BMW i3: Comprehensive Wheels & Tyres Guide

[@llavero5]

Important fact, only the 427 (pizza style) is forged, so lighter and stronger than the rest. The last wheel was from the concept, not the futuristic versión, but appear in the chassis exhibition

[@philipp594]

Could you make a video on fitting more standard sized (wider) wheels snd tires?

[@InkeyInc]

Terrific video. Highly informative and 100% relevant.

[@jonathantaylor1998]

Thank you, Martin for taking the time to explain this, otherwise, rather confusing conundrum of alloys and tyre sizes...! Brilliant video - I appreciate you putting it up on your excellent channel. 😎

[@RobotoForgoto]

I have aftermarket Rial X10-1winter rims with a square setup and Continental Viking C7s. They work well in Canada. I think my aftermarket rims look better than the stock 429s. The Rial rims seem to have a shape that accommodates the 43/53mm offset from front/rear for a REX. I also inflate the tires to 80% of max pressure for a slightly better compromise between traction/range/wear front and rear (Clap of thunder in the background)! I put lots of clicks on my i3 in the winter! Thanks for some great content - keep up the good work!

[@carlitopicache629]

This has been ridiculously helpful. I really appreciate you guys doing it. I saw your other video on how Wisely checks i3 cars before sale. Amazing work!

[@Orbit353]

Here in Norway, the most standard winter package (additional complete wheels) you get with a new car is a square setup with 428 rims (5Jx19). You can also use any of the 5Jx19 rim variants for a square setup in the summer for BEVs, with same tire setup as with the 427 rims)

[@ah1472-u5h]

Thanks for this. I do have a few errors to point out 1) diagram when discussing i3s options shows a combination of 5.5J-20 rims with 175/55R19 tires on the left car rear, obviously a typo, 2) in Canada, and maybe other markets, the TPMS is not sensor based but relative rotation based, and 3) you can run with 175/60R19 tires on 5.0” wide rims and be within specifications for the Ecopia tires. This combo is useful for someone like me with a REx and only one set of rims (a winter set). Handling is better with the wider rear tire in the summer, and more importantly it makes a big difference on extending tread wear.

[@blogfotografo]

Thank you guys. Great video. I´m just wondering, why some variants of the i3 have this "Square Setup" for the wheels, instead of all i3 with a "Staggered Setup"? Maybe the too thin wheels in the back explain why some models of this car swerve at certain high speeds?

[@genuine74boomer]

Another great video - so informative!

[@Humuku]

Thanks. A very special car with some very special tires.

[@wiselyauto]

Luckily there are more options now than when the car launched. More choice = customer wins!

[@Humuku]

@@wiselyauto Yes, but after some thinking about the alternatives it still looks way ahead of its time and an as much advanced successor is still missing. E.g. I like the Ioniq 5. But it is more or less still a traditional car with steel. BMW would have been wise to update the battery and the navigation system. But apparently the i3 cost them too much money to let it be what it is...

[@rp9674]

For better or worse

[@tylerh21]

Super helpful for me. I just bought a used 2014 BMW i3.

[@charence]

Thanks! I didn’t realise the BMW online shop had a winter wheel set. I’m considering if I need a set in the UK.

[@wiselyauto]

Depends on where you live and what conditions you drive in. Most of our customers do fine on summer tyres but definitely don't use them to drive in snow...

[@gurmukhp]

Would summer tyres be fine in London ? Ideally I'd want all season tyres, what do you think of the Bridgestone ecopia ep600s?

[@charence]

@@gurmukhp I'm based in London and I only have the EP500 summer tyres. I kept them on throughout the last winter.

[@gurmukhp]

@@charence ah thank you, that's good to hear. Did you ever go long distance during winter like 100 miles or so?

[@btc7881]

excellent video! one question: are there 4 season tyres offered for i3s?

[@SRWorksLtd]

Yes there are for example the GoodYear Vector 4season G3, one of the best 4 season tyres 👌🏽

[@glenf4115]

Two missed notes regarding the 20" 430: They are summer only (not all season) You cannot put winter tires on the 430 rims as they do not make winter tires for them

[@teslaralf]

Thank you for this video about the different rims. I do enjoy all informations about the i3. You do a really good work!

