Tire size question

Young04 · 02-06-2020, 04:06 PM

This is almost more a general question for those in the know. The stock X3MC tire sizes are 255/40/21 and 265/40/21. When people resize, why is it that most seem to resize to 265/40/21 and 295/35/21? Wouldn't 275/40/21 in the back maintain the F/R ratio more faithfully? I always thought that on a staggered set you were supposed to stay as close as possible to stock F/R ratio.

I also see that the only tires available in the 265/40/21 and 275/40/21 combo are V-rated all season tires. Are these tires simply not enough to handle the X3MC?

SWOT1 · 02-06-2020, 04:15 PM

295/35/21r 265/40/21f - this is the way to go! Trust me. Did LOTS of research, talked to guys who had already done it, no spacers necessary! Looks fantastic.

*Still planning to add 12mm spacers for a more aggressive stance, but this is honestly how the X3MC should come stock!! The tiny 265/255 stock setup is soooo unsatisfactory for an M vehicle (even more so for a Competition), and was my biggest pet peeve about this new model... so much happier now!

Young04 · 02-06-2020, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWOT1

295/35/21r 265/40/21f - this is the way to go!! Trust me!! Did LOTS of research, talked to guys who had already done it, no spacers necessary! Looks fantastic!!

So bear with me...would that cause any issues with the transfer case? In the front, going from 255/40/21 to 265/40/21 - you INCREASE the overall diameter by .3 inches (or 1 percent). In the back, going from 265/40/21 to 295/35/21, you DECREASE overall diameter by .2 inches.

SWOT1 · 02-06-2020, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Young04

So bear with me...would that cause any issues with the transfer case? In the front, going from 255/40/21 to 265/40/21 - you INCREASE the overall diameter by .3 inches (or 1 percent). In the back, going from 265/40/21 to 295/35/21, you DECREASE overall diameter by .2 inches.

1% won't change a thing... you're good!

Young04 · 02-06-2020, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWOT1

295/35/21r 265/40/21f - this is the way to go!! Trust me!! Did LOTS of research, talked to guys who had already done it, no spacers necessary! Looks fantastic!!

and your setup looks great by the way!

Richierich32 · 02-18-2020, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWOT1

295/35/21r 265/40/21f - this is the way to go! Trust me. Did LOTS of research, talked to guys who had already done it, no spacers necessary! Looks fantastic.

*Still planning to add 12mm spacers for a more aggressive stance, but this is honestly how the X3MC should come stock!! The tiny 265/255 stock setup is soooo unsatisfactory for an M vehicle (even more so for a Competition), and was my biggest pet peeve about this new model... so much happier now!

Have you noticed any difference in the ride? Slower turn in? More planted?

redcrxsi · 02-18-2020, 02:40 PM

OP - good question.

First off their is no denying the 265/295 combo looks better. I’d argue a 10.5in wheel in the rear would even look better but I digress.

There can’t however be any argument that the 265/295 combo WILL under steer at the limit more then the 255/265 stock combo.

They went for more neutral handling and quicker turn in with the smaller width tires. Will you notice it on the street, probably not.

If they made a 265/275 performance tire combo I might do that personally with a 10.5in rear wheel but right now that’s not available, at least I do not believe it is.

AlexFL · 02-18-2020, 03:00 PM

Just to add to the argument that 295/265 might be a pretty good setup, Manhart has used exactly this setup for the MHX3 600. Also GLC63s runs on those sized tires.

SWOT1 · 02-18-2020, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richierich32

Have you noticed any difference in the ride? Slower turn in? More planted?

Feels and looks exactly the way you'd want the X3MC to come stock! No noticeable difference in turn-ins. (295r/265f)
Perfectly planted and ride quality equally firm and sporty, but on normal roads she's more than comfortable! Only on the bumpiest of roads will the firmness be of any issue. I love how she rides, better than my M3 for sure!

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexFL

Just to add to the argument that 295/265 might be a pretty good setup, Manhart has used exactly this setup for the MHX3 600. Also GLC63s runs on those sized tires.

Yes, same setup as the GLC 63S, so you'd think it's a proper combo for this sort of vehicle. (and Manhart's MHX3 actually has a 265/35/21, 305/30/21 set on 30mm lowered springs. My setup certainly offers better ride quality.)

RoyB · 02-19-2020, 08:05 AM

This car turns in pretty good already. With rear drive bias I can't see a 265/295 having that much negative affect.

shemazar · 03-07-2020, 09:51 PM

Will these 265/40/21 and 295/35/21 tires fit stock m40i with 21s? I know the wheels are slightly wider for the X3M, but curious given the lack of tire options...

