XSeries-forum

Hi

I have decided to try some smaller wheels and tyres to try and make the car a bit more comfortable. At the moment the tyres are 19 inches and I would like to try 17 inches.

I will try and find some second hand but here are 3 types I have found.

Type 1
http://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/bmw_al ... wheel_1408

Type 2
http://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/bmw_al ... 7_wheel_13

Type 3
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-17-INCH-A ... 3f35a0f30d

As the car is under a BMW approved used warranty I want to use wheels that BMW will be happy with. Would BMW have a problem with any of these do you think?

I quite like the look of Type 3 but am not sure if they came from an E53 and whether or not this would be a problem anyway.

Thanks for any help!!

Sally

I'm not sure I can offer any expert advice, but I think your car will look really wrong with 17 inch wheels.

Is it possible that your car is uncomfortable because there is something wrong somewhere?

Even with 19 inch wheels and Sports suspension I would have to describe mine as very comfortable.

[quote="sallyjc"]
Hi

I have decided to try some smaller wheels and tyres to try and make the car a bit more comfortable. At the moment the tyres are 19 inches and I would like to try 17 inches.

I will try and find some second hand but here are 3 types I have found.

Type 1
http://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/bmw_al ... wheel_1408

Type 2
http://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/bmw_al ... 7_wheel_13

Type 3
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-17-INCH-A ... 3f35a0f30d

As the car is under a BMW approved used warranty I want to use wheels that BMW will be happy with. Would BMW have a problem with any of these do you think?

I quite like the look of Type 3 but am not sure if they came from an E53 and whether or not this would be a problem anyway.

Thanks for any help!!

Sally
[/quote]

Sally I read an earlier post of yours, you're wanting to try smaller wheels as you feel the ride too firm on the 19's?

It'll work out quite expensive to buy brand new ones, those second hand ones for £300 would be my choice even if it cost another couple of hundred to get then fully reconditioned, also remember to tell your insurers as it would be classed as a modification though I'd doubt if there would be an increase in premium.

You must be driving on very bumpy roads mine are 20" alloys with 35 profile tyres and I don't find mine too firm, the 17's will have a much higher profile (more sidewall) which will make the ride less bumpy but there's a price to pay in road holding not to mention aesthetics, it won't look as nice with 17's

I am sure you are right about the looks but if it really improves the ride quality I don't really mind that much.

Also I don't think there is anything wrong with the car, at least that is what BMW said when I queried the bumpy ride!

OK, I will buy £300 ones and if they don't make much difference I will sell them and go back to the larger wheels!

Id say try it. although several here have said that their car is fine with 19 inch or 20 inch wheels I can tell you that mine is also fine on 19 inch wheels but if you ask my wife she says it is too harsh and she prefers it when I have the 17 inch winter set on. The point is that what fee's right is down to the individual and not something others can decide for you so go for it
I cant comment re your question about what BMW would think about changing the wheels

I went from 20" wheels down to 17" wheels.
They are great and the ride is much better.

im looking at fitting mud/snow tyres all round as we go walking off the beaten tracks etc and leave the x5 in some muddy/rough places

My 20s are gathering dust. The 18s with my winter tyres seem to stay on most of the year now. Much more comfortable whatever the aesthetics!

did you buy new wheels?

the spares are 17" so may be cheaper to buy 4 individual spares off ebay?

can this even be done? I don't know much about wheels and width requirements etc

Yes, its BMW's approved wheel size for winter wheels - if you stick with proper BMW OEM's 17 or 18 " rims and tyre sizes, those are recommended by BMW. You can buy alloys on ebay either as a set or one by one.  I was fortunate and got my 18s (the 4.8 caliper is too big for 17"), from a breakers.  The 17's I had for my previous X only cost £50 on ebay in 2010- that was before winter tyres took off in the UK and no one wanted the older, smaller alloys.  Smaller the alloy diameter, the more rubber between it and the road, making for a more comfortable ride.
New ones from BMW are crazy prices, most people with E53's will mot be wanting to pay 1000's for a winter set.

Type 1 look best of the 17's IMO.

I have Type 2 for my winter set up. Yes it rides better but not as sure footed as 19's with summer rubber when pressing on..............obviously.

Perhaps consider 18's in style 69 or 131.

Perhaps before you take the plunge.......some questions :

What tyres are you running ?

How old are they ?

How worn are they ?

Tyre pressures checked recently ?

Without checking can you tell me the correct PSI for your 19's ?

All bushes checked recently ?