bluechipBMW

I'm interested in purchasing an used set of winter wheels for my 2008 BMW 550. Would a setup mounted on a 2010 BMW 528i fit on my car since both are E60 or is that a bad assumption?

The winter setup:
4 Bridgestone Blizzak 245/45R18 LM25 RFT (18x8)..it also says 8x18 EH2+ on the inside but I have no idea what that means!

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

rice_rocket88

EH2+ if I recall is just the rim design how it holds onto the tire.. so you can put runflats on it or not. I can't answer your question other than if the 528i is an AWD model, then the wheel offsets are different.. which I think would still work, but look funky. However, if you went in reverse and tried to put a RWD set on an AWD car.. it probably wouldn't fit.

u3b3rg33k

Hey, I've got a 2008 550i as well. you can basically run any 5 lug BMW wheel from a RWD car on your car, provided you clear the rotors (17"+). I'm actually running my old 530xi wheels + 30mm spacers right now.

I've done a lot of research on winter tires, and from what I've found, the widest tire you would want in snow is a 225. with that in mind, the biggest tire that fits a 550i up front without clearance issues should be a 225/50/17. I'm currently running 225/55/17 nokian R2's because I got angry after blowing out 3 sidewalls and a style 172 rim last winter. running too tall just means I cant hit curbs with the wheel turned or I hear slight rubbing. Pity we didn't get M-ish front fenders.

looks like this:

bluechipBMW

Thanks for the info. I've never owned a RWD with snow tires so I've been hesitant on making the purchase. How does your 550i drive in the snow with snow tires? I've read lots of posts that it drives better than FWD.

u3b3rg33k

I'll put it this way, I'd rather have RWD + snows than AWD + all seasons, snow or not. RWD and snows make winter driving fun when you want it to be, and safe when you just need to get there.
Now add in the stability and traction control, and you basically can't screw it up unless you want to.

basically, snow/winter tires are a good idea no matter what wheel drive you have. appropriate tread pattern, appropriate temperature range rubber, and good tread depth can make anything that's not a prius good in the winter. those need snow tires just to survive winter.

FormerE30Owner

Actually the 225/50/17 size is the stock size for the E60 and are not 'taller', but are exactly the same roling radius as the 245-45-18, so there shouldn't be any problems.

If you are not concerned about looks, the best setup would be 205-55-17, especially in snow and slush.

I am running Nokian WG3s at 225-50-17 size, which are terrific, especially on cold dry pavement.

Salut, Bob P.

u3b3rg33k

Good to know. I went wider (225) for ice racing. wider IS better, provided there's nothing in the way (like pesky snow/slush). I wouldn't go any wider than 225 though, or it starts to defeat the purpose.

Anzafin

Studded 245/40R19 works fine on my M5.

u3b3rg33k

Here's what the 550 looks like after a snow:


I can now confirm that yes, the e-diff does work (one wheel on pavement + one wheel in 1" snow = excellent forward locomotion), and active steering = perfect countersteer without trying. DSC/DTC off = twitchy, lol.

FormerE30Owner

But then all you Finns use studded tires during the winter, since you don't remove the snow from the roads! Helps train your fantastic rally drivers.

That was my observation when I was in Tampere some time back.

Studded tires are not legal here in Québec, at least not around the city areas.

Still, 245s are a bit wide for deep snow conditions.

Salut, Bob P.