MJDBMW · 06-10-2020, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Young04

This is almost more a general question for those in the know. The stock X3MC tire sizes are 255/40/21 and 265/40/21. When people resize, why is it that most seem to resize to 265/40/21 and 295/35/21? Wouldn't 275/40/21 in the back maintain the F/R ratio more faithfully? I always thought that on a staggered set you were supposed to stay as close as possible to stock F/R ratio.

I also see that the only tires available in the 265/40/21 and 275/40/21 combo are V-rated all season tires. Are these tires simply not enough to handle the X3MC?

Swot1- Thanks for the info. Are you still happy with the Michelin 265/40-21s in the front and the 295/35-21s in the rear? Are you still on oem springs?

Anyone else running this setup?

bernpromos · 06-10-2020, 09:03 AM

This is interesting. I plan to switch to all seasons come fall, and am now thinking about this setup:

F:SCORPION ZERO ALL SEASON PLUS - SIZE: 265/40R21
R: SCORPION ZERO ALL SEASON PLUS - SIZE: 295/35R21

Sounds like I should be able to pull this off without spacers. That correct?

Anything I should be concerned about?

SWOT1 · 06-10-2020, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJDBMW

Swot1- Thanks for the info. Are you still happy with the Michelin 265/40-21s in the front and the 295/35-21s in the rear? Are you still on oem springs?

Anyone else running this setup?

Very Happy! It's the perfect setup. Although I do still intend to add 15mm spacers all around. I enjoy a more aggressive stance with a slight poke, for the aesthetics. And I like the OEM stiff springs (this is an M Comp, should be stiff!)

SWOT1 · 06-10-2020, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bernpromos

This is interesting. I plan to switch to all seasons come fall, and am now thinking about this setup:

F:SCORPION ZERO ALL SEASON PLUS - SIZE: 265/40R21
R: SCORPION ZERO ALL SEASON PLUS - SIZE: 295/35R21

Sounds like I should be able to pull this off without spacers. That correct?

Anything I should be concerned about?

Correct, no spacers needed.

MJDBMW · 06-10-2020, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWOT1

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJDBMW

Swot1- Thanks for the info. Are you still happy with the Michelin 265/40-21s in the front and the 295/35-21s in the rear? Are you still on oem springs?

Anyone else running this setup?

Very Happy! It's the perfect setup. Although I do still intend to add 15mm spacers all around. I enjoy a more aggressive stance with a slight poke, for the aesthetics. And I like the OEM stiff springs (this is an M Comp, should be stiff!)

I completely agree with you on the comp's ride. Do you notice any difference between the ride with the OEM tires and your current set up?

mwlmd · 06-10-2020, 02:30 PM

We are swapping to the 265/40/21 295/35/21 Scorpion Zero All Weather plus.

Does anyone have a pic of this tire setup with 12mm spacers fitted? I am curious how the wheel/tire is relative to the fender. With the added tire size it would be +27mm in rear and +17mm in front. Is that correct?

SWOT1 · 06-10-2020, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwlmd

We are swapping to the 265/40/21 295/35/21 Scorpion Zero All Weather plus.

Does anyone have a pic of this tire setup with 12mm spacers fitted? I am curious how the wheel/tire is relative to the fender. With the added tire size it would be +27mm in rear and +17mm in front. Is that correct?

12mm should put it right at flush with the fender (or damn close)

sys64738 · 06-30-2020, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bernpromos

This is interesting. I plan to switch to all seasons come fall, and am now thinking about this setup:

F:SCORPION ZERO ALL SEASON PLUS - SIZE: 265/40R21
R: SCORPION ZERO ALL SEASON PLUS - SIZE: 295/35R21

Sounds like I should be able to pull this off without spacers. That correct?

Anything I should be concerned about?

It appears that there are now Michelin Pilot Sport 4 All season tires in the stock 21in sizes available for the X3M on Tire Rack. I am planning on picking up a set in the next week or two and will report back on how they are.

https://www.michelinman.com/pilot/pi...-season-4.html

Young04 · 06-30-2020, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sys64738

It appears that there are now Michelin Pilot Sport 4 All season tires in the stock 21in sizes available for the X3M on Tire Rack. I am planning on picking up a set in the next week or two and will report back on how they are.

https://www.michelinman.com/pilot/pi...-season-4.html

Great find. This is very helpful to me. I will also get these put on in the next month or two.

MJDBMW · 07-07-2020, 08:02 PM

Anyone running 12 mm spacers with the Michelin 265/295 setup?

Transfer · 07-07-2020, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJDBMW

Anyone running 12 mm spacers with the Michelin 265/295 setup?

Not running the spacers but I have those sized Michelins on stock comp wheels and I would think you'll be fine.

