Upgrade from 18" to 20" wheels!
 

I am planning to upgrade my wheels from 18" to 20" size. A mechanic, who used to be the head mechanic for a BMW dealer and now has his own shop servicing BMW only, told me that I need to replace the "push and pull bars" so the car won't vibrate when driving on the highway. Does anybody here has this replacement when upgrading to bigger wheel sizes? Is it necessary to have this done? Thanks.

Justin.

It could be good advice,however,I upgraded from 19" sport wheels to the 20" and I have no vibration!
Suggest you put on the wheels and see!If you notice any vibration,then do what the man says.

I have never heard of "push and pull bars". You have to remember 20" size is rolling stock diameter for 4.6is/4.8is. It's not uncharted territory and tons of people have done this without any problems.

I agree with breytonX5. If you were going with a 22" wheel or something greater or smaller then the stock options, the suspension would need adjusting too. However, 20's were stock on the X5 so you should be in good shape.

I went from 18s to 20s last year and did nothing special, just plug and play. You do however, need to make sure the tires are balanced and wheels aligned, but this should be common sense.

I don't even know what "push and pull bars" are, so they must not be necessary. I think he's trying to make money on you. Good thing you posted your concern here.

Upgraded with no problems at all...

Put them on first and take the X out for a spin, then see if you need to adjust.

"...used to be the head mechanic for a BMW dealer."

He didn't get fired from the dealer before going solo did he? :confused:

I've never heard of needing to replace push/pull bars either. Just out of curiosity, what is he charging for this necessity?

I have no idea of what the "push and pull bars" either. I was quoted $346 for this job. I went to his shop to replace my brake rotors and brake pads so I just happened to ask him for his opinions about the wheels upgrade. It does not make sense so that is why I want to ask the fellows up here :). Good thing that I asked :).

Unless he can give a better answer, I'm not sure I'd go back to that guy. He's out to make a quick buck IMO.

This is the shop's website: http://babbittmotorwerks.com/page/sfqz/Home.html