he stock offset and how wide within the wheel wells would be nice. isee these rims on ebay under s8 that are 8.5 x 18 with a 35mm offset but 8 x18's that are 42mm.

 

42 is teh stoclk offset. My aftermarket wheels (notice I calle dthem *wheels,* not rims) are a 35mm offset, and I have no clerance problems with my stock calipers, which is promairly what you're worried about, with a smaller offset. With too much, or too little, not only should you be concerned with clearance (caliper, or fender, depending...), but your wheel-bearings'll take a bit more abuse than they were designed for.

 

42mm offset moves the tires closer to the strut or inner wheel well. the smaller the number offset the further out the edge of the tire sits. the calipers clear as long as the diameter of the wheel is first ok. i bet 14 inch rims would never fit. i know 255's would fit both 8 and 8.5 rims but im really worried about the 12 mm pull to the fender flares. maybe someone out there remembers the offsets on there successfull wheel tire combo's.

 

correction 7 mm pull outward

 

OK, in that case, with my 35mm offset, not only do my calipers clear just fine, I have no fender clearance issues, either, at stock ride height (for a '99 D2, that is). Actual clearance may vary, depending on how you drive, where you drive, and how much you've lowered your car...