X3 Fitment Question

[Driver8]

Hi - I'm looking to upgrade the wheels and tires on my X3 from the OEM 18" non-staggered units to something bigger. Based on what I can find, the largest OEM X3 fitment is a staggered setup, Front 8.5x19/et51/235-45-19 and Rear 9.0x19R/et46/255-40-19.

My question is, can I go with an X5 fitment on my X3? Specifically, I'm interested in a non-staggered wheel in a 9.5x20/et45/255-40-20 F/R? I don't want something that will look hokey, i.e. I want everything under the fenderwells. I want a clean install and something that will look OEM, only better. I would like to have more whell face showing and a little more tire underneath as well, both in terms of height (+1.0" total height) and width (+20mm max).

Also, do the X5 and X3 share the same center bore (72.56mm) and bolt circle (5x120mm)?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[AzNMpower32]

You need to carefully check the offset. The X5 is odd in that some of its wheels have different offsets, whereas the X3 has a similar offset for all its wheels.

[Driver8]

Right you are. Especially the big ol' 19" and 20" V8 X5 wheels. I'm interested in doing a non-staggered setup using a mid-40mm (et45) backspace, which should be pretty close to OEM, close enough to not make any difference in clearance, if I'm figuring closely enough.

I've got a mental image of a set of Style 177s that would look pretty sweet. IMO, the X3 wheel/tire diameter is just about 10% too small for the size wheel opening, and I'd like to fill it up by going to a 20" wheel and a 255/40 tire, whcih should increase the overall rolling diameter by less than one inch. That siad, I do not think the 10.5x20 rear 177s would work...way too wide. But the 9.5s should look (and fit) pretty nicely.

Hmmmm...will a 255/40 be too narrow for a 9.5" rim width? I hadn't thought about that.

Thanks - Mike

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

You need to carefully check the offset. The X5 is odd in that some of its wheels have different offsets, whereas the X3 has a similar offset for all its wheels.

[doc@tirerack]

255/40R19 has a rim width range of 8.5" to 10" , and may of the wheels we sell for X3 are fine for X5. We don't have any specs for OE wheels, so not sure how I can help on the wheels.

[Driver8]

Doc - Thanks for the reply. I have some clarification questions for you:

First, FYI, the largest OEM X3 fitment is a staggered setup, Front 8.5x19/et51/235-45-19 and Rear 9.0x19R/et46/255-40-19.

That said, will an X5 fitment work on my X3? Specifically, I'm interested in a non-staggered wheel in a 9.5x20/et45/255-40-20 F/R.

Do the X5 and X3 share the same center bore (72.56mm) and bolt circle (5x120mm)?

Finally, as long as I use the the same base assumptions, (i.e. backspacing of around 45-50mm, 5x120 bolt circle, 8.5-9.0" wheel width), wouldn't any aftermarket wheel work on my X3? There appear to be many wheels that fit an E46 that, based on these criteria, would also fit an E83 X3.

Thanks, Doc. I appreciate your help.

Mike

Originally Posted by doc@tirerack

255/40R19 has a rim width range of 8.5" to 10" , and may of the wheels we sell for X3 are fine for X5. We don't have any specs for OE wheels, so not sure how I can help on the wheels.

[markled]

Actually, the largest oem wheel/tire package being offered for the x3 is a 21 staggered setup, at bmwusa. Around $5995!!

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...cessories.aspx

Alloy, cast. 21 inches. 10 x 21, 385/35R21W front; 11.5 x 21, 325/30R21W rear.
RDC complete wheel set includes four wheels with RDC and Dunlop SP SportMaxx DSST tires.

[doc@tirerack]

Bolt pattern and center bore are shared over most (all?) the models of late, and many 19" wheels we sell for X5 will work on X3. The X3 shares many fitments with E46 but not all. I tend to shy away from sweeping generalizations, however, so I can't give you the green light to look at any E46 wheel. We sell what we can guarantee to fit each individual model, and unless the supplier you are dealing with can promise that as well........