Quote Originally Posted by Verdigris
I'm running staggered 8 and 9" Style 32s; ET20 and ET26 front and back respectively.
I have 225/45/17 on the back and a 215/45/17 on the front.
The back rubs slightly on the rear bumper just where it meets the arch but that's easily sorted with a dremel.
The front rubbed a lot with 225s on the plastic liner inner arch.

Running 8" on the rear with standard arches shouldn't be a problem, but being an E39 wheel the offset is reasonably low and you might have some problems on the front running with 225s.
EDIT: Should - Shouldn't
I've seen a black e36 with style 32's a few times, is that yours?