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      04-25-2016, 10:47 AM   #1
nicholascanada
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20" BMW OEM Rim Options - Winter Tires

A few queries for anyone out there.

First, has anyone run 20" winter tires on a vehicle before? I am considering the option since it seems there is a 20" OEM BMW rim that is quite inexpensive compared to all other OEMs. I realize you pay more for the 20", but at end of the day it still works out a bit cheaper. There are a couple of performance winter tire options in the 245/40/20 size that would work. Any comments would be appreciated. I realize that 20" is not usual for winters, but other than price I wondered about what I might not be good about this option.

I also am considering 20" winters as the alternative would be a 18" to really lower the tire cost. With that option, I am just not sold on the look. Not sure the m40i looks ok with 18" wheels. The stock 20" look VG, and since I would be running winters almost half the year here, I would be looking at those 18"s for a long time lol. If I did do 18s, I am thinking of going dark with the Style 307 black rims. I am thinking perhaps those would help hide the smaller rim against that large wheel gap.

Second, there is the 20" OEM BMW Star Spoke 311 Rim, part number 36116792000. For some reason it is less than $200 per rim, vs. close to $500+ for any other suitable 18" or 19" OEM BMW rim for the X4.

Finally if you run a 20" winter tire setup, can you run square vs staggered? I know the vehicle comes with a staggered setup, but is running 20" square ok? Any concerns?

Has anyone used the Star Spoke 311 Rim before? It just seems odd that it is so less expensive compared to for example the Style 309 19" OEM BMW rim. I quite like the bold look of those 311 rims. Thanks!

Last edited by nicholascanada; 04-25-2016 at 06:08 PM..
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      04-28-2016, 01:43 PM   #2
ggalanis
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If you go with 20" for the winter, you increase the likelihood of damaging a wheel due to the bad road conditions. A smaller wheel means more sidewall to help cushion the bumps. If you only drive in the city, this may not be a problem. Due to the roughness of the roads where ice and snow accumulate, you will also have a much harsher ride with the bigger wheels.

Using a square setup is fine regardless of rim size.
I would suggest relatively inexpensive aftermarket wheels that accept the bmw center caps.

The wheel gap is very noticeable and the only way to make that look better is to lower the car. Black rims will make it worse IMHO.

GG
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      04-28-2016, 02:07 PM   #3
nicholascanada
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Thanks for the reply.

I think I am leaning towards the 18" black rims. I have since found a few photos of X6s with black rims and I quite like the look. I think this will also allow me to spec Pilot Alpin PA4s which is my preferred winter tire choice, and stay away from a 20" winter.
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      04-29-2016, 12:33 AM   #4
Tjalle
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35i with H&R springs, 18" AEZ Yacht and 245/45-18 Conti Contact studded tires.
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      05-24-2016, 05:08 PM   #5
Duke I
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How does the x4m40 handle in the snow? Does RW bias affect control? I'm coming from an X5 which is a beast in the snow. Thanks.
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      05-25-2016, 12:47 AM   #6
Tjalle
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I believe there is very little experience from M40i in the snow.

My 35i will interfere with my driving through aggressive ESP - I would think that also goes for M40i. I always use Sport+ during winter.

In Sport+, you will be "let loose" and there is one or two reports of oversteer on M40i, which I do not have in my car.

There are two types of reaction on oversteer - the ones that think it is fun or the ones who belives it is dangerous.
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      05-26-2016, 12:26 AM   #7
djrobx
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I mentioned this on another thread, but when searching for tire options for my 35i, the tire shop found very limited winter tire options for 19" and 20" wheels. The few that there were, were very expensive. 18" options are plentiful and cheap.

That lead me to buy a nice set of 18" wheels+tires from an X3 from Craigslist for about the same price as just the tires.
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      06-03-2016, 07:36 AM   #8
Duke I
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Do you mind sharing pics of your car with the 18"s on?

Thanks. Duke
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      06-03-2016, 10:44 AM   #9
Tjalle
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Yes, and we want to know the depth of snow in California as of now!
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