Topic: Downsizing bmw 335 coupe for winter.

[Hammy]

I am planning to downsize my 225-40-18 front and 255-35-18 rear tires for 17 inch winter tires.  The non sport 335 coupe takes 225-45-17 tires so I am thinking I could get winter tires in that size if I got some 17 inch winter wheels?  I was thinking of buying some costco alloy rims at about 180 each for winter.  Has anyone downsized like this or used the costco alloys for winter?

Thanks

[tortoise]

A quick google search suggests that 17" wheels will work but only a few will actually clear the brakes.  I think you might need to do some more research into what works.

[toolatecrew]

Check tire rack. Not to buy wheels necessarily but because they tend to have great info on what fits and what doesn't.  If tire tack says they fit you will know ranges of size offset etc that should fit and clear the brakes

[Hannibalsmith]

Like what others said, you need to do more research. I'm actually starting to shop for winter tires and wheels myself for the 335i. In my case, the car comes with the m-sport brakes, which apparently are different from the normal set up, enough so that it impacts the type of wheels that can fit. A bit more complex than buying for the Camry.

[sailor723]

Just don't buy from the BMW dealer! (Unless you want a $2500 winter tire pkg  )

[Hammy]

I think I will just call the dealer to get sizing options etc and then see what costco has available.  From researching it looks like the 225-45-17 will work but with rims I will have to get sensors or live with the tire pressure warning light staying on all winter.

[Flinter]

I think I will just call the dealer to get sizing options etc and then see what costco has available.  From researching it looks like the 225-45-17 will work but with rims I will have to get sensors or live with the tire pressure warning light staying on all winter.

I'm not 100% sure but it was my understanding that Canadian BMWs do not have TPMS sensors. I understand that the tire pressure is determined by the ABS wheel speed sensor at each corner. You may want to ask the dealer about that.

[sailor723]

I think I will just call the dealer to get sizing options etc and then see what costco has available.  From researching it looks like the 225-45-17 will work but with rims I will have to get sensors or live with the tire pressure warning light staying on all winter.

I'm not 100% sure but it was my understanding that Canadian BMWs do not have TPMS sensors. I understand that the tire pressure is determined by the ABS wheel speed sensor at each corner. You may want to ask the dealer about that.

No TPMS sensors in our 2011 328

[Hammy]

I think I will just call the dealer to get sizing options etc and then see what costco has available.  From researching it looks like the 225-45-17 will work but with rims I will have to get sensors or live with the tire pressure warning light staying on all winter.

I'm not 100% sure but it was my understanding that Canadian BMWs do not have TPMS sensors. I understand that the tire pressure is determined by the ABS wheel speed sensor at each corner. You may want to ask the dealer about that.

Thats interesting, when I had a tire fixed the guys said they didnt see any sensors although the car does have a tire pressure monitoring system so that might be it.

[sailor723]

US spec BMW's (and Mercedes) have the sensors....Canadian ones do not....they use the ABS sensors to count wheel revolutions..  If you order wheels and tires from somewhere like Tirerack they will indicate that you need sensors....you do not.

[Hammy]

US spec BMW's (and Mercedes) have the sensors....Canadian ones do not....they use the ABS sensors to count wheel revolutions..  If you order wheels and tires from somewhere like Tirerack they will indicate that you need sensors....you do not.

Thanks that makes getting rims much easier, I also confirmed this with BMW.  Funny thing is BMW are saying I nned 225-50-17 and every website I have checked says I need 225-45-17.  BMW also says i can go as low as 225-55-16 which no one else sasy I can.  Maybe they are not looking at the right specs or something???  I guess its possible a 225-45-17 or 225-50-17 could fit properly?

[Hammy]

Correction, it was 205-50-17 bmw were recommending and if I try it at 1010tires it does seem to be the best fit. 

[Hammy]

New wheels just showed up check these bad boys out!  The WS-80 Blizzaks are in the mail!