I know there are alot of threads about offset on the borad already, but rather than look through all of them to find an awnser to my question, I'll just ask, because this way I get an exact awnser to my particular situation.

My old rims had a 38mm offset and my new rims have a 35mm offset. The diameter, width and tire size are all the same.

I have'nt installed the new rims yet.

With my old setup (17x7" rims with 38mm offset and 205/40ZR17 tires) they would rub in the wheel wells under hard cornering or when there were people in the car.

Will the problem likely be worse or better with the new offset than with the old offset?

Also, the space between the tire and the lower strut mount is tiny at the moment... Is there a risk that when I put the new rims on they will touch?

Thanks alot!

 

The new wheels/tires will be 3mm closer to the edge of the car. Your rubbing and clearance issues on the inside of the wheel well should be slightly better. BUT not all tires are the same even if the numbers are.. If its exactly the same tire (brand and model) then it will be better for sure... but if its different the problem could do a number of things.. get better, stay the same, or get worse.

How close to your fender are the tires? you might get fender rubbing instead

 

As superdave said, the new wheels will be pushed out farther, so if they rub on the fender now, they'll be worse with the new ones.

and he made a good point that not all tires are the same, even same brand/same model tires can differ slightly.

some possible fixes:
- swap the wheels for a 40mm offset
- add negative camber
- stiffer struts
- raise the car
- use a smaller tire
- shave the back of the new wheels to a 38-40mm offset
- roll the fenders
- weld the rear doors shut and "just say no" to passengers

the difference on the inside, will be better with the new wheels, as they will now be 3mm farther away.

 

Crap, guess I better roll my fenders... That was already a problem....

 

It's a bit worse.... I should probably do something about it, but shocks will probably make more of a difference...