XSeries-forum

A set of new 235x65/17 have fallen into my lap. From an E53. Online calculators show obvious speedo discrepancy and diameter increase but I'm curious to see if anyone has tried. Visually there is a big margin of clearance with wheel arches with the existing 225x55/17's but that will reduce significantly with 65 profile. Thanks in advance.

Neil
2009 X3 3.0 D

If you do it, remember to let your insurers know. It will count as a ‘mod’ as it’s using non standard equipment on the car. They may not care

If the difference isn’t significant and tread wear is even then it will work, just bear in mind the chocolate transmissions x cars have.

Thanks for the reply. I will give it a try, If I leave the new tyres on the E53 rims it won't be too difficult to swap them over and check the clearance, particularly with steering. I think the bore size will be the same, 72.6 mm. I'll likely swap the rubber to my rims ultimately as i prefer the style. Thanks for the heads up on the insurance, I will run the modification by them if it looks like being a success.

Neil
2009 X3 3.0 D

I would think the rims will look dwarfed by those tyres. Speedo error a secondary issue, fwiw it's not a change I'd make.

I’m not suggesting it’s a good idea - and personally I wouldn’t - but on paper it may work. Aesthetically not so much and the cost of a broken transmission far outweighs the money saved on tyres, but it’s not my car. That may be why no one has (reportedly so far) tried it.