switching rims on 2003 X5 3.0
 

I am looking to see if anyone has experience with the following: I want to get a second set tires /rims for summer. I have the X5 E53 with 17 inch rims. I would like to go with the taller / wider rim package that the 4.4 or 4,8 had. In looking at the tire wheel size link BMW Rim Bolt Pattern Reference Guide RimBoltPattern.com it appears that other than width/ height change everything else is the same,


X5 3.0 01-UP 17x7.5 5x12014x1.5b74.1H
X5 4.4 01-UP 19x8 5x12014x1.5b74.1H
X5 4.6 02-UP 20x8.5 5x12014x1.5b74.1H

Does anyone know if the wheel wells are the same depth / height (I would assume so) and that there isn't any interference with the larger rims on a 3.0? Also is there any known changes that i would have to do (brake rotor maybe) to go with the 19 or 20 inch rims.

Thanks

A bigger diameter rim is compensated with a smaller sidewall profile tire. The variation of circumference of each wheel, whether you're on 17" or 20" rims, is <5% of each other. With that said, the wheel wells are the same throughout the model range.

Everything will clear over 3.0i brakes. The brakes get beefier with the bigger engines, but you won't need any upgrades to still drive safely.

My '01 3.0 came with Style 69 18", I ran your 17" wheel size in winter with snow tires, for 4 winter seasons, and went to style 132 19s a few years ago...
as Minizguy said, any oe E53 wheel will fit fine.
GL, mD

the hub bore data on the link is incorrect . all E53 X5`s have a 72.56 mm hub bore .
rim widths as follows
17x7.5
18x8.5
19x9 front 19x10 rear
20x9.5 front 20x10.5 rear

And the oem tyre sizes are:

235/17R17

255/55R18

255/50R19 (front)
285/45R19 (rear)

275/40R20 (front)
315/35R20 (rear)

Stick with these sizes are you can't go wrong. You can of course fit alternate sizes but you'll need to do your homework re rolling circumference, clearance, etc

motordavid, what is the rear tire width in that picture? 255?

TirX5,
The rear tires in my pic are:
285/45 R19...the 'standard size' for rears, on oe 132s.
Here's an older pic, when I first got the 132 wheels with B'stone
Turzanas were mounted. The Michey Diamaris in orig pic are replalcements
and a very different 'feeling/performing' tire, imo. I preferred the B'stones.
GL, mD

Michelin always have smaller contact patch compared to Bridgestone and Pirelli, which makes it look much narrower than it really is. I too preferred the Bridgestone and Pirelli over the Michelin.

Does anyone here have experience with larger wheels? In particular, what would the impact be for a 22" wheel for:
1. ride harshness,
2. handling,
3. aesthetics?

We had 22" Asanti wheels on the X5 we used to own & had Toyo Proxi II tires (Best tires in my opinion). We had I believe 22x9 on all 4 corners.

1. Very nice ride.
2. Decent handling.
3. I think they looked great!