Can you use the tires from XI model on I model rim? I bought the wrong wheels for my 2004 525i. i did not realize there are 2 diffrent kinds of style 138's xi and i model.

 

They're the same size tire, just the rims are different. So yes, assuming you have the 17 inch rims, the tires will work just fine.

 

Thanks, but how come the xi wheels dont fit on the i, and how would the tire fit the rim? if the wheels are bigger ?

 

off set...

 

Let's try again. If the tire is from a 17" rim, it doesn't matter if it's an xi or not. It's the wheel offsets that are different on xi. The TIRE will fit an xi or i rim, as long as the wheel size is the same going from one wheel to another. Get it?

How is the wheel bigger?

 

Go to 1010tires.com/tech.asp
On that page, click on wheel offset calculator and there is a picture that will help you get an idea about wheel offset.
It basically is the number of millimeters from dead center of the wheel that the wheel hub is (where you put the lug bolts on). If closer to the inner part of the wheel it is negative, and if closer to the outer part of the wheel it is positive.

The XI wheel offset is either +43 or +55 meaning that the wheel is tucked underneath the car more (the hub is pushed out towards the front of the wheel). If you put a wheel with a +20 offset on an XI, the wheel will stick out past the wheelwell opening and look goofy as well as have potential paint damage from thrown up rocks and road debris.

If you put a XI wheel on a "I" , the wheel will be too far in the wheelwell, because the normal offset for an "I" is +20 in the front and +32, I believe, in the rear.

You could use the XI wheels with spacers and make it work (along with longer lug bolts), if you wanted to, although some people might be uncomfortable with it.

I hope this helps.
Mark