Mazda3 wheel offset question

[wongpres]

Ok, I'm no tire expert and I'm now starting to look into what I'll do for winter (I'm not using the 17's for winter and will definitely go to 205/55R16).

The OEM Mazda3 16" alloys have the following numbers:
6.5J * 16", offset 52.5mm

The OEM N. American base Mazda6 steel rims have the following numbers:

6.5J * 16", offset 55mm

So my question is whether or not its ok to use those Mazda6 steel rims on my Mazda3, is that 2.5mm significant or not?

Thanks.

[goldwing2000]

Unfortunately, there's no way to know other than to do it. The greater offset would set the tire further inboard, so it might rub on things at full turn.

2.5mm is pretty minimal so it might be perfectly fine.

It'll make your track 5mm narrower but again, a half a cm is a minimal difference.

Do you have some of them to try out?

[wongpres]

Yeah, rubbing at full-lock is exactly what I'm concerned about. Unfortunately, I don't have them on hand to try out. I'm pretty sure the Mazda6 steel wheel is what several of the dealers here did last year for customers getting winters on the Mazda3. I have contacted Mazda and they obviously said that its not recommended to put any Mazda6 part on a Mazda3.

I'm going to ask a parts guy at a dealership that I kinda know.

[goldwing2000]

Sounds like the best idea.

[CDMazda3]

Ok, I'm no tire expert and I'm now starting to look into what I'll do for winter (I'm not using the 17's for winter and will definitely go to 205/55R16).

The OEM Mazda3 16" alloys have the following numbers:
6.5J * 16", offset 52.5mm

The OEM N. American base Mazda6 steel rims have the following numbers:

6.5J * 16", offset 55mm

So my question is whether or not its ok to use those Mazda6 steel rims on my Mazda3, is that 2.5mm significant or not?

Thanks.

Wongpres -

Going to put 205/55/16 snows on factory Mazda 6 alloys on my 09 Mazda 3 (currently have the 17" Snowflake alloys) and it seems they have a different "offset" per below -

Mazda 6 16" wheel info -
OEM 16" wheels Tires: 205/60R16 - North America 205/55R16 - Everywhere but North America Wheels: Mazda OEM 16x7+55mm 5x114.3 21.1lbs (16" diameter wheel that is 7" wide with a +55mm offset weighing 21.1lbs)

Maxda 3 17" wheel info -
17-inch: Width - 6.5 inches Offset - 52.5mm Tire size - P205/50R17 V-rated

If you know, will the offset difference matter?

Was wondering how you made out with the 6 wheels you used in the 16" size.

Thanks,

Rich

[goldwing2000]

2.5mm difference in offset isn't going to make any difference at all.

[CDMazda3]

2.5mm difference in offset isn't going to make any difference at all.

Thx! Appreciate it.

[Google]

What an an offset like 10 mm, say going from 52.5 mm to 42 mm? Or even 62.5 mm? Tire Rack has 16 inch winter steelies with a 6.5 bore and 62.5 mm offset.

[lucaspl88]

im currently using my wheels which are 17x7 +42 offset and 225/45/17 tires.. i hardly rub, only on full turn, but thats because my front is about 2.25" lowered lol

[Google]

Shouldnt the offset be more or less to OEM specs cuz it can cause wear on the components? I dunno, would an offset of + or - 2.5 mm make any difference?

[RC08MS3]

only 5 years late guys......

[Google]

physics never gets old ;)

[lucaspl88]

you want to stay in mid +40's offset... 45 is perfect