17×8.5″ AC Schnitzer Type 2 Wheels by Ronal for BMW

AC Schnitzer Type 2 (Type II) is one of the most recognizable 5-spoke designs of the 1990s. While some Type 2 wheels were manufactured by OZ Racing (typically the multi-piece versions), the single-piece (monoblock) $17\times8.5″$ units were predominantly produced by Ronal in Germany.

Listing Details

• Set of Four 17″ AC Schnitzer Type 2 Wheels for BMW
• Refinished Black w/Polished Lips
• Titanium Hardware
• Manufactured by Ronal in Germany
• 4x Part #3953
• 8.5″ Wide w/15mm Offset
• AC Schnitzer-Branded Center Caps

1. Technical Specifications

The $17\times8.5″$ square setup is the “gold standard” for 90s BMW tuning because it offers a significant concave face that narrower versions ($7.5″$) lack.

• Manufacturing: Low-pressure cast alloy by Ronal.

• Bolt Pattern: $5\times120$ mm.

• Center Bore: Usually $72.56$ mm (Standard BMW) or $74.1$ mm (E39 specific).

   

• Common Offsets (ET):

  • ET13 / ET15: The “Low Offset” version. Designed for the E34 (5-series) and E32 (7-series). This version is highly sought after by E36 and E46 owners for an aggressive “flush” fitment.

  • ET43: The “High Offset” version. Designed for standard E36 and E46 3-series fitment without fender modifications.

2. Fitment Guide

The $8.5″$ width is versatile but requires attention to the offset:

• E36 / E46 3-Series: If you have the ET13/15 version, you will need “stretched” tires (like a $215/40$ or $215/45$) and likely a fender roll to prevent rubbing. The ET43 version fits like an OEM wheel.

• E34 / E39 5-Series: The ET13/15 is the perfect period-correct fitment. Note that if the wheels have a $72.56$ mm bore, they will need to be bored out to $74.1$ mm to fit an E39.

• E30 M3: This is a classic “Big Wheel” upgrade for the E30 M3, where the ET15 sits perfectly against the factory box flares.

   

3. Authenticity Check

Because these were so popular, “reps” (replicas) are everywhere. To verify a genuine Ronal-made AC Schnitzer Type 2:

1. The Spoke Stamp: Genuine wheels almost always have the “AC Schnitzer” logo embossed/cast into one of the spokes.

2. Rear Markings: Look for the “RONAL” logo, the “Made in Germany” stamp, and the specific AC Schnitzer part number (e.g., 3611 38 01) cast into the back of the hub or spokes.

3. The Valve Stem: Genuine Type 2s have the valve stem located in a specific recessed “pocket” between two spokes.