[@WhiteRoseDrives]

Great explanation of all the dimensions and numbers! ET is still confusing though 😂

[@castletown999]

I have to disagree with the last point - i3 tires don't wear quickly. I have driven i3 since the beginning and do not drive crazy. But the tires last about 8000 miles max. The rears go first but I think it's the biggest negative about the car. Here in the US the only tires available are the Bridgestones, so they charge monopoly prices. A full set is about $1000 installed after taxes etc. Since they last less than a year that makes them by far the biggest running cost item. What are people's experience with the Michelins? Not that they are available here. Just curious.

[@johnsdiychannel8436]

There was a time when BMW were supplying "handed" wheels, the left side was different to the right side in terms of the wheel pattern. I've been trying to find out if there is a benefit in having "handed" wheels and if so which direction is the correct direction to fit them.

[@rp9674]

1993 Toyota Supra too

[@markedwardsphotography]

BMW i3S vs. i3. BMW i3s does NOT share the same rear panel as the standard i3. ( video time-line 06:17"). The i3s BMW does not have wider wheel arches as THE WHOLE REAR SIDE PANEL IS FLAIRED WIDER to accommodate the wider i3S wheels.

[@johnbb99]

So?

[@CubbyTech]

Good video - was hoping for wheel size alternatives, to get out of the single expensive manufacturer we're forced to use in the US. The rear tire wear is very poor, barely get 2 years / 20K miles out of them before needing to replace.

[@Kaal5218]

Thank you thank you!! Helped me a lot

[@glenf4115]

Continental also makes winter tires for the 19" rims in 155/70 R19 88T XL: Winter Tires: WinterContact Nordic winter tires: VikingContact

[@ritchiem]

The 428s came in square(5J) setup for the non-s models as a winter set. Perhaps, they were never sold in the UK. I have a nice handed set on my Canadian car but saw the wheels for sale in Germany before I finally found a more local set.

[@aldra744]

now you can get 429 as well

[@gonville1964]

Yes. Pretty standard set for UK

[@gonville1964]

Square set of 428s pretty standard in UK for winters. With an non square set for summer.

[@philjans1]

Really good 👍

[@fabiodefreitas6009]

Martin … you made an excellent video about the variety of different tires that are now available for i3’s from different manufacturers. I can’t find it any longer … can you send a link to that video? Thank you.

[@wiselyauto]

Thanks. Here is a vlog where Arthur runs through all the options: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnmWm2dqf6-In6M

[@paulf3353]

Alloy on the last section is a prototype alloy with non-prototype tyres

[@bmwi3eti3svoitureelectriqu85]

Très bonne vidéo j'ai partager sur BMW i3 et I3S trucs et astuces.

[@edgardorodriguez]

Thanks for the video the only question is which is the tallest tire i can put on the i3 and if i can put the same tires in the front and back?

[@janhuml4819]

Ahoj Martine, thans for excellent video! I got the staggered set-up and put the 155 tyres on the 5.5J rear axle. The tyre just gets stretched a bit and I could also get this legalized here in CZ (written into the “velky technicak” paper). I read on some German forums Bridgestone officaly allows such set-up on i3 tyres.

[@jararak84]

Hello Honzo, in result, are you going to stretch those 155 to usual 5.5J disk or get some different wheels? ola from Slovakia

[@janhuml4819]

@@jararak84 Hi Jaro, I’ve stretched the 155 tyres to 5.5J wheels and to be on the safe side with insurance, got this set-up written into the car documents.

[@McGr1stle]

I've just got my i3 and found your channel, which is fantastic and a really helpful source. Plus, you've got an adopted Scotsman as your front man, you really can't go wrong. :) What do you think of putting 175's on the front with 20" 430's? Is this even possible without spacers?

[@Kaal5218]

Hi thx for the nice overview. Was there ver an option to get the non s 20” rims in black only?

