E70 Winter Wheel suggestion?

[macming]

I just picked up a 2011 X5 35i and am looking for a winter setup. The X5 came with 255/55/19s (correction 255/50/19) right now, as I'm looking to downsize to 18" wheels, what tire size should I consider (correction 255/55/18)? I'll probably pick up a set of Blizzarks or Michelin X ice.

From the bit of research I've done, I think the E70 uses rim mounted TPMS sensors, so I'll need those installed. Does the center bore size change between generations (74.1mm for E70, and 72.5mm for E53)? I'll probably get a set of OEM rims used and go that route.

I guess my question is, what generation rims should I look for [E70]?

Thanks,

Ming



I found some info on TPMS sensors:

For 2011 X5's built during 8/10 or 9/10, the older sensor is required.
For 2011 X5's built during 10/10, we will need to run their VIN number.
For 2011 X5's built during 11/10 and later, the newer sensor is required.

The old part number was 36236781847 and the new one is 36106790054

[JCL]

You want E70 rims to get the correct hub bores. E53 are different.

[stimulate]

These are not easy to find, I bought at a local metro Boston Direct Tire store - Direct Tire & Auto Service: The top name in Tire & Auto Service in Boston

I decided to try out the narrower profile and I had no problems during a few very heavy snows last season. Very quiet and smooth ride on dry roads. I do a mix of highway and city driving every day in my job.

As stated in the prior post, E53 wheels bore size is 72.5mm but the E70 hub requires a 74.1mm bore. I bought some 19" E53 wheels a few years ago and had the bore enlarged at a performance tire place. But one member here did the job by hand because he wanted X6 wheels on his E70. He said there is just a small lip at the opening of the bore which can be removed.

[macming]

You want E70 rims to get the correct hub bores. E53 are different.

What about TPMS sensors? I thought there is a difference between E70 pre-LCI and E70 LCI. Mine is a LCI model with a build date August 2010.

Originally Posted by stimulate

These are not easy to find, I bought at a local metro Boston Direct Tire store - Direct Tire & Auto Service: The top name in Tire & Auto Service in Boston

I decided to try out the narrower profile and I had no problems during a few very heavy snows last season. Very quiet and smooth ride on dry roads. I do a mix of highway and city driving every day in my job.

As stated in the prior post, E53 wheels bore size is 72.5mm but the E70 hub requires a 74.1mm bore. I bought some 19" E53 wheels a few years ago and had the bore enlarged at a performance tire place. But one member here did the job by hand because he wanted X6 wheels on his E70. He said there is just a small lip at the opening of the bore which can be removed.

I do have access to a machine shop, but I'm a bit worried about the TPMS sensors. I guess the worst case scenario is that I go without the sensors, and live with a light on a dash.

Assuming I step down to 18" wheels, what tire profile should I shoot for? I see a lot of 255/55/18s for sale, but they are smaller than the 255/55/19s that my X5 came with.

[JCL]

Don't go without the sensors, that would be silly IMO.

They are around $80 each. There is a new part number for the LCI E70, but it supercedes the original part number in the 2007 E70 parts book, so I suspect they are the same spec, just a design or manufacturing improvement.

Look on realoem to see the part numbers.

Sure your 19 inch wheels aren't shod with 255/50 19? That is the OE size. 255/55 18 for the standard tire, or winter tires.

[macming]

Originally Posted by JCL

Don't go without the sensors, that would be silly IMO.

They are around $80 each. There is a new part number for the LCI E70, but it supercedes the original part number in the 2007 E70 parts book, so I suspect they are the same spec, just a design or manufacturing improvement.

Look on realoem to see the part numbers.

Sure your 19 inch wheels aren't shod with 255/50 19? That is the OE size. 255/55 18 for the standard tire, or winter tires.

You're absolutely right about the tire profile. I found a chart, and have since corrected the original post.


I'm thinking of grabbing this set. Are these the 209 style wheels? My X5 has a build date of August 2010, so it looks like I"ll need the older TPMS sensors. From this picture, can you tell if the wheels have TPMS sensors installed? I'm leaning towards not.




Thanks,

Ming

[macming]

Never mind. These are style 168 made for the E53 body style I used this link to find match wheel styles to generations.

List of all BMW alloy wheel styles, including technical data & pictures - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum - E90Post.com

What about these wheels? Are these for a E70? The owner claims so, but I'm really new to the E70 body style

[brian5]

Originally Posted by macming

<<snip>>
What about these wheels? Are these for a E70? The owner claims so, but I'm really new to the E70 body style

I'm pretty sure that those are NOT E70 wheels...

[Tooloud10]

The ABS pressure sensors in my old car were pretty crappy and not nearly as accurate as the style my newer cars have had. Driving on a gravel road would set them off all the time.