Changing Tire Size on BMW X3 ???

[Ranger1]

For a 2011 BMW X3 xdrive28i, the standard tire size is 245/55/R17. To replace the tires, low cost options are rather limited, only about 3 that are $250 or less each. (For all-season, only 1 Bridgestone and 1 Pirelli.... and neither seem to be rated well.)

With a slight tire size change to 235/60/R17, there seems to be a lot larger selection available, and the cost for "better-rated" tires can drop may $70-$100 per tire. Or, even the size is changed to 255/50/R17, there are a few other options that are cheaper than the original size, and look better for all-season use.

I know BMW tends to be extremely sensitive on replacement parts for anything, whereas a change like this would be very easy for most other vehicles.

So... Does anyone know how sensitive a BMW like this might be to switching the tire size??? If there is an issue, is there a way to work around it?

 

[oil_film_movies]

Going to the 235/60-17 would be best, since the roll center won't change much. It should be fine. I don't think they are that sensitive to changes.
I agree the 245/55-17 size is oddly hard to fill, although discountiredirect.com has a Falken for under $200, free shipping, and they didn't charge me sales tax when I ordered tires from them last week.
A 235/60-17 can be had for under $100 each, much better.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Use the 235/60-17

 

[AZjeff]

Looking at 2% larger with the 235/60 or about .25" radius increase. Wouldn't think twice about it and no width problems.

You're not supposed to worry about the cost of tires if you drive a BMW right??

 

[edyvw]

Originally Posted By: Ranger1
For a 2011 BMW X3 xdrive28i, the standard tire size is 245/55/R17. To replace the tires, low cost options are rather limited, only about 3 that are $250 or less each. (For all-season, only 1 Bridgestone and 1 Pirelli.... and neither seem to be rated well.)

With a slight tire size change to 235/60/R17, there seems to be a lot larger selection available, and the cost for "better-rated" tires can drop may $70-$100 per tire. Or, even the size is changed to 255/50/R17, there are a few other options that are cheaper than the original size, and look better for all-season use.

I know BMW tends to be extremely sensitive on replacement parts for anything, whereas a change like this would be very easy for most other vehicles.

So... Does anyone know how sensitive a BMW like this might be to switching the tire size??? If there is an issue, is there a way to work around it?


You can change it as long as all four are same. How much that will affect speedometer, i do not know.
Problem that you should worry is if for example two front tires are different then two back tires bcs it will affect badly transfer case.

 

[Ranger1]

All 4 tires are the same size today.

As to the cost and this being a BMW..... My point is that in the original size, the price ramps up pretty good and well over $1000 a set to get better rated tires. (almost like they had a backroom deal with the tire company.) But still I think there is something like 10 tire models total.

But, by tweaking the size to 235/60 R17, then there is like a 100 tires models to choose from, and I can get a way better performing set for maybe $600 for a set, or so. (but certainly
Back to my question though....

I know BMW gets real fussy on what you can use on oil changes, or spare parts and such.

And so, I was trying to find out if there is anything technical.... TPMS, wheel speed sensors, ABS, Traction Assist, suspension, steering or anything else..... where a this tiny little tire size tweak... may upset the apple cart in a BMW like this.

FYI.... I still need to ask a BMW dealer and see what they say. But, you guys on this site have been of great help on my questions in the past, and so.... thanks for all your help!!!

If you have other thoughts, please let me know. Thanks!!!

 

[edyvw]

Originally Posted By: Ranger1
All 4 tires are the same size today.

As to the cost and this being a BMW..... My point is that in the original size, the price ramps up pretty good and well over $1000 a set to get better rated tires. (almost like they had a backroom deal with the tire company.) But still I think there is something like 10 tire models total.

But, by tweaking the size to 235/60 R17, then there is like a 100 tires models to choose from, and I can get a way better performing set for maybe $600 for a set, or so. (but certainly
Back to my question though....

I know BMW gets real fussy on what you can use on oil changes, or spare parts and such.

And so, I was trying to find out if there is anything technical.... TPMS, wheel speed sensors, ABS, Traction Assist, suspension, steering or anything else..... where a this tiny little tire size tweak... may upset the apple cart in a BMW like this.

FYI.... I still need to ask a BMW dealer and see what they say. But, you guys on this site have been of great help on my questions in the past, and so.... thanks for all your help!!!

If you have other thoughts, please let me know. Thanks!!!



BMW will challenge your tire size if you have issue with transfer case or transmission. There is no doubt about that.
As for what part you can use and oils etc. familiarize yourself with Magnusson-Moss Act.