02-06-2020, 04:06 PM	#1
Young04 Captain 687 Rep 857 Posts Drives: iX, i4 and 392 Wrangler Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Massachusetts iTrader: (0)	Tire size question This is almost more a general question for those in the know. The stock X3MC tire sizes are 255/40/21 and 265/40/21. When people resize, why is it that most seem to resize to 265/40/21 and 295/35/21? Wouldn't 275/40/21 in the back maintain the F/R ratio more faithfully? I always thought that on a staggered set you were supposed to stay as close as possible to stock F/R ratio. I also see that the only tires available in the 265/40/21 and 275/40/21 combo are V-rated all season tires. Are these tires simply not enough to handle the X3MC? __________________ 2023 iX M60 2023 i4 M50 2024 Wrangler 392
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02-06-2020, 04:15 PM	#2
SWOT1 The Hammock Man 493 Rep 593 Posts Drives: X3MC, X3 M40i, E93 M3 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW E93 M3 [8.00] 2020 BMW X3M Comp. [0.00] 2018 BMW X3 M40i [9.00]	295/35/21r 265/40/21f - this is the way to go! Trust me. Did LOTS of research, talked to guys who had already done it, no spacers necessary! Looks fantastic. Still planning to add 12mm spacers for a more aggressive stance, but this is honestly how the X3MC should come stock!! The tiny 265/255 stock setup is soooo unsatisfactory for an M vehicle (even more so for a Competition), and was my biggest pet peeve about this new model... so much happier now! Attached Images __________________ - '20 X3MC \| Alpine White \| Black Alcantara/Midrand Beige \| loaded \| 295/265 PS4S - '09 E93 M3 \| Alpine White \| Bamboo Beige Novillo \| DCT \| loaded \| Chrome M220 Wheels - 275/255 PSS Last edited by SWOT1; 02-06-2020 at 04:41 PM..*
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02-18-2020, 02:40 PM	#7
redcrxsi Private 45 Rep 95 Posts Drives: F97 x3m Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Medford, OR iTrader: (0)	OP - good question. First off their is no denying the 265/295 combo looks better. I’d argue a 10.5in wheel in the rear would even look better but I digress. There can’t however be any argument that the 265/295 combo WILL under steer at the limit more then the 255/265 stock combo. They went for more neutral handling and quicker turn in with the smaller width tires. Will you notice it on the street, probably not. If they made a 265/275 performance tire combo I might do that personally with a 10.5in rear wheel but right now that’s not available, at least I do not believe it is.
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02-18-2020, 03:00 PM	#8
AlexFL Brigadier General 7836 Rep 4,607 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	Just to add to the argument that 295/265 might be a pretty good setup, Manhart has used exactly this setup for the MHX3 600. Also GLC63s runs on those sized tires.
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02-19-2020, 08:05 AM	#10
RoyB Second Lieutenant 166 Rep 272 Posts Drives: 2021 M340i x Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	This car turns in pretty good already. With rear drive bias I can't see a 265/295 having that much negative affect.
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03-07-2020, 09:51 PM	#11
shemazar Private First Class 81 Rep 128 Posts Drives: 2006 e46 m3 Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: nor cal iTrader: (0)	Will these 265/40/21 and 295/35/21 tires fit stock m40i with 21s? I know the wheels are slightly wider for the X3M, but curious given the lack of tire options...
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06-10-2020, 09:03 AM	#13
bernpromos New Member 26 Rep 29 Posts Drives: BMW X3 M Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	This is interesting. I plan to switch to all seasons come fall, and am now thinking about this setup: F:SCORPION ZERO ALL SEASON PLUS - SIZE: 265/40R21 R: SCORPION ZERO ALL SEASON PLUS - SIZE: 295/35R21 Sounds like I should be able to pull this off without spacers. That correct? Anything I should be concerned about?
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06-10-2020, 02:30 PM	#17
mwlmd Lieutenant Colonel 188 Rep 1,548 Posts Drives: Porsche 991 TTS Join Date: May 2009 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0)	We are swapping to the 265/40/21 295/35/21 Scorpion Zero All Weather plus. Does anyone have a pic of this tire setup with 12mm spacers fitted? I am curious how the wheel/tire is relative to the fender. With the added tire size it would be +27mm in rear and +17mm in front. Is that correct? __________________ CURRENT: His: Porsche 991 Turbo S Carrera white/Black Hers: BMW X3MC BSM/Black
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07-07-2020, 08:02 PM	#21
MJDBMW Second Lieutenant 159 Rep 202 Posts Drives: x3MC Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: FLorida iTrader: (0)	Anyone running 12 mm spacers with the Michelin 265/295 setup?
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