What max tire size for E61 17" wheels?

Lucian009 · 09-27-2020, 01:57 AM

Hi guys, OEM size for the 17" wheel is 225/50, and I know 235 would fit, but I wonder if 245 would fit also. Anyone tried it? Many thanks.

JayArras · 09-27-2020, 11:26 AM

What is your objective with 17" wheels? If for snow tires, actually the narrower the tire, the better to plow through snow.

Lucian009 · 09-27-2020, 12:24 PM

That is usually true, though sometimes you don't want to sink in deeper snow. My objective with maximum tire width is to put as much rubber as possible between the car and the road potholes, cracks etc. that we get here in the Northeast at least.

JayArras · 09-27-2020, 02:21 PM

I hear you, but the best pothole protection is to have a higher sidewall, not greater width. A 225/55/17 tire would be ideal, as long as the load rating is adequate for a 3700 lb. car.

Lucian009 · 09-27-2020, 10:07 PM

That is also true but here is the other factor: a wider tire allows for a wider span over such potholes and road problems and also distribute the weight over a wider contact area. The downside is that it makes the tire more likely to pick up debris punctures. It's a trade-off.

As far as rubber mass increase only, I'd still use a 235/50 over a 225/55 because the latter deviates quite a bit more from the oem diameter. 245 could go either 45 or 50, if it were possible to fit on the wheel though - which is what I wonder about. And, even if it fits safely, I'd further want to make sure it wouldn't look like some obvious misfit bulging out the wheel. I wouldn't mind the wider look otherwise.

09-27-2020, 01:57 AM	#1
Lucian009 Enlisted Member 8 Rep 42 Posts Drives: '08 335xi cpe, '09 535x wgn Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 bmw 335xi [0.00] 2009 bmw 535 xi [0.00]	What max tire size for E61 17" wheels? Hi guys, OEM size for the 17" wheel is 225/50, and I know 235 would fit, but I wonder if 245 would fit also. Anyone tried it? Many thanks.
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09-27-2020, 11:26 AM	#2
JayArras Casual Fanatic 33 Rep 196 Posts Drives: '07 530xi Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Fairfield County, CT iTrader: (0)	What is your objective with 17" wheels? If for snow tires, actually the narrower the tire, the better to plow through snow. __________________ 2007 530xi, Black Metallic Sapphire, 6 speed manual, Sport package, Cold Weather Package, Premium Package, Premium Sound Package, Sirius Satellite Radio, MTech front bumper, Replica Style 166 wheels
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09-27-2020, 12:24 PM	#3
Lucian009 Enlisted Member 8 Rep 42 Posts Drives: '08 335xi cpe, '09 535x wgn Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 bmw 335xi [0.00] 2009 bmw 535 xi [0.00]	That is usually true, though sometimes you don't want to sink in deeper snow. My objective with maximum tire width is to put as much rubber as possible between the car and the road potholes, cracks etc. that we get here in the Northeast at least. Last edited by Lucian009; 09-27-2020 at 12:25 PM.. Reason: typo
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09-27-2020, 02:21 PM	#4
JayArras Casual Fanatic 33 Rep 196 Posts Drives: '07 530xi Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Fairfield County, CT iTrader: (0)	I hear you, but the best pothole protection is to have a higher sidewall, not greater width. A 225/55/17 tire would be ideal, as long as the load rating is adequate for a 3700 lb. car. __________________ 2007 530xi, Black Metallic Sapphire, 6 speed manual, Sport package, Cold Weather Package, Premium Package, Premium Sound Package, Sirius Satellite Radio, MTech front bumper, Replica Style 166 wheels
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09-27-2020, 10:07 PM	#5
Lucian009 Enlisted Member 8 Rep 42 Posts Drives: '08 335xi cpe, '09 535x wgn Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 bmw 335xi [0.00] 2009 bmw 535 xi [0.00]	That is also true but here is the other factor: a wider tire allows for a wider span over such potholes and road problems and also distribute the weight over a wider contact area. The downside is that it makes the tire more likely to pick up debris punctures. It's a trade-off. As far as rubber mass increase only, I'd still use a 235/50 over a 225/55 because the latter deviates quite a bit more from the oem diameter. 245 could go either 45 or 50, if it were possible to fit on the wheel though - which is what I wonder about. And, even if it fits safely, I'd further want to make sure it wouldn't look like some obvious misfit bulging out the wheel. I wouldn't mind the wider look otherwise.
	Appreciate 0 Quote