AndreiV

Hey guys,

Long story short, I got a really once in a lifetime offer for some new 4x 245/40/18 winter tyres and I'm so tempted to get it but I'm not sure if those will fit my E60.

I have an E60 530d LCI (not xdrive) with stock 18" wheels (8Jx18 ET20, 9Jx18 ET32). Is it fine if I drive with 245/40/18 front and rear during winter? WIll there be any consequences besides the fact that those are not the recommended setup by BMW?

What tyres do I need for 18" for winter anyway? The same as for summer (245/40/18 with 275/35/18)? It also might be worth mentioning that my E60 is lowered so there's no way I can fit a tyre with over /40/ in the front (and possibly rear).

Thank you!

FormerE30Owner

You should be fine. In fact that is the non-M sport recommended set up, albeit the +1 version. But a "true" winter set up for your 18" wheels is 225/45/18 front and rear. BTW, what do you usually use in the winter?

AndreiV

Hey. Thank you for your fast response.

The previous owner lowered the car to the point where I'm not sure I can fit /45/ tyres without rubbing when turning the front wheels. Hence why I asked about 245/40/18.

It's my first winter with a BMW or a RWD car for what is worth so I have no idea what I should get.

FormerE30Owner

If you use the 225/45 tires they will fit with no problem. Remember they are not as wide so clearance shouldn't be a problem. A lowered car is not a good winter car BTW. I solved the winter/summer tire problem by installing Michelin Cross Climate tires (225/50-17). Good for year round, although some might not find that they fit the "real sport" type driving or look.

JayArras

Andrei, be aware that a narrower tire is preferred for driving in snow. Tires with a wider footprint make the car a bit harder to handle in snow and may bog down, especially on a RWD car. Just because something is a bargain doesn't mean that it's appropriate for your car. Personally, I'd pass.

AndreiV

That makes sense. What setup would you suggest for 18" wheels then? Again, I can't go over /40/ (height) in front since the car is lowered. Thank you!

AndreiV

Well obviously it's not good to have a low car during winter but it's not like I'm going to change my whole suspension for a day or 2 of heavy snow 😂. Also, good for you 🤞

JayArras

If you went with 17" rims, since your car is lowered, you could do 225/45/R17 without an issue. I run 225/50/R17 snows on my xi in the winter.

neilv

I use 245/45/17 for winters now and will be moving to 245/40/18 for this year. I'm in Canada and yes we get a lot of snow.

I've never had an issue but then again I am X-drive; We have some E90s that are rwd+lowered w/ 255 rear snows and also don't have a problem.

AndreiV

Appreciate your input, do you also have different sized wheels? I was wondering whether I can use the same tires for both, it technically physically fits both sizes but some might argue it's not a good idea