17" wheel on X3 35i (for winter)

Babbage · 09-21-2011, 11:52 AM

So I have the 2011 X3 35i (no M or special sport package).

It came with Pirelli cinturo 245/50/R18 wheels/tires.

I would like to put Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2 tires on it for the winter. TireRack suggests that 225/60-17 would fit, and suggests 7 rims. But when I look at the offsets, none are in the 43 to 47 range (which someone posted here the X3 requires).

Is this OK? Is there a way around this?

One dealership says I can't put 17" wheels on my X3 35i at all because "the engine is too powerful". ???

Hornet_Rider · 09-21-2011, 12:09 PM

My dealership just told me that 17 inch would not fit as the brakes on the 35i are bigger then the 28i.

Babbage · 09-21-2011, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hornet_Rider

My dealership just told me that 17 inch would not fit as the brakes on the 35i are bigger then the 28i.

But is true? How could I check that?

XB101 · 09-21-2011, 01:13 PM

Tire rack suggested that size for 17". If you google BMW gallery in calgary they do have a winter set up and it' is 225 60 17. So if the dealer is selling that wheel then I would think it would fit.

Babbage · 09-21-2011, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hornet_Rider

My dealership just told me that 17 inch would not fit as the brakes on the 35i are bigger then the 28i.

OK, another dealer has "confirmed" that 17" wheels will NOT fit on my 35i because the brakes are too large.

So until I hear from an X3 35i owner who has actually put on 17" wheels, I'll assume that's not possible.

By the way, the dealer's price for the Pirelli Winter Sottozero: $422/tire, +$200 for installation/tire balancing.

greg2step · 09-21-2011, 02:54 PM

i do remember reading on a spec sheet that the brakes on the 35i are larger than the 28i

if you pull the vehicle specs on bmwusa.com there is a .1" difference 28i = 12.9", the 35i = 13.0"

as to whether that .1" prevents you from fitting 17" on the 35i i dont' know, but the dealer is correct about different brake pad sizes.

personally I ordered my 35i w/ the 18" so i don't need seasonal tires, but then again, I don't live in Canada.

walendvay · 09-21-2011, 05:15 PM

according to realoem.com, the part numbers for the brake rotors and calipers are EXACTLY the same for the 2.8 and 3.5!

ronsil · 09-21-2011, 05:37 PM

it depends. I fitted my old 17" winter from my 135i and it fits. It is, however, very very close to the calipers. It depends on the internal rim diameter as they vary. Best thing is to put one on and try.

walendvay · 09-21-2011, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronsil

it depends. I fitted my old 17" winter from my 135i and it fits. It is, however, very very close to the calipers. It depends on the internal rim diameter as they vary. Best thing is to put one on and try.

Absolutely agree! My 17 Borbet wheels have little clearance, but they do clear!

fedinand · 09-26-2011, 12:48 PM

I just wanted to add my experience - just test fit 17 inch SSR GT7s on the X3 (had them on the 335xi) and they cleared the brakes. We have a set of Blizzak LM60s 235/55/17 on the way.

Mako · 10-11-2011, 09:00 PM

any other attempts at the 17" in the 35i?

also has anyone tried 225/60 17" tires with it? would be best for winter driving.
Tire rack seems to have few choices on the winter tires right now, almost no blizzaks, are we just not in season yet?

RSchneider · 10-12-2011, 12:00 AM

In times where a Volkswagen Golf comes with 225ers, I think a car like the X3 with 1800kg/4000lb empty weight is better fitted with 245ers.

Mako · 10-12-2011, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RSchneider

In times where a Volkswagen Golf comes with 225ers, I think a car like the X3 with 1800kg/4000lb empty weight is better fitted with 245ers.

well if we are talking about summer driving I would love to have staggered 245 front and 275 rear! if we are talking about winter snow/ice I would much rather have 225.

jaybert · 10-13-2011, 03:53 PM

i am interested in getting this question answered as well.

i bought some 17x8 takeoffs from an older X3 (i thought it would fit but now i'm a bit worried).

on a side note, i tirerack seems to have just started carrying the following:

Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 2 RunOnFlat (Performance Snow)

in 245/55-17 size. Its one of the only run flats available for 17" that seems to be the right size for an x3 (there is also the blizzak LM50 in 225/60-17, but the load index seems pretty low).

Anyone have thoughts on this?

wsacabs · 02-27-2023, 08:06 PM

What tire sizes fit other than the stock? Hopefully a bigger tire. Thx.

Brandoch · 02-27-2023, 08:20 PM

13 year bump for tire size lol

BohMotorWorks · 10-09-2023, 09:56 PM

Helping the 13 year bump, adding documentation I found in my owner's manual.

