20" Alloys

[gordond]

Hello Community.

My first post

Taking delivery at the end of March 150ps AWD auto SE-L Nav.

Didn’t want the Sport cause I don’t like leather seats, cant see the benefit in keyless entry, don’t approve of Xenon headlight as they are a menace to other road users, heated front seats would only be a good idea if the car intelligently knew that I was getting in it 5 mins before I did in the morning lol and once the seat position is set I cant see the point in having it electrically adjustable.

Anyway… Mazda don’t offer the 19” wheels (Part Number: 9965-03-7090), as you know, as a factory fit option and the dealers are not interested in offering remotely competitive prices on tyres… so

I’m in the market for aftermarket alloys.

Since I’m not obliged to go for the 19” then I’m looking at 20” of which there are plenty avail to suit.
But you have to be careful as (after I crawled under a CX5 at the dealer) there is only about 16mm of clearance between the inside edge of the rim and the front strut.

So assuming a wheel diameter of 8.5” on the 20” alloy, as there are so few at 8” or less then a standard Mazda factory offset of ET50 would foul at 19.1mm (closer to the suspension strut).  See
http://www.willtheyfit.com/

My question is this for your opinion please.
I could go for 20”x8.5 ET40 which would clear the strut by 7mm but would extend the rim 29mm outwards to the wheel arch.  Now the standard wheel looks nearly flush in profile to the wheel arch so do you think it would look ok or naff if the wheel / tyre was visible from a front profile by approx. 10 to 15mm?

Please don’t give me a lecture about ride quality / spray / legal / global warming / gay rights, just respond with ‘I think it will look ok / cool or Nah, it will look totally naf and cringworthy.

Any other constructive advice will actually be appreciated.

Thank you for your kind contemplation of my dilemma.


Btw, just for completeness if anyone is wondering the pcd of the CX5 is 114.3 and centre bore 67.1

[rmvf]

we have 19" on ours and they look just right it soaks up bumps no problem and our roads are pretty poor round this neck of the woods, the look with 20" will be fine I think but wonder why after market 19" is no good for you?

If you get 20" post some pics as im guessing it will be the first cx-5 in country dressed as so and am genuinely interested

[howardsathome]

Not sure how far you have got on this. You seem to understand the basics, like the offset, do remember the all important rolling circumference particularly because of the AWD. Technically you should not be able to see the tyre beyond the wheel arch when seen from above. As your car is white, spray up the body could be a challenge. It could also leave you vulnerable to kerbing damage on the rims depending on the style. It is possible to get tyres with a wide kerbing rib which, when matched to appropriate tyres, gives protection. A Tyre/Rim local high performance specialist should be able to advise. Also Germany is the place for such fitments, they have the real knowledge and the legal requirements are strict so advice is very good. Perhaps see what the internet can show for there. The best will also list in English.

[rmvf]

any update did you get your 20" alloys fitted?