[@plagus1987]

great helpful video thank you

[@andrewcarter2254]

Hi Martin, a great video as always. Ive just had Bridgestone 175 put on my REX and got home a measured the tread with a proper Continental device and i have 5mm depth. Could this be right? Regards..

[@aldra744]

very usefull vid thanks

[@davidsilva3567]

I have seen that you have a combination of Michelin on the front and Bridgestone on the back, are the Michelin worth the premium of 20% on the price compared with the Bridgestone?

[@wiselyauto]

We definitely like the Michelins and think are worth the premium. The Bridgestones are louder and don't have as much tread, but as mentioned in the video, it's best to replace all 4 at the same time as a full set for the best handling.

[@raven4k998]

wait he does not say anything about after market ones? like are there any aftermarket ones for better tire life?

[@paulannett1669]

I have an i3s bought from you. How long should my tyres last, on average? Also I’ve never even considered changing to winter tyres in the UK. Haven’t on any previous cars. Is there any benefit unless you’re driving on snow regularly? How much does it cost to get them changed twice a year?

[@WhiteRoseDrives]

They make a difference at roughly 7°C and below. Braking distances, grip; all better with the different rubber compound. Go look at tyre reviews channel for his comparisons, albeit on snow. I think autocar did a comparison video some years ago in cold, but not snow, conditions too.

[@zaba1959]

Very helpful thank you.

[@sirachides]

Hello, an excellent explanation! I got my i3 94Ah Rex but it mounts a square set (all tires are 5Jx19, 155/70 R19) and not a 5.5Jx19, 175/60 R19 on the rear. Would this lead to problems? thank you!

[@philipp594]

We should try to make a group buy for tires. The markup is insane …

[@damp7ernavigator]

How about Brock 19'' winter tires set for BMW i3s?

[@greiganderson81]

Hey Martin. I’m a new i3 60amh Rex owner and love the videos. I’m interested in sourcing some 20” 430’s to replace the current 19” 428’s which have been completely refurbed and diamond cut. Can you recommend where to get them?

[@wiselyauto]

We usually source wheels from eBay. The 428 style seems to be the most popular, so if you want to sell them privately, you should manage to recoup some of the cost of the 430's.

[@greiganderson81]

@@wiselyauto Thanks for that. I'll keep an eye out then. Love the videos and the i3 btw, your videos really helped make my mind up. I'd love to bring mine to you for a once over tbh. Quick question on the front shock gaitors, mine are a bit shot like the ones you mentioned, whats the cost for parts and labour on these from you guys?

[@johnc1486]

Great! video

[@justice4g]

a lightweight RWD platform seems ideal but not a fan of the skinny wheels

[@Idisposable-v8t]

Original/2014 i3 (BEV - for sure, don't know about Rex) does not have TPMS sensors.

[@wiselyauto]

This video refers to cars in the UK, where tpms has been standard throughout production

[@paulf3353]

Most interesting question regarding tyre pressure recommendation change in latest I3 vs older ones are not touched. Spoiler- no, it is nothing to do with the range extender.

[@wiselyauto]

We actually would like to know the official answer to this. Maybe to help squeeze out a tiny bit more range on the WLTP / EPA test cycles?

[@paulf3353]

@@wiselyauto Me too, if you'll get one - please post it here.

[@rvjldn]

Hi Martin, is it possible to have the 427s to be painted black and then diamond cut/lacquered like the other styles? Thanks

[@wiselyauto]

Technically yes but the faces are quite flat so the 2-tone effect does not exactly come through. See an example here: www.fawheels.co.uk/web/image/product.template/15322/image

[@helgeschneider9399]

Hi, can i put un Winter tyres on the 20“ i3s wheels? Have the black ones on it and could get the 20“ bicolor wheels to put winter tyres on them. Or better on the black ones because of the salt in winter? Greetings!

[@wiselyauto]

Unfortunately there is no manufacturer which produces winter tyres for the i3s wheels (as far as we know), so you will need to get a dedicated winter set of alloys.