I am currently looking at options for tires, unsure if I want to go the offroad crossover style or rather the eco mpg silent highway style.

bradsm87 · 10-10-2023, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wsacabs

What tire sizes fit other than the stock? Hopefully a bigger tire. Thx.

245/60R17 will fit with no issues with a wheel offset between +30 and +22.

BohMotorWorks · 11-07-2023, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradsm87

245/60R17 will fit with no issues with a wheel offset between +30 and +22.

Think I can get away with 245/60R18 on my BMW X3 28i? There are some cool Falken Wildpeak A/T Trails that I would like to fit on!

the_saintusa · 11-12-2023, 11:09 AM

The tire would be 3 inches taller than what I currently have mounted on my wifes X3 (28).

It looks like there is enough room to fit, but you won't know until it is mounted.

It would look good

and you would gain 1 1/2 of ground clearance. I like that look of oversized AT tires on a euro SUV.

The speedo will be off, and you will notice the x3 will feel sluggish compared to the 'proper' size.

Let us know how it goes. And I would be tempted to try if it wasn't for the fact that the X3 has newer winter tires.

FranzX3M · 11-12-2023, 04:37 PM

I have 17" snows in my 35i no issue. Note some 17s won't clear brakes.

TEF · 11-26-2023, 08:07 AM

I installed 17" wheels and winter tires just after getting my 2016 X3 28d. The manual lists 225/60 -17 tires as an approved size. For wheels, I went with BMW style 130 (used on the first X5 model). BMW style 53 from same X5 also fit. Clearance between front calipers and wheel measures about 2 mm, but presents no problem. Bolt pattern, offset and bore size are exact matches to the X3's OE rims.

Since no one wants uncool wheels in smaller sizes, these 17s are very cheap at junk yards. I think they were $65 each. Winter tires are also reasonable.

While I don't recall any downside, the upside with the taller sidewalls is ride comfort. I hated installing the OE run flat 18 wheels when winter ended.

