Bimecc wheel spacers, studs and wheel hardware are popular because they allow the wheel position and fixing system to be changed without replacing the wheel itself. The important part is choosing hardware by measurement and specification, not simply by copying a spacer size from another car.
This guide covers Bimecc wheel spacer sizing, hub fitment, wheel bolts and stud-conversion kits for BMW, Audi, Volkswagen and other performance applications.
What is a hub-centric wheel spacer?
A hub-centric spacer is designed around the vehicle hub and wheel-centre interface so the wheel remains correctly centred when the spacer is fitted. Bimecc manufactures aluminium hub-centric spacers alongside wheel bolts, studs, nuts and related hardware.
That does not make every spacer universal. PCD, centre bore, hub-lip geometry, thickness and the required fixing hardware still need to match the vehicle and wheel.
How do I choose wheel spacer thickness?
Start by measuring how much clearance actually exists between the tyre or wheel and the bodywork at the outer edge, then check the inner clearance to suspension and brake components. A 5mm, 10mm, 12mm or 15mm spacer moves the wheel outward by that nominal amount, so the existing wheel offset and tyre size matter just as much as the spacer.
On a lowered car, check clearance through steering lock and suspension compression rather than only measuring the car while stationary. Extra negative camber can also change where the tyre sits relative to the arch.
Do I need longer wheel bolts with Bimecc spacers?
For a lug-through spacer, the fixing hardware must provide the required thread engagement after the spacer is added. That normally means selecting the correct longer bolt or stud arrangement for the application. Thick bolt-on spacer designs can use a different fixing method, so follow the exact product specification.
Do not add spacer thickness to a bolt length blindly without checking seat type, thread pitch, usable thread length and wheel design.
Bimecc stud conversion kits
A stud-and-nut conversion can make repeated wheel changes faster and can be particularly useful on cars that frequently swap between road and track wheels. BMW and VAG applications use different thread specifications, so the hub thread must be confirmed before ordering.
Compare our Bimecc BMW stud conversion kit with fitting tools, BMW copper-nut conversion kit and Bimecc VAG stud conversion kit.
Can wheel spacers improve brake-caliper clearance?
A spacer can increase spoke-to-caliper clearance by moving the whole wheel outward, but it does not change the wheel-barrel diameter. If a big brake kit clashes with the barrel, a spacer may not solve the problem.
Use the brake manufacturer's wheel-clearance template whenever one is available. This is especially important on 18-inch track-wheel conversions and high-offset wheels.
BMW F-Series and G-Series Bimecc spacers
BMW F-Series and G-Series cars do not automatically use interchangeable spacer hardware. Our vehicle-specific listings include Bimecc BMW F-Series spacers for M2, M3, M4, M140i and M240i applications and Bimecc BMW G-Series spacers.
For a broader BMW sizing explanation, read our BMW wheel spacer guide.
Volkswagen and Audi Bimecc spacer fitment
Popular VAG options include the Golf Mk7/Mk7.5 and Scirocco spacer kit, Golf Mk8 GTI/R spacers and Audi S3, RS3 and TT spacers.
Wheel spacer and stud conversion FAQs
Are Bimecc spacers safe for track use?
Correctly specified wheel hardware still depends on proper fitment, thread engagement, torque, wheel condition and routine inspection. Motorsport use increases the importance of checking the complete wheel-fixing system rather than judging safety from the spacer brand alone.
What torque should I use?
Use the vehicle, wheel and hardware manufacturer's specified torque for the exact fixing arrangement. Do not use a generic torque figure from another vehicle or an online spacer discussion.
Can I use a 5mm spacer without a hub lip?
That depends on the hub, wheel and spacer design. Thin spacers can leave different amounts of original hub-centre engagement. Check the exact Bimecc application and wheel interface rather than assuming all 5mm spacers behave identically.
Do spacers change wheel offset?
Effectively yes. Moving the wheel outward reduces the effective positive offset by the spacer thickness. A wheel that starts at ET40 with a 10mm spacer sits approximately where an ET30 wheel would in lateral position, subject to the actual mounting geometry.
Where can I buy Bimecc spacers in the UK?
Browse the complete Bimecc range at Nineteen72 Performance, including BMW, Audi and Volkswagen wheel spacers, wheel studs, nuts and conversion kits.
