I have an '07 550 Sport package (18" wheels) that I need to get some snow tires for. I usually run a size smaller for snows than for the performance tires.

Just want to know if anyone is runnng the 17" wheels? Any clearance issues, etc. According to online info, this should work. Just wanted real world feedback.

TIA

Dan

'07 550i 6-spd, '91 535, 5-spd, '88 M3 race car.

That?s exactly what I use.

No worries. I have Contintental winter sport (or something like that) on OEM style 116's. no rubs, no issues, but much better in the snow ;)

style 116

Does it really make a big difference to go with smaller wheels in the winter? I have 19" M172 on my 550 and I was thinking of finding a 19" solution for winter as well. I really love the way the 19" wheels look on the car and being in Canada, we have long winters and I can't stand having smaller wheels for that long! I thought a good set of 19" winter tires like Michelin/Contis/Pirelli would perform well in urban winter?

No need to go smaller for winter driving, absolutely no need. Going thinner like 245s all the way around instead of 275s on the rear would be a better move. Honestly it is more about the tread pattern and tire than size. The larger sidewall does very little. Tread depth is usually 12/32s on a winter tire, weather it is a 17 or 19 inch.

Problem is there is a low selection of winter tires in 19s but if you find them your fine.

It is two things that matter
1.Tread depth-as close to 7/32s or above is whats important. It is the depth of tread that compresses into the snow and digs to the pavement giving you traction and plowing snow out of the way. This has no impact whether your sidewall is higher or lower if the tread is the same.

2.Width of tire. You want more pressure on a smaller surface area in order to dig down deeper into the snow and touch the underlying ground-which again is the source of traction. wider tires distribute the total mass of the car over a wider area and thus at any given point there is less mass/force being "pushed" through the snow to contact the ground.

If you keep these two principeles in mind you are fine with 19s

Yes, more pothole protection and better traction.

IMHO 17s and snows (original equipment size tires fit) all around are a must for Buffalo winters! e60addict has wheels w/tpms for sale with original contis but you can get a deal on real BMW wheels and install snows for winter. https://5series.net/forums/index.php...opic=82134&hl=

Thank you luigi524td for referring to my sale. I truly appreciate your kindness.

Hi dsummersm3,

I am currently selling the 17" 138 Style 5 Star. They are in prefect condition as good as brand new. Please check out my post (link below). I am offering $650 + Shipping. The wheels come with Tires, TPMS, and Center Caps. Everything is there...just pop them on your car in winter and you are set to go. Let me know if you are interested. Thanks

https://5series.net/forums/index.php...opic=82134&hl=

Mike.

No problems with 17", they're standard fit. My winters are 17" type 138s running Dunlop Wintersport 3D RFTs.