Using Narrower Snow Tires on '08 535xi
11-14-2011, 10:28 AM
#1
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Chicago Suburbs
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have a set of winter wheels and tires that I'm considering using on my 535xi. The wheels have BMW TPMS sensors and everything is almost like new, having seen only a couple thousand miles of use. They were previously on a 135i.
Here's the issue: the wheels are a perfect fit, but the tires (Blizzak LM-25's) are narrower than what's specified for the 535xi--they're 205/50-17's, instead of 225/50-17's. The overall load rating is well within the 535xi's GVWR, but the tires are 3.1% smaller in diameter, resulting in a reduction in ride height of just under 4/10".
I'd sure like to use these instead of springing for new tires, but I want to remain safe and not compromise performance beyond what you'd normally expect out of a good snow tire.
Should I use them, or should I sell them and resize to the specified 225 mm. width?
Here's the issue: the wheels are a perfect fit, but the tires (Blizzak LM-25's) are narrower than what's specified for the 535xi--they're 205/50-17's, instead of 225/50-17's. The overall load rating is well within the 535xi's GVWR, but the tires are 3.1% smaller in diameter, resulting in a reduction in ride height of just under 4/10".
I'd sure like to use these instead of springing for new tires, but I want to remain safe and not compromise performance beyond what you'd normally expect out of a good snow tire.
Should I use them, or should I sell them and resize to the specified 225 mm. width?
11-14-2011, 11:08 AM
#2
Senior Members
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 1,845
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
My Ride: 2008 535i:
(8/07 Build) Metallic Bronze, Beige NASCA Leather, Ventilated Seats, Sport Pkg, Cold Wxr Pkg, Logic-7 Sound, HUD, Night Vision, PDC, Split Rear Seats, NAV, Premium Pkg, Comfort Access, HD Radio, Sport Auto Trans
Current mods: M-Aero Kit, JB4, Motorcepts 6000k HID Foglamps
Umnitza ICE-Lite 10w LED 6000k AE's
1992 Camaro RS:
Fully Restored w/Custom Interior, 5.0L V8, T-tops, OEM Z28 Foglamps, Inst Cluster, & Spoiler, Custom Sound, Too many engine mods to list
I would be more concerned about the affects on your speedometer and odometer (smaller wheel diameter wheels can throw these readings off) and the fact is an XI where the AWD sensors could be affected.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
StevenFW
Dealer Purchasing & Service Forum
15
02-20-2005 09:17 PM
DR.Z
Dealer Purchasing & Service Forum
23
08-03-2004 07:44 AM