XSeries-forum

Hi folks

I've just purchased a '15 plate X3 xDrive30d M Sport with the 20" rims and runflats. During the test drive I found the ride comfortable enough even on the bumpy roads I specifically asked to drive on. Now that I'm back in my neck of the woods and on familiar routes, I'm finding it a little harsh. With no VDC retrofit an option and being pleased with every other aspect of the car so far, I've been researching options for changing the 20" rims and runflats to smaller rims and standard tyres. (although I read this could cause an issue with the warranty?)

Has anyone had a similar experience and able to recommend the best combo of rims/tyres for a better ride and especially over the winter months?

I also live up a mile long bumpy farm track, so perhaps the low profile tyres should be swapped out for standard profile. I'm assuming all of this is feasible on the xDrive30d M Sport without causing any knock on effects...I'm a complete newbie so please excuse my ignorance.  :-[

Many thanks.

If you stick to OEM rim sizes & wheels when you go down BMW might play more nicely warranty wise.

You do need to stick to the correct profile for whatever the rim size chosen is though.  Firstly to keep the speedo in spec, but more importantly messing with the outer diameter (rolling radius) can shatter either a diff or transfer box.  Both of which are very expensive!  That would definitely upset the warranty!

The range of sizes should be on the tyre pressure plate on the B pillar label.

Tyres made for BMW are all marked with a '*' on the sidewall.  Non RFT with that mark ought to be 'acceptable' to BMW in terms of warranty too.  Anything else may get them in a huff.

You will notice a difference.  I have a std 20" RFT summer set up on my X6, and an OEM 19" RFT winter set up with Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow tyres.  The smaller wheels are definitely less harsh a ride, and quieter too.

I switched from Dunlop Sportmaxx RFT summer tyres to a Bridgestone set and that also gave a better ride which led me to believe that the Dunlops weren't the softest!  Mind you the tyre life was terrible at around 15k for the set on the Dunlops too.  >:(