OEM 17" wheels, what is the best size for a purely summer tire?
- posted
18 years ago
OEM 17" wheels, what is the best size for a purely summer tire?
"Sharkman540i" wrote
The standard size is 205/50R17, but I think you can get 225/45R17 on. That's the size I have (from a 325i sport package), but the rims are 7.5" rather than 7.0".
FloydR '01 330xi.
"Sharkman540i" wrote
If your OEM rims are 17x7.5, then I'd put 225/45/17 all around.
Cheers,
Pete
I am being told the OEM wheels are 7", 7.5" and 8"... which is it?!!!
"Sharkman540i" wrote
Depending upon the model, the wheels are 16", 17" or 18". Also the width changes. For instance, the OEM 325i wheels are either
16x7 or 17x7.5. All 330xi wheels are 17x7. 330i wheels are either 17x7, or 18"x??? with sport packages.As you can tell, I bought a set of 17x7.5 325i sport package wheels for my 330xi for summer use.
Floyd
The size that 's on it already.
Can I put a 16" mbw wheel on the Xi??? It does fit over the calipers of the
330i but I need to know if the brakes on the xi are bigger? Anyone know?Thanks!
+"Sharkman540i" wrote
*SOME* 16" wheels will fit on 330i/330xi. TireRack sells a couple. A 16" 325i wheel will probably not fit due to the brake clearance.Floyd
so, are the brakes bigger on the 330xi? I have a deal on replica bmw wheels that were tested and fit on a 330i in
16" with no issues. Will they fit the Xi as well? or are the 330 models different when it comes to brakes...?
"Sharkman540i" wrote
All E46 330i/330xi have bigger brakes than their 325 brethren.
Floyd
ok, but do the 330i, and the 330xi have different brakes?
all 330's have same brakes whether xi or not.
there was a slight manufacturing change in '02 from '01 but is doesn't negate the necessity for a 17" wheel
you should NOT use a 16" on a 330 even if you can squeeze them over the calipers.
you need the space for cooling and if driving in winter, snow and ice build up.
your brakes will over heat, boil your fluid and greatly reduce your stopping ability
stick with 17" or higher.
the 330xi multispoke design 17" wheels are 7" and you should stick to 205 if you want wider you do require a wider rim.
snipped-for-privacy@canada.com
I hear your points, but Tirerack.com list a 16" wheel for winter for the xi... and the dealer tells me they come from the factory with 16" unless you take the 17" package, so ......... I am leaning to the side that says they will fit! But please, tell me any other info you have to share.\ I am in Montreal, so we have the same winter as you, I appreciate your info.
xi doesn't matter, it's whether it is a 325 or 330 that matters.
325's can use factory 16" but 330's can only use factory 17" or highersnipped-for-privacy@canada.com
I spoke to a dealer today, he clearly told me that the 17" is an OPTION, 16 is standard on 330. But not all 16" wheels will fit. look on tirerack and you'll see there are 2 wheels available for the 330 in
16""
No 330 has ever come from the factory with a 16" and i said factory 16" wheels
there are some aftermarket that will fit but BMW does not sell a 16" wheel for the 330 for the reasons i mentioned earlier
snipped-for-privacy@canada.com
"330xi" wrote
That is correct; the dealer/salesman doesn't know shit. I have the 3-series sales brochure and it clearly shows all 330 with 17".
Although 330xi doesn't like 16", IMO it's no big deal unless you're tracking it. As far as his complaint about snow building up on the wheels, take it from me that I get plenty on my 17", especially after running through snow/slush - say hello to unbalanced wheels.
FloydR '01 330xi
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