[Mako]

Seen as the 35i comes standard with 18" wheels and if I get the M Sport it will have 19", would there be any issues putting 17" wheels on it for the winter? I figured since the 28i comes with 17" and I don't believe the brake size is any different on the 35i, I was guessing it shouldn't be an issue... Or would a lowered sport suspension of the M Sport cause problems?

[Max1Factor]

Is sports suspension lower on the X3? I thought just firmer?

[fedinand]

17s shouldn't be an issue with proper sized tires…245/55/17? Thinking about doing the same here...

[Mako]

Originally Posted by fedinand

17s shouldn't be an issue with proper sized tires…245/55/17? Thinking about doing the same here...

I find it interesting you mention 245/55/17. did you get that from the BMW website? I notice that the stock wheels on the 28i according to the US site show that size (on the options page), BUT when you look at the users manual it doesn't even mention that tire size, only 225/55/17 and 225/60/17

If 225 work, I would think that would be best for winter driving (not as wide, so better winter traction). the 60 might be good for ride comfort too if they will also fit.

can anyone with a new X3 and 17" wheels/tires help us out here?

[fedinand]

Originally Posted by Mako

I find it interesting you mention 245/55/17. did you get that from the BMW website? I notice that the stock wheels on the 28i according to the US site show that size (on the options page), BUT when you look at the users manual it doesn't even mention that tire size, only 225/55/17 and 225/60/17

If 225 work, I would think that would be best for winter driving (not as wide, so better winter traction). the 60 might be good for ride comfort too if they will also fit.

can anyone with a new X3 and 17" wheels/tires help us out here?

I guesstimated trying to keep the same rolling radius…225/60/17

[frankwin]

I was waiting to ask the same question because I want a second set of wheels for winter. Generally in snow you want tire not too large and having 17 instead of 19 make the rubber thicker and less prone to dent a wheel in a pothole (our roads here are catastrophic during spring).

And now the next question, do you know if the X3 supports a second set of wheels (or tire pressure sensor set) without having going to the dealer for reprogramming?

[acey81]

Won't look good, but totally possible.

A second set is no problem, simply reset the tire pressure sensor from the iDrive.

[Mako]

Originally Posted by acey81

Won't look good, but totally possible.

A second set is no problem, simply reset the tire pressure sensor from the iDrive.

I think 17" on a X3 will look fine, X5 maybe not. 19" almost look to large on a car this size (for sure does on the Q5), 18" is probably perfect, but I will take the added stability from 17" in the winter over looks.

[bekind]

35i has 13" brakes / 28i has 12.9" brakes.

Not a huge difference but something certainly worth considering when looking at downsizing the wheels.

[Mako]

Originally Posted by bekind

35i has 13" brakes / 28i has 12.9" brakes.

Not a huge difference but something certainly worth considering when looking at downsizing the wheels.

thanks for the info, that is worth noting, on my C63 I didn't have 0.1" to spare when I put the winter wheels on, the guys at discount tire were afraid they wouldn't fit, luckily they did (was hard finding winter wheels for it that weren't super expensive factory ones). On the X3 hopefully that 0.1" won't come into play, bigger question is if the 225/60 will work, I would imagine if they are mentioned in the manual they should...

[jaybert]

anyone get this done and have some thoughts on the correct wheel width / tire size to make this work? I'm also curious at what the offset should be on the wheels.

[tuco44]

I have the 19" MSport wheels and have a set of 4 18" 308s lined up for winter tires. I am told that 17"s will work fine.

[jaybert]

Originally Posted by tuco44

I have the 19" MSport wheels and have a set of 4 18" 308s lined up for winter tires. I am told that 17"s will work fine.

looks like somone suggested 225-60/17. Guessing these would be mounted fine on a 17x8 wheel? Has anyone actually put this or something similar on their car and knows this works? Pretty moot at the moment i suppose...many months until this is necessary in CT

[NYC_340i]

If there is still no answer, I will be receiving my X3 in a week with the standard 17" that come on the 28i and I can provide you with the information.

[jaybert]

Originally Posted by Rajgavoury

If there is still no answer, I will be receiving my X3 in a week with the standard 17" that come on the 28i and I can provide you with the information.

i think the problem is that the stock 17" are 245-45/17, which they actually dont seem to make snow tires in that size (at least on tirerack).

[XB101]

Tire Rack has 245 50 18 Wintersports and Blizzak when you select the X3 35i.

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

shows 225 60 17 is almost the same as the above.

The M sport 245 45 19 and 275 40 19 is almost the same as the stock 18".

So one can go with the aforementioned sizes in 17, 18, 19.

If you search 225 60 17 winter tires you will get a good number of choices at quite a bit lower prices. The thing is whether the 225 would look or perform alright is another question.

[XB101]

Originally Posted by jaybert

i think the problem is that the stock 17" are 245-45/17, which they actually dont seem to make snow tires in that size (at least on tirerack).

245 45 17 vs 245 50 18 will throw the speedometer off by 7%

[jaybert]

Originally Posted by XB101

245 45 17 vs 245 50 18 will throw the speedometer off by 7%

sorry, i meant stock is 255/45-17.

[jaybert]

Originally Posted by XB101

Tire Rack has 245 50 18 Wintersports and Blizzak when you select the X3 35i.

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

shows 225 60 17 is almost the same as the above.

The M sport 245 45 19 and 275 40 19 is almost the same as the stock 18".

So one can go with the aforementioned sizes in 17, 18, 19.

If you search 225 60 17 winter tires you will get a good number of choices at quite a bit lower prices. The thing is whether the 225 would look or perform alright is another question.

thanks. 17x7.5" is what i assume you'd want to put the 225/60-17's on?

[XB101]

Best to ask the guys who have bought winters. I haven't ordered the car yet! With that said I think 18" might be a good choice.

[jaybert]

Originally Posted by XB101

Best to ask the guys who have bought winters. I haven't ordered the car yet! With that said I think 18" might be a good choice.

yea...price difference is pretty big (and less options) otherwise i'd agree 18" would be the best way to go.

anyways, thanks for the help. we have lots of time to figure this out...i just ordered my x3, and snow wont be coming for another 5-6 months over here.

[walendvay]

I plan to use my 17" wheels from my older x3 on the 2.8i. The wheels have nokian hakkas on them at 215/65-17. I think I'll be golden.

I just need to buy TPMS for my setup. Probably something off of eBay.