Can I use 18" winter tires and rims with a 19" Sport Package?

[Jon SS]

I am in Canada and will probably be ordering the 3.0si soon with Sport package (different to the US, we have sport suspension but no adaptive handling). It will come with 19" all seasons, can I put 18" winter tires (with their own rims) on the SUV? Or should I stick to 19" winter tires. I read somewhere that you should not go above 18" for winter tires, but I also read that you should match the winter tire size to what comes with the vehicle?

Thanks.

[xnsf]

:xoutpost:

you can use 18s for your winter setup. there's no reason to reframe from doing so because you use 19s normally.

[Jon SS]

is it better to use 18"?

[xnsf]

depending on type of tire, it would be 'better'. i don't think the 19s on the e70 have performance tires, so they should operate fine.

the entire size of the 18s and the 19s are almost exactly the same size. it's just that the tires on the 19s have a lower profile. just make sure you're using the correct type of tires

[StumpyPete]

Check with the dealer as the sport suspension (non-adaptive) cannot be ordered from the factory with 18 in wheels, only 19s or bigger. Whether or not you can retrofit 18s I do not know, but I would suspect it will be a no-no with the sports suspension.

[onesixeight]

You'll be fine with 18" snow tires and I would do the 18s vs. going with a 19" snow tire.

There is no issue with the sports suspension or package with fitting 18s.

[Jon SS]

Thanks.

I found a place from reading few other posts (Newmarket Tire) which sell replicas in Canada (ReplicaWheelsCanada) which will save a lot of $$$ vs the dealer packages.

[goldyf355]

Originally Posted by Jon SS

Thanks.

I found a place from reading few other posts (Newmarket Tire) which sell replicas in Canada (ReplicaWheelsCanada) which will save a lot of $$$ vs the dealer packages.

Im also In the GTA, thinking of a similar setup, have 19s with sport pkg. as well.....do you have the extended tire coverage offered by BMW? If so, make sure the winter tires qualify, and they will also be covered under the exisitng coverage. I think they need to have the "snowflake" mark on them.....

If you wouldn't mind, please let me know what sort of price you worked out with Newmarket Tire, PM me if your more comfortable that way. I wouldn't mind "knock-off" wheels and winter tires, especially if there is a big savings over dealer prices...

[AzNMpower32]

Yes, you can. In general, you want a smaller, narrower winter setup for optimal traction. So yea, I suppose if the 18" is the smallest wheel setup possible (due to brake size), then yes go for 18" since it's the standard wheel setup for non-sport models.

[motordavid]

Not exact variety of apples but I've run the dumbed down oem
17" wheels in winter, on a sport susp. equipped oem 18/19" car
with zippo problem. Your 18" wheel/tar set up will work fine, imo.