Help w/ wheel & tire sizing

Josh (PA) · 09-24-2014, 11:29 AM

I'm shopping for snows for my e46 wagon (easy) and for the e61 (not so easy) and am trying to fully understand both what's possible and how to be sure I fully understand all of the wheel & tire sizing.

The e60 wheels are 17" with a ET43 offset. The offset of the x drive models is significantly different than non x-drive models (something like et20). I know non x-drive wheels aren't compatible with x-drive wheels, but I don't understand what range of offsets are 'acceptable'.

My goal would be to slap a new set of snows on the current wheels, but they are running 225/50/r17 and there are not many options in that size. Would it be possible to put a set of 215/50/r17 on that wheel, (and if it is how would I know that). If I can go to 215/50 it opens up a lot more options.

In the spring I'll look for a set of 245/40/r18 wheels and tires for a summer set. There are a ton of F10 wheels available that look much better than the e60 options in that size with an offset of ET30. I've been told they'll work, but again, how do I know what range of offset will fit?

Thanks for any guidance.

bren · 09-24-2014, 11:47 AM

ET30 wheels will be tucked under 10mm further...worst case you could get spacers and new lug bolts.

The only way you'll know for sure is trial and error, or get a ruler and start measuring.

equ · 09-25-2014, 12:07 AM

I had 225/50-17 winters for my a4.

I guess 215 would work in a pinch. 245/45 would also work (but kinda wide defeating the point of snows).

*clyde* · 09-25-2014, 08:51 AM

On the tires part, a 215/50-17 will work just fine. The only thing is that your speedometer will be off a bit (in comparison to the OE sized tire). When it indicates 60mph, you'll be doing 59 and your odometer will undercount by the same amount.

You could also go with 215/55-17. It will have the opposite effect on your speedo and odometer, but comes with the advantage of taller sidewalls which will help absorb potholes.

You may want to call Tire Rack. They know this stuff pretty good.

wdc330i · 09-25-2014, 09:09 AM

Don't forget I have a set of e61 wheels. OEM.

wdc330i · 09-25-2014, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by equ

I had 225/50-17 winters for my a4.

I guess 215 would work in a pinch. 245/45 would also work (but kinda wide defeating the point of snows).

Yes. I ran 225 snows on my M3. Worked just fine.

09-24-2014, 11:29 AM	#1
Josh (PA) Hello. Join Date: Mar 2004 Carmudgeonly Ride: '09 X3, '11 328xiT, '11 135i C, '17 c2, '19 X5 Location: Downingtown, PA Posts: 5,531	Help w/ wheel & tire sizing I'm shopping for snows for my e46 wagon (easy) and for the e61 (not so easy) and am trying to fully understand both what's possible and how to be sure I fully understand all of the wheel & tire sizing. The e60 wheels are 17" with a ET43 offset. The offset of the x drive models is significantly different than non x-drive models (something like et20). I know non x-drive wheels aren't compatible with x-drive wheels, but I don't understand what range of offsets are 'acceptable'. My goal would be to slap a new set of snows on the current wheels, but they are running 225/50/r17 and there are not many options in that size. Would it be possible to put a set of 215/50/r17 on that wheel, (and if it is how would I know that). If I can go to 215/50 it opens up a lot more options. In the spring I'll look for a set of 245/40/r18 wheels and tires for a summer set. There are a ton of F10 wheels available that look much better than the e60 options in that size with an offset of ET30. I've been told they'll work, but again, how do I know what range of offset will fit? Thanks for any guidance. __________________ Josh (PA) - '19 X5 '17 991.2 C2 Cab '11 135i Convertible '11 328xiT '09 X3

09-25-2014, 08:51 AM	#4
clyde Chief title editor Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 26,599	On the tires part, a 215/50-17 will work just fine. The only thing is that your speedometer will be off a bit (in comparison to the OE sized tire). When it indicates 60mph, you'll be doing 59 and your odometer will undercount by the same amount. You could also go with 215/55-17. It will have the opposite effect on your speedo and odometer, but comes with the advantage of taller sidewalls which will help absorb potholes. You may want to call Tire Rack. They know this stuff pretty good. __________________ OH NOES!!!!!1 MY CAR HAS T3H UND3R5T33R5555!!!!!!1oneone!!!!11 Team WTF?! What are you gonna do?

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09-24-2014, 11:47 AM	#2
bren lawn boy Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: e46m3, f25x3,C5 Z06, C4 Vette, 06 CTD Ram, and a trailer Location: Maryland Posts: 14,029	ET30 wheels will be tucked under 10mm further...worst case you could get spacers and new lug bolts. The only way you'll know for sure is trial and error, or get a ruler and start measuring.

09-25-2014, 12:07 AM	#3
equ Alphanumeric Join Date: Aug 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: 981S, 340i Posts: 9,584	I had 225/50-17 winters for my a4. I guess 215 would work in a pinch. 245/45 would also work (but kinda wide defeating the point of snows).

09-25-2014, 09:09 AM	#5
wdc330i dogged Join Date: Dec 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: '22 M440 xDrive GC Posts: 13,299	Don't forget I have a set of e61 wheels. OEM.