4.8is Winter Setup
 

Hi,

I am still searching and looking for a nice setup for my wife's car. I was informed by the dealership that the only wheel/rim that will fit on this car is style99. Previously, I was told by the same dealership that style 58 would fit the 4.8is. Well, they could not more incorrect/wrong. I purchased a set of style 58 and dropped it off at the dealership this week to swap out the 20's and I was informed that it would clear the front brakes; extremely pissed. So, now back to square. I don't REALLY car for the look of the style 99; so I was just wondering if any other style would fit the 4.8is. I really like the look of the following style:
1. style 132 19x9 ET48
19x10 ET 45
2. Style 128 19x8.5 ET46
19x9 ET 51


Any advice/input would be greatly helpful and appreciated.

I picked up a set of 19x8.5" ADR wheels for $600 from a local shop and put on 265-50-19 Pirelli Scorpion Ice and Snows. I think it looks pretty good - better than a 18" rim would look with the "is" bodywork. You could also just as well run 255-50-19 which is the stock front tire size for the 4.4i sport package. the 265's are slightly taller and maybe a few mm wider, but not very noticable.

They drive really nice and work great in the rain. I have not had them up to the snow yet.

My wife has taken over the X5 for now since her Mazda engine bit the dust. I am looking for a replacement car and will also replace the motor in the Mazda to keep as our spare car which our oldest daughter will start using next year. Wow - how time flies, seems like she was just starting first grade...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2573/...45a5af47_o.jpg

Style 58 fits fine. If dealer does not do than take it to some other tire place.

http://margraves.net/toys/x5/snows/DSCF0080.JPG

show this pic to the dealer and tell them to do the job.

It clears the brakes.

http://margraves.net/toys/x5/snows/58wheel.JPG

If you like 20's they work great with the right tires (and look fantastic too). Check out my new thread showing my winter set up!

with some 18" BMW wheels you may need to balance them only on the surface outboard near the tire. Normally the weights are split between there and the inside surface near the hub mounting - those weights may not clear the caliper.

I tried 18" from an X3, but they were so tight they had less than 2mm of clearance and that just didn't seem like a great idea where I take my vehicles in the winter...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/...b8e44c37_o.jpg

Yes, that's what the dealer told me; less then 2mm of clearance. That's not the chance that I would willing to Risk. Remember, my wife drives this truck back and forth to her office.

Ok, I have decided to go the same route as Seige87 did. I am buying new tires for current 20's and get a new set of 87 during the Spring time. I always wanted/liked the look oh the style 87 over the style 168.

20s are nice but will not be as good as 18s. Keep in mind its the rear width of 20s which will make your car slide if you are driving in 6" of snow, specially in CT.

I did 20x9 style 87s with 275/40 Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow tires all around

Time to go look for another dealership, or better yet someone who knows what they are doing besides reading from a brochure. Like a few members here, I run the style 58 without any issues.

I don't know what "chance" you would be taking by going with the 58s over the 99s, same thing really. Yes, the clearance is really tight, but it clears and my wife drives it back and forth to her office to. ;)

The weights are where they are supposed to be on mine, granted 3 wheels only took 0.25 and the fourth one took no weight at all. :yikes:

I am not doubting anyone's expertise on this board. However, I am just a little bite concern being my wife's car. I just don't want to have any issues or problems.

I also have those same 18's. While i certainly dont like the 18s as much as the 20's, they make the car unstoppable in the snow. I do ALOT of harsh winter driving and its a total necessity for me.

go 18's. why is your wife going to the office anyway? either she works or you do...

I know, I am still torn between the 18's and 20's route. I know that there a few members on this board are running style 58 but I am really concern from what the dealer is telling me. I have until these weekend before I decide what to with the style 58; because someone is coming this next saturday to pick the style 58.

Add 10 mm spacers on style 58 front if you are worried.

ok, I am bring my car to another bmw dealership tomorrow and hopefully everything will workout fine without any hitch.

just another really question. Will the style 87 work on 4.8is as well? I like the look of it much better than the style 58. Or, will I run into the same issues. Thank you for all the input and help. Sorry for being a pain in the azz.

when I said style 87; I am referring to 18'' not the stock 20's.

Thank you. I guess I'll be selling my style 58 and getting the 18'' style 87. Thank you all for great patience and help.

Did you find the 18" style 87? Member Killcrap is also looking for same size 87s.
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-related-...87-wheels.html

these fit too ... just have very little clearance, so balance weights don't even fit :dunno:

Yup, I found someone locally was selling a pair of 18'' style 87. So, you're running without any weights on them?

LeMans5,

What tire size are you running with your style 87 wheels? I was thinking running stock size 255/55/18. Please advice.

So, what will you be doing for the other 2? :p:
I think you're over-thinking this, any 18" will be a tight fit, some a little more than others, but your style 58s are definitely fine to use. Put them on with some 255/55 and enjoy. :D

I do have weights, see pics below, still enough clearance. Last 2 pics are with 30mm spacers in back.

I am running 265/55/18.

Lemans5,

Thank you for all your response and help. This had been a great learning curve for me. I am selling the style 58 and buying 18's style 87 and get some snow and ice tires for dedicated setup. I love the way how style 87 looked on your x5. I'll post some pictures once everything is installed.

so, the 30mm are only for mere appearance?

Yes, it pushes your rear tires out flush with the fender flare. Purely cosmetic and only needed in the rear if appearance matters. Here is a shot without the spacers:
http://www.onlineautoshow.net/img/S87-18frontq.JPG

LPMM,

Once again, thank you for insight and help.

would you guys recommend running 245/45/18 tires? What would be the advantage and disadvantage?

uh - on a X5? I wouldn't. Maybe on a X3. 245-45-18 is going to be a about 1" shorter than a stock size tire. Stock size for the X5 are 28" tall - 255-55-18, 255-50-19, 275-40-20 for example. 245-55-18 might be OK, but I would just stick with the stock 255-55-18 if running 18's.

I just received my style 87 18's yesterday. They look awesome I can't wait until I get some winter tires tomorrow from tirerack (pick up, they're now in CT). I'll psot some pictures once it's installed. Once again, thank you to everyone that has contributed to my request.

did you say someone locally was selling them? i'm looking for a set of wheels only.

yes he was, I got it delivered to my house last night. I got it for $300 and the rims are in awesome. I can't wait to get the tires tomorrow; perfect timing because we're having a snow storm tomorrow. I can't wait to test out the Blizzaks.