20" Wheel Question...
 

I posted this in the general X5 forum, but thought this might be a better place to post...

Looking for a little insight from you all. I have an 05 X5 3.0 with the stock rims/wheels- 17", I believe. I hate 'em! I am looking at possibly upgrading to 20" wheels...the star spoke 87's. My question is two fold...

If I put these on my X5, which does not have the sport package, are there specific tire sizes you would recommend? I am assuming that the sport package lowers the ride a little, so I don't want to but too low a profile tire on the car, and have it look "funny".

Secondly, I'm a bit budget constrained, and have been looking at replica wheels. Transwheel Corporation has a set of the 87's that are exact specs of the OEM ones, but obviously cost much less. Anyone have recommendatoins, opinions, or general feedback on going this route?

Cheers-

If you get the exact same setup as the 4.6is with the 87's then you can do 275 fronts and 315 rears. Or go with 275's all around on 9.5's, that'll be cheaper and you will be able to rotate.

The OEM setup is a staggered:

275/40/20 front
315/35/20 rear

If you go with this setup your ride height will not change at all as the overall diameter will remain almost identical to your setup with 17's. Your ride however will be much harsher, so prepare for that.

The profile will look fine. Replicas are also fine, just make sure there is a long term structural integrity warranty. One bite about replica rims is that they can't handle the X5's weight over time, so make sure they are fit for the task.

Here is a link to tires that would work:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Select...4&autoModClar=

275's would be the most practical, and save a little over the staggered set up

sneek, i have 275/40/20 all the way around..I have a sport pakg so my ride is slightly stiffer..but you should be good to go on that..good move on the rim upgrade..17's are tiny on our cars...

Thanks all. I have found 87 replicas at Wheels and Caps (ebay) that seem to be a pretty sweet deal, including a lifetime structural warranty. They offer packages with tires, mounted/balanced for anywhere from 2k to 2,250.00 +Shipping, depending on tires. This is for the staggered set up, which I may not do, after reading all of your feedback.

My next question would be tires...they offer these sets with Michelin Diamaris, or Latitude Tour HP's. Also offer Yokohama and Continental. Any suggestions or opinions on these? I believe the Diamaris are "Stock/OEM", so guessing these are the way to go?

Thanks again for all the input- really appreciate it.

Nothing wrong with the Diamaris except for the price...

No kidding. They are getting ridiculous. Price went up again.

Sneek, I just sent you a Private Message!