive. Manual rivet gun is recommended.
Look for the DIY on BMW forums. I recall following one, however I do not have the link anymore.

Do you remember what size rivets are required?

Originally Posted by macming

Do you remember what size rivets are required?

Sorry, I don't.

Originally Posted by macming

Do you remember what size rivets are required?

Part no.

7171004: Rivet (x20)
9140786: Blind rivet (x20)

BMW plastic push pin rivets.

Originally Posted by rijc99

Part no.

7171004: Rivet (x20)
9140786: Blind rivet (x20)

BMW plastic push pin rivets.

Thanks Appreciate your help! So it looks like these rivets aren't reuseable like most of the body rivets, so I should buy new ones to swap my fender flares?

Man I'd love a set of these. They make the car look better, even with the 18s. Not easy to come by I guess since they can't be purchased separately - they are bundled with a 20 or 21 wheel upgrade??? So prices on ebay are high ~ $350 for a set.

Originally Posted by sirbikes

Man I'd love a set of these. They make the car look better, even with the 18s. Not easy to come by I guess since they can't be purchased separately - they are bundled with a 20 or 21 wheel upgrade??? So prices on ebay are high ~ $350 for a set.

That is basically what I paid. I am not planning on installing them again, so I will sell them somewhat cheaper. PM me, if you want to know more details. Right now I am waiting to hear from the poster above. As you can see, he asked first .

Originally Posted by Treeboy

I am looking for any picture or your opinions on using stock 18" rims (210) with extended fender flares.

This will be on my winter setup, which I use for about 5 months every year. Someone have mentioned on the forum that 18" will look odd with extended flares, since they are intended for 20"+ wheels.
I am not too excited about using wheel spacers as I do not know how they may affect the car performance and safety long term.

Can anyone comment on running 18" wheels with extended fender flares during winter or even all-year-around? Thanks, do not want my car to look silly...

I've got 19" setup for winter with Blizzak LM60, bought the rims second hand & did not realized how bad they look until I put them on. Can't complain about the handling though...