What tires are used on the BMW 5 Series?
3 Answers
BMW 5 Series adopts Hankook tires in the size of 245/45R18, while some imported models are equipped with 245/40R19 as front tires and 275/35R19 as rear tires. Specific details are as follows: Hankook Tires: Hankook's ultra-high-performance tires stand out for their excellent ride comfort, low rolling resistance, and good handling, which is partly attributed to the use of new steel wire materials that significantly reduce tire weight while enhancing strength. Ventus: Through new vulcanization, effective cross-linking of rubber polymers is achieved, combined with newly developed styrene polymers, ensuring outstanding grip and traction even under wet conditions and extremely low rolling resistance, guaranteeing timely braking.
I've been driving a BMW 5 Series for five years, which came with run-flat tires as standard. The base models like the 525Li usually have 18-inch wheels, most commonly fitted with 245/45 R18 Michelin Primacy 3 tires, which provide exceptionally quiet and comfortable driving. Higher trim models come with 19-inch or even 20-inch wheels. My 530Li, for example, has 245/40 front and 275/35 rear Pirelli P7 run-flat tires. The main reason for choosing run-flat tires is safety—they allow you to drive up to 80 kilometers even after a puncture. However, run-flat tires tend to be noisier, so I later switched to regular tires and kept an air pump in the car. I recommend that owners check the markings on the sidewall of the tire to confirm the exact specifications, as configurations can vary by model year, especially for the M Sport package versions, which often come with performance tires.
With over a decade of experience in automotive repair, I've disassembled and installed countless BMW 5 Series tires. The three most common OEM brands are Michelin, Pirelli, and Bridgestone. The 18-inch tires typically have a 245 tread width and are designed as run-flat tires, with the most common models being Michelin Primacy or Pirelli P7. When replacing tires, pay attention to whether they have the star mark. OEM tires with BMW's star mark are 20% more expensive than regular versions but offer better compatibility. For rear-wheel-drive vehicles, the rear tires wear out faster, so it's recommended to rotate the front and rear tires every 20,000 kilometers. The tire production date is indicated by a four-digit number on the sidewall, for example, 1123 means the tire was produced in the 11th week of 2023. Tires older than six years should be replaced even if they show no signs of wear.
