E39 wheel/tire size question

["Hemauer" <shemauer@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

My '97 540i 6 spd has the OEM 17x9 wheels at all four corners, utilizing a
235-45-17 tire.

The later E39 540's run the 235 tire in front, but use a 255-40-17 tire in
the rear.

My question is - do the later E39's use a wider wheel in the rear?  Or is
this wider tire run on the same 17x8 wheel?  I'd like to go to the staggered
widths on my car if possible.

Thanks,

Scott Hemauer
'97 540i 6 spd
'95 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX
'90 Eagle Talon AWD

------------------------------