2008 535xi Touring - Will 16" wheels fit?

[Binh.n54e61]

Hello everyone,

I am looking to put together a winter wheel set-up together for my 08 e61. I just recently placed an order for some 16x7 5x120 +ET20 steelies. I'm looking to run some chunkier tires (225/55/16) which is why I am specifically looking for 16's. Will these wheels be able to clear the brakes (rotors and calipers) safely? Any insight on the matter is appreciated.

[jtbgonesailing]

ET 20 won't fit a 4x4. You will need a ET 40ish. Look at this.
http://www.bmwstylewheels.com/5/E60+

[Binh.n54e61]

Thank you jtbgonesailing - could you please explain why the +ET20 wouldn't fit?

With +ET43 on my stock set-up (style 243 wheels), the wheels sit very deep into the wheel well and I don't like the look of it. I am currently on M3 CSL reps that are 19" +ET35. Even +ET35 sits deep into the wheel well so I am using 10mm spacers in the front and 17.5mm spacers on the rear to have it flush with the fenders.

Is this bad for the x-drive system? If so, I would totally revert back to the stock set-up to spare myself the damage.

[JayArras]

On an E60 xi car, the minimum wheel size is 17" because 16's won't clear the brakes. The offset for xi cars is about ET 34-45, otherwise they won't fit properly. A 225 size is the minimum you should consider for a snow tire. Steelies will look like crap on a BMW. You can do better on Craigslist with used OEM wheels. Just my opinion.

[Binh.n54e61]

Thank you for your insight JayArras - I am considering your opinion. Personally, I do not mind the look of steel wheels. I think they look decent on the car.

I contacted the manufacturer of the steel wheels - they do have a size that fits the BMW X1 (E84) - size 7.5x17 ET34. However, the manufacturer says that they are unsure if this will fit as steel wheels have a backspacing that may or may not interfere with the calipers.

I will look into OEM options - though craigslist and Facebook marketplace has very little options in my area.

[pbonsalb]

On an E60 xi car, the minimum wheel size is 17" because 16's won't clear the brakes. The offset for xi cars is about ET 34-45, otherwise they won't fit properly. A 225 size is the minimum you should consider for a snow tire. Steelies will look like crap on a BMW. You can do better on Craigslist with used OEM wheels. Just my opinion.

I bought a used set of 17” alloys for my winter wheels back in 2011 for my 08 E61 535xi Sport (factory 18s). Such wheels should be cheap now. Just get a straightness guarantee — spin them on a car and look for wobble. I have used 215/50 and 225/45 for snows. Some 215 have sufficient load rating. Not sure if there is room to fit 225/50. I never tried. Within 3% diameter of stock is fine.

[Binh.n54e61]

I bought a used set of 17” alloys for my winter wheels back in 2011 for my 08 E61 535xi Sport (factory 18s). Such wheels should be cheap now. Just get a straightness guarantee — spin them on a car and look for wobble. I have used 215/50 and 225/45 for snows. Some 215 have sufficient load rating. Not sure if there is room to fit 225/50. I never tried. Within 3% diameter of stock is fine.

To my knowledge, my E61 stock wheel/tire set up is 225/50/R17. Can someone confirm this?

[jtbgonesailing]

To my knowledge, my E61 stock wheel/tire set up is 225/50/R17. Can someone confirm this?

Take a look at the drivers B pillar. Tire fitment size and recommended tire pressures are listed.

[pbonsalb]

To my knowledge, my E61 stock wheel/tire set up is 225/50/R17. Can someone confirm this?

Maybe they are. I have not bought in a couple of years and found be confusing with my E36M3 snows. I have 3 BMWs and 3 sets of snows. All are in storage right now so I could not check.