What is the tire size for the BMW 5 Series?

[MacMiles]

The BMW 5 Series has two tire sizes: 245/45R18 and 245/40R19. In 245/45R18, the first number 245 represents the tire width of 245MM, 45 indicates the aspect ratio of the tire section is 45%, meaning the section height is 45% of the width, 18 stands for the rim diameter of 18 inches, and the letter "R" in the middle denotes a radial tire. In 245/40R19, the first number 245 represents the tire width of 245MM, 40 indicates the aspect ratio of the tire section is 40%, meaning the section height is 40% of the width, 19 stands for the rim diameter of 19 inches, and the letter "R" in the middle denotes a radial tire. The BMW 5 Series tires feature a dual-tone, five-spoke wheel design, and the tire brands include Pirelli, Bridgestone, Michelin, etc. If you want to replace the tires yourself, you can follow these steps: Take out the spare tire and jack, place the jack under the frame of the tire to be replaced, ensuring the jack touches the metal part of the frame; Raise the jack until it supports the car, the jack should be under the vehicle, check and ensure the jack is perpendicular to the ground; Remove the hubcap, loosen the nuts counterclockwise, do not fully loosen them, just enough to eliminate resistance. When loosening the nuts for the first time, keeping the tire on the ground ensures that the nuts turn rather than the tire; Turn the nuts counterclockwise until they are loose, repeat this step for all lug nuts, then completely remove the nuts; Place the new tire on the hub, carefully align the tire rim with the wheel bolts, install the lug nuts, and tighten them by hand until all nuts are concealed. At this point, the tire replacement is complete. In addition to the model, the tire also has the following common data marked on it: Tire cord material: represented by Chinese pinyin, such as M-cotton cord, R-rayon cord, N-nylon cord, G-steel cord, ZG-steel radial cord tire. Speed rating: indicates the maximum speed at which the tire can carry the specified load under specified conditions. Letters A to Z represent the certified speed ratings of the tire from 4.8km/h to 300km/h. Common speed ratings include: Q: 160km/h; H: 210km/h; V: 240km/h; W: 270km/h; Y: 300km/h; Rim specification: indicates the rim specification compatible with the tire for practical use, such as "Standard Rim 5.00F".

[McAllison]

I bought my BMW 5 Series last year and specifically researched its tire configuration. Generally, the 525Li comes standard with 225/55 R17 tires, while the 530Li and above models mostly use 245/45 R18 or 19-inch specifications. When I changed tires before, I noticed that higher-end models even have staggered setups—245/40 R19 for the front and 275/35 R19 for the rear, which indeed makes driving much more stable. Wider tires provide more confidence when cornering, but they do come with slightly more road noise. The owner of the modification shop also reminded me not to randomly change tire sizes when replacing them myself, as it could cause rubbing against the wheel arches and affect the odometer's accuracy. Recently, I saw that the new model even offers optional 20-inch tires, which definitely look much more aggressive than my 18-inch ones.

[VanHadley]

Having worked on BMWs for ten years, I've removed and installed hundreds of sets of 5 Series tires. The base model often comes with the cost-effective 225/55 R17, which offers adequate handling. Most owners upgrade to 18 or 19-inch wheels, with 245/45 R18 being a well-balanced choice. The sportier versions prefer 19-inch staggered setups, with 245-width tires in the front and 275 in the rear to leverage the rear-wheel-drive advantage. Once, a customer insisted on fitting 21-inch rims, only to find they rubbed against the fenders at full lock. I recommend keeping the sidewall height number no lower than 35 when changing tires to avoid bulges from potholes. The original tire size is clearly labeled on the sticker inside the driver's door frame.

[DiIsla]

Drove a 5 Series for three years and changed tires twice. The base models come with 17-inch 225-width tires, while the higher trims start with 18-inch. The most practical option is the 245/45 R18, which strikes a good balance between quietness and durability. Last month, I accompanied a friend to pick up his new car and noticed the latest 540i is equipped with 275/35 R19 rear tires—the grip is indeed impressive, providing stability even during high-speed lane changes in the rain. However, wider tires are quite costly to replace; a single one costs nearly as much as two basic tires.