Looking at going to 20"s please help?

[Richard137]

After seeing everyones beautiful rides, I have decided that my X5 deserves to have a set of 20"s,
But heres the problem, currently She is sitting on 19"s (255/50 front, 285/45 rear), my question to everyone is, What size tyres are needed on 20"s to allow a smooth transition? I don't fancy breaking anything (transmission etc).
I await the wisdom/links/advice etc of everyone. Thank you.
:blink:  :blink: :blink:

[TheHerd]

I believe my 20's are 275 front and 315 rear. I'll gather the other digits in the morning for you...

[Richard137]

Thank you.  :noexpression:

[Richard137]

Really appreciated, BTW, I've taken the plunge with the rear wiper mod.  )

[Steve p]

Front tyres are 275 40 20 rears are 315 35 20
Cheers steve

[X5Sport]

There should also be a label in the driver's door aperture with the 'official' sizes and tyre pressures.  Make sure you get tyres with the correct 'Load Index' - I can't remember it off the top of my head but it's something like 107, 109, 112 or similar.  Comes after the size data in the side wall.

A note of caution, and check your car.  If you have 19" at present and no plastic lips that stick out around each wheel arch by about an inch then you also need to buy the extended wheel arch kit.  The tread on 20" wheels exceeds that arch limit.

[Richard137]

[quote="X5Sport"]
There should also be a label in the driver's door aperture with the 'official' sizes and tyre pressures.  Make sure you get tyres with the correct 'Load Index' - I can't remember it off the top of my head but it's something like 107, 109, 112 or similar.  Comes after the size data in the side wall.

A note of caution, and check your car.  If you have 19" at present and no plastic lips that stick out around each wheel arch by about an inch then you also need to buy the extended wheel arch kit.  The tread on 20" wheels exceeds that arch limit.
[/quote]

I will look at the door later today, Thank you.

The Plastic lip, I have something, but unsure if its what you mean. (picture below)


Thank you

[Sanj]

[quote="Richard137"]
The Plastic lip, I have something, but unsure if its what you mean.

Thank you
[/quote]

No you have no wheel arch extensions. Have a look at the first picture in thislink, you can see you have a flat arch over the rear wheel and in the picture you can see it's extended out.

[Richard137]

Thank you very much Sanj, does it mean there needs to be cutting/grinding involved?

[Horizon]

Someone on here has OEM 20" wheels that has t got the wheel arch extensions and said they were level with the standard flat plastic arch liners and not a problem at MOT.
Hopefully someone will clarify, or poo poo that idea

[X5Sport]

I can't imagine BMW would spend money on fitting them to the E53 for no reason?

Were they level thoughout the suspension travel?

It's not an MOT failure.  It's a vehicle 'Construction & Use' failure.  Type Approval /Safety Certification, so a Police/DVSA matter.

[Sanj]

I had the OEM 20's on before extending the wheel arches and they were definitely sticking out. Think MoT failure wise, you could get lucky or unlucky but also Police might have a view on it.

Also, they do look better with the arches, imho.

[Richard137]

.......but is it a cut n slice job?
Sorry, but very new to all this.
Thank you.

[Sanj]

[quote="Richard137"]
.......but is it a cut n slice job?
Sorry, but very new to all this.
Thank you.
[/quote]

No probs, have a look here. It's new bits though...

[Richard137]

Once again Sanj, Thank you for this info, something to really consider.