Spacers Safe?
12-04-2018, 01:01 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Spacers Safe?
I may be paranoid here, but I am concerned over the safety with wheel spacers. I plan on lowering my Wagon slightly, and I can tell that I will need spacers as the offset of the factory wheel is a bit too close to the axle for my liking, aesthetically speaking. The solution is obviously spacers, which many here have used. But I have concerns over putting spacers on a 600+ HP vehicle that is intended (and like will be used) to travel at triple digit speeds.
Are my concerns justified or am I over-thinking this. I've had spacers before on much slower/cheaper vehicles, and I was not always confident in their safety then.
Thoughts?
TIA
Are my concerns justified or am I over-thinking this. I've had spacers before on much slower/cheaper vehicles, and I was not always confident in their safety then.
Thoughts?
TIA
12-04-2018, 10:00 AM
#2
Senior Member
Good question. I don't know either.
But from the related thread below it's seems safe if done properly
But from the related thread below it's seems safe if done properly
12-04-2018, 10:14 AM
#3
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2020 Audi R8 V10, 2016 AMG GTS, 2018 E63S Edition 1, 2018 Porsche GTS Cab, 2012 C63 BS
Been running spacers on so many cars at speeds over 100 so many times that its a non issue for me. The key is in the install of course and if you have the right spacer build that is hubcentric. Even Porsche used to have a 7mm spacer option from the factory that showed on the msrp build sheet. You just need to make sure you get the right sizes and your shop knows how to detect if the connection from rim to hub is correct.
Right now Im running spacers on my M5, R8, C63BS but have used them on alot of other cars Ive owned. Each day that I drive any of my cars I almost always have a wide open stretch that allows a 120 plus sprint so speed is not an issue (no vibrations, wobbles, etc) As OEM rims become more appealing from a forged and visual standpoint, the only thing I see lacking is their fitment against the fender so a spacer clearly fixes that. The Benz E63S is no different with a great looking OEM wheel but they sit just a bit inward. I ran 15mm front and 12mm rear with no rubbing and I was slammed. Call Supreme Power in Fullerton, CA and ask for the Vic Special
Right now Im running spacers on my M5, R8, C63BS but have used them on alot of other cars Ive owned. Each day that I drive any of my cars I almost always have a wide open stretch that allows a 120 plus sprint so speed is not an issue (no vibrations, wobbles, etc) As OEM rims become more appealing from a forged and visual standpoint, the only thing I see lacking is their fitment against the fender so a spacer clearly fixes that. The Benz E63S is no different with a great looking OEM wheel but they sit just a bit inward. I ran 15mm front and 12mm rear with no rubbing and I was slammed. Call Supreme Power in Fullerton, CA and ask for the Vic Special
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12-04-2018, 09:34 PM
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2009 M3 sedan; 2012 Mustang Boss 302; 2018 E63 S on order
The key to properly install wheel spacers is making sure you get longer wheel bolts. As Vic said, Supreme Power will fix you up with the whole kit.
I have run rather large spacers on my E36 M3 race car for years, as have many other racers, with zero issues. We do use wheel studs, but with the long bolts all is good.
Go go for it, it looks great. And it’s inexpensive.
I have run rather large spacers on my E36 M3 race car for years, as have many other racers, with zero issues. We do use wheel studs, but with the long bolts all is good.
Go go for it, it looks great. And it’s inexpensive.
12-05-2018, 02:34 PM
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MY17 S63AMG - MBUSA Buyback. MY16 SL63 - Sold MY19 W213 E63s. 2020 W213 E63s Wagon
I too have used spacers on factory wheels and even after market wheels to get it flush and all my cars. One thing I do want to add is to make sure the correct extended length lug bolts are used AND it is torqued to factory specs and not just tighten. If you don’t torque it to factory specs., you might run into problem like the lug bolts coming loose during hard driving.
12-27-2018, 07:28 PM
#7
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You guys have convinced me that spacers are safe (thank you!) but I have a new question: wouldn't it be best to go with the same thickness all around to maintain the car's factory suspension geometry? I feel that making the front track wider could offset the intended handling balance of the vehicle.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
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12-27-2018, 10:07 PM
#8
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2020 Audi R8 V10, 2016 AMG GTS, 2018 E63S Edition 1, 2018 Porsche GTS Cab, 2012 C63 BS
You guys have convinced me that spacers are safe (thank you!) but I have a new question: wouldn't it be best to go with the same thickness all around to maintain the car's factory suspension geometry? I feel that making the front track wider could offset the intended handling balance of the vehicle.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
The E63S is a sports sedan and a GT car, you will never know the difference in spacers except from a visual aspect. If you must then go 12mm square.
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Corrado79 (12-28-2018)