[@chris061261]

hi martin how do you feel about using spacers 15mm on my BMW I3 68 reg Rex 20'' alloys

[@topspykimi]

Do i3s need wheel alignment every time it changes winter tires to summer tires

[@SRWorksLtd]

No

[@aldra744]

Maybe you know turbine style wheel blades must have the same orientation in both sides or they have different orientation on left and right side, this is how it is on my car.

[@shhs6127]

cheap production... just like Tesla ...

[@reras]

Have anyone tried mounting 175/55R20 all around on style 431 staggered setup?

[@aldra744]

Please let me know do you have any experience about mounting 155x70xR19 tire on 5.5 J 19 wheel rim? I notice that some people are doing this to avoid buying second set of wheels. Thanks for your input.

[@wiselyauto]

Physically, yes they will fit but this does not mean you should/can do that - that's something to check with your insurance company not us (and the answer will likely be no). Our advice is to have a second set of wheels - in the long run this works out cheaper, as you save yourself the cost of swapping tyres twice a year.

[@aldra744]

@@wiselyauto Thanks for sharing thoughts.

[@edwinlapitan2956]

My i3s 94Ah REx didn’t come with TPMS. Is it possible and, if ever, what is needed to add this? Thanks.

[@wiselyauto]

If you mean TPMS sensors, they should be present in all wheels, otherwise the car will keep throwing warnings. TPMS equipped valves can be fitted by for example wheel refurbishing / tyre companies. All i3's as far as we know should come with TPMS from the factory though.

[@edwinlapitan2956]

@@wiselyauto The car didn't come with it (option 2VB) so was wondering how easy it would be to add. Apart from getting the sensors installed, any other hardware needed or would it just be a matter of coding (via Bimmercode maybe?)? Thanks.

[@DLVRYDRYVR]

Rad 🤙

[@colinharvey1049]

Is it a i8 wheel?

[@weaesq]

Funny how we never shifted away from inches on wheel and tire inner diameters.

[@TackNej]

👍🏻

[@markedwardsphotography]

( video time-line 05:10" ) BMW Wheel 428 Design features a manufacturing flaw. The Casting MOULD is one -directional, so the "turbine-look " is Incorrect when fitted to one side of the car. Meaning: when viewed from one side of the car, the wheel looks like its rotating one direction and on the other side of the vehicle the wheel design looks INCORRECT and rotating the other way up. You will see this ON EVERY i3, I3S with 438 Design wheels fitted. Incredibly bad wheel design by BMW. (incidentally the i3S Specific Official O/E Winter Wheel is the 428 Design with both front and Rear Wheel Dimensions are EXACTLY THE SAME, front and back, but the Off-Set HUB specification is different from the Standard 428 i3 wheel with Blizzard Rubber Fitted O/E for UK. . As Fiited on my i3S car

[@johnbb99]

" You will see this ON EVERY i3 " Not true. Early cars had handed 428s, so they looked 'right' on both sides.

[@varszegimarcell]

My i3 had the 428 style wheels with 155/70R19 Nankang Ice-1 winter tyres, both in the front and back, even if it must have been the wider tyres back there. (I just bought it like this used.) It messed up the car’s handling so badly. Do not do this please. The car felt outright scary above 100 km/h (60 mph) it was really sensitive to sidewinds, and really sensitive in corners. Switched out to Michlein E-Primacy tyres yesterday. (The summer is comming of course.) First, I cannot express how much better the Michlein tyres feel compared to the Nankangs, second, the stability issues at high speed are gone. So please do not fit mismatched tyre sizes. Even if it is a marginal width difference, and it is not in danger of slipping of the alloy, the handling of the car will feel extremely worse.

[@aldra744]

It think you can buy extra 2 pcs. of any front 5 J wheels and you will have 1,5 set of wheels

[@wiselyauto]

Correct. (If we are talking about the standard i3.)

[@aldra744]

@@wiselyauto thanks for your vid, you explain everything simple, what is really quite complicated even for BMW dealership in our town:)

[@rp9674]

After replacing a damaged 20" & seeing rash on others, i want 18s

[@teslaralf]

The rim is from the prototype i3 car. Seen in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHS1Z2yfi6meeJI

[@richardpiper4828]

