New wheels...now have Wheel Gap Problem
 

Hey all, I just put on the 4.4i sport rims (19", OEM) onto my 2001 non-sport X5. They look great, nice and wide from the rear, but looking at the truck from the side the rear wheels seem to have excessive wheel gap. I look at other 4.4i sport X5's and they don't seem to have this. Is there a quick fix for this problem or will this take something more intricate?

No easy fix, if you want to get rid of the wide gaps go get front lowering springs (Eibach/H&R) and if you have rear air suspension have the dealer lower via DIS.

what size tires do you have on the rims?

That's the same question I would ask. Are they exceptionally low profile tires? The OEM 19's should be just about as tall as your 18's that you took off. Show us some pics...

Well those tires should be OEM staggered size. Even though going plus sizes (either 1 or 2") the overall tire diameter is about the same but visually the wheel gaps will appear larger than the smaller 18s. This is the reason you'll see guys telling someone who had just upgraded from 18 to 20" he/she needs to lower the X.

Good points...

When I went up from my oem sport 19"s to the 4.6 20" set up, my wheelarch gap did increase(0.5", in fact) and it really needs to be lowered to look nicer

However,both the 18" and the 19" have exactly the same tyre diametre,so you shouldnt see any difference in the gap and the fact the 19" tyres are a wider/lower profile,they should actually cover the gap better!

We really need to know Shahkg tyre set up both with the 18 and 19"!Also why does he say that its only the gap on the rear??

Why only the rears!What tyres did you have before and what tyres do you put on now!

I have Kumho ECSTA tires, R19 255 up front and 285 on the rears. I had the OEM Michelins on the stock 18".

Also, do 2001 4.4i's have a rear air suspension that can be lowered through the dealer?

what is the sidewall aspect ratio?

285/??/19

Front: 255/50V/R19

Rear: 285/45V/R19

You have the right tire size...

When I switched from OEM 18's to my 19 Y-Spokes the gap was more visually pronounced and I think this is what you're observing.

Ok so how did you fix it (if you did)?

As stated in my earlier post, i have installed the front eibach springs which lowered the front by 1.2" and lowered the rear by 1" via DIS.

Can you kindly post pics of your wheel gap.

Thanks!

i went 17 to 19 but didnt notice the wheel gap :)

Same here!I just took off 17"s and installed 19"s and the wheel gap is exactly the same!The 19"s in fact seem to fill the wheelarch better!