09-21-2011, 11:52 AM	#1
Babbage Private 7 Rep 74 Posts Drives: X3 2011 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	17" wheel on X3 35i (for winter) So I have the 2011 X3 35i (no M or special sport package). It came with Pirelli cinturo 245/50/R18 wheels/tires. I would like to put Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2 tires on it for the winter. TireRack suggests that 225/60-17 would fit, and suggests 7 rims. But when I look at the offsets, none are in the 43 to 47 range (which someone posted here the X3 requires). Is this OK? Is there a way around this? One dealership says I can't put 17" wheels on my X3 35i at all because "the engine is too powerful". ???
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09-21-2011, 12:09 PM	#2
Hornet_Rider Private 3 Rep 50 Posts Drives: X3 35i 2011 M-Sport Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Moose Jaw, SK iTrader: (0)	My dealership just told me that 17 inch would not fit as the brakes on the 35i are bigger then the 28i.
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09-21-2011, 01:13 PM	#4
XB101 Second Lieutenant 31 Rep 225 Posts Drives: 2011 TiAg X3 35i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Western Canada iTrader: (0)	Tire rack suggested that size for 17". If you google BMW gallery in calgary they do have a winter set up and it' is 225 60 17. So if the dealer is selling that wheel then I would think it would fit.
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09-21-2011, 02:54 PM	#6
greg2step X3 Owner/Driver 212 Rep 785 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW X3 M40i (G01) [0.00]	i do remember reading on a spec sheet that the brakes on the 35i are larger than the 28i if you pull the vehicle specs on bmwusa.com there is a .1" difference 28i = 12.9", the 35i = 13.0" as to whether that .1" prevents you from fitting 17" on the 35i i dont' know, but the dealer is correct about different brake pad sizes. personally I ordered my 35i w/ the 18" so i don't need seasonal tires, but then again, I don't live in Canada. __________________ 2018 X3 M40i G01 \| Phytonic Blue \| Mocha \| Premium+Exec \| Driver Assist \| Adaptive M Suspension 2011 X3 XDrive35i F25 l Deep Sea Blue l Mojave Leather l Sport, DHP, Premium, Nav/Technology, Cold Weather, Convenience [traded in] 2008 328XI E91 Sportwagon l Sparkling Graphite [traded in]
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09-21-2011, 05:15 PM	#7
walendvay First Lieutenant 52 Rep 343 Posts Drives: '11 F25 28i; '13 E84 35i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Pacific NW iTrader: (0)	according to realoem.com, the part numbers for the brake rotors and calipers are EXACTLY the same for the 2.8 and 3.5!
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09-21-2011, 05:37 PM	#8
ronsil Second Lieutenant 25 Rep 204 Posts Drives: Black e46 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	it depends. I fitted my old 17" winter from my 135i and it fits. It is, however, very very close to the calipers. It depends on the internal rim diameter as they vary. Best thing is to put one on and try.
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09-26-2011, 12:48 PM	#10
fedinand Major 74 Rep 1,271 Posts Drives: '11 X3, '11 GTI Join Date: May 2007 Location: MN iTrader: (6)	I just wanted to add my experience - just test fit 17 inch SSR GT7s on the X3 (had them on the 335xi) and they cleared the brakes. We have a set of Blizzak LM60s 235/55/17 on the way. __________________ The X3 The GTI The Birds The Dogs
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10-11-2011, 09:00 PM	#11
Mako (Sold) '00 M Roadster '06 M Coupe '16 M3 '20 X3MC 1548 Rep 2,588 Posts Drives: '23 M3 comp Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chicago suburbs iTrader: (0)	any other attempts at the 17" in the 35i? also has anyone tried 225/60 17" tires with it? would be best for winter driving. Tire rack seems to have few choices on the winter tires right now, almost no blizzaks, are we just not in season yet?
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10-12-2011, 12:00 AM	#12
RSchneider Private First Class 5 Rep 125 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 xDrive30d Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Vienna, AUT iTrader: (0)	In times where a Volkswagen Golf comes with 225ers, I think a car like the X3 with 1800kg/4000lb empty weight is better fitted with 245ers.
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10-13-2011, 03:53 PM	#14
jaybert Private 12 Rep 92 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jul 2007 iTrader: (0)	i am interested in getting this question answered as well. i bought some 17x8 takeoffs from an older X3 (i thought it would fit but now i'm a bit worried). on a side note, i tirerack seems to have just started carrying the following: Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 2 RunOnFlat (Performance Snow) in 245/55-17 size. Its one of the only run flats available for 17" that seems to be the right size for an x3 (there is also the blizzak LM50 in 225/60-17, but the load index seems pretty low). Anyone have thoughts on this?
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02-27-2023, 08:06 PM	#15
wsacabs Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 f25 Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: 97233 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW X3 F25 [0.00] 2011 BMW X3 F25 [0.00]	Bigger/Wider 17” Fit What tire sizes fit other than the stock? Hopefully a bigger tire. Thx.
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02-27-2023, 08:20 PM	#16
Brandoch Lieutenant 460 Rep 465 Posts Drives: 2009 E93 M3 DCT Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: BC Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW E93 M3 [9.50] 2011 BMW F25 X3 28i [8.50]	13 year bump for tire size lol
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10-09-2023, 09:56 PM	#17
BohMotorWorks New Member 3 Rep 10 Posts Drives: X5(E53) & X3(F25) Join Date: Sep 2023 Location: Freedom, USA iTrader: (0)	Tire sizes Helping the 13 year bump, adding documentation I found in my owner's manual. I am currently looking at options for tires, unsure if I want to go the offroad crossover style or rather the eco mpg silent highway style. Attached Images
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11-12-2023, 11:09 AM	#20
the_saintusa New Member 3 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW X3 Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	The tire would be 3 inches taller than what I currently have mounted on my wifes X3 (28). It looks like there is enough room to fit, but you won't know until it is mounted. It would look good and you would gain 1 1/2 of ground clearance. I like that look of oversized AT tires on a euro SUV. The speedo will be off, and you will notice the x3 will feel sluggish compared to the 'proper' size. Let us know how it goes. And I would be tempted to try if it wasn't for the fact that the X3 has newer winter tires.
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11-12-2023, 04:37 PM	#21
FranzX3M Private 17 Rep 80 Posts Drives: '13 X3M Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	I have 17" snows in my 35i no issue. Note some 17s won't clear brakes.
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11-26-2023, 08:07 AM	#22
TEF First Lieutenant 111 Rep 376 Posts Drives: 16 X3 28d/18 540d xdrive Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Western PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 540d xdrive [0.00] 2018 540d xdrive [0.00] 2016 X3 28d [0.00]	I installed 17" wheels and winter tires just after getting my 2016 X3 28d. The manual lists 225/60 -17 tires as an approved size. For wheels, I went with BMW style 130 (used on the first X5 model). BMW style 53 from same X5 also fit. Clearance between front calipers and wheel measures about 2 mm, but presents no problem. Bolt pattern, offset and bore size are exact matches to the X3's OE rims. Since no one wants uncool wheels in smaller sizes, these 17s are very cheap at junk yards. I think they were $65 each. Winter tires are also reasonable. While I don't recall any downside, the upside with the taller sidewalls is ride comfort. I hated installing the OE run flat 18 wheels when winter ended.
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