Rim size inquiry re: '07 Mazda 3 S HB
 

Oy, I've got a bit of a technical question, forgive me if this was already posted elsewhere...

I've got an '07 Mazda 3 S HB (2.3L) and am looking at getting some 17x7 Enkei GW8 rims OR 17" XXR 525 rims. What exactly do I need to look for? I know the bolt pattern is 5x114(.3??), however I also wanna make sure I don't get these rims and find out that the width is way off, as well as with the offset. The rims I'm looking at have:

- 17"
Bolt pattern: 5x114.3
Rim width: 7
Offset: +40

and the second

- 17"
Bolt pattern: 5x114.3
Rim width: 7
Offset: 42


The tires will come later, but I guess I should know beforehand what I can put on these, as well.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!


J

Factory:
Bolt pattern is 5x114.3

15-inch:
Width - 6.0 inches
Offset - 52.5mm
Tire size - P195/65R15 H-rated

16-inch:
Width - 6.5 inches
Offset - 52.5mm
Tire size - P205/65R16 H-rated

17-inch:
Width - 6.5 inches
Offset - 52.5mm
Tire size - P205/50R17 V-rated

Note: In N. American-spec, the Mazda3 2.3l engine is packaged with larger rotors, so any N. American-spec Mazda3 2.3l cannot go lower than 16-inch rims (brakes won't clear).

Spare tire
For 15-inch wheels: T115/70D15
For 16 or 17-inch wheels: T125/70D16



Hope this helps

Those tire sizes are wrong.

The stock 16inch size is:

205 55 R16

15 inch would be:

205 60 R15




205 65 R16 is over 2inches larger in diameter than the stock size and would put your speedo off by over 6%.

Alright, but what about this offset business? What does it mean, exactly?

The offset of a wheel is the distance from its hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. The offset can be one of three types (measured in millimeters).*

Zero Offset

The hub mounting surface is even with the centerline of the wheel.

Positive

The hub mounting surface is toward the front or wheel side of the wheel. Positive offset wheels are generally found on front wheel drive cars and newer rear drive cars.

Negative

The hub mounting surface is toward the back or brake side of the wheels centerline. "Deep dish" wheels are typically a negative offset.

If the offset of the wheel is not correct for the car, the handling can be adversely affected. When the width of the wheel changes, the offset also changes numerically. If the offset were to stay the same while you added width, the additional width would be split evenly between the inside and outside. For most cars, this won't work correctly. We have test fitted thousands of different vehicles for proper fitment. Our extensive database allows our sales staff to offer you the perfect fit for your vehicle.


http://www.tirerack.com/images/wheels/tech/offset.gif

Ahhh, I understand now. Perfect. Thanks a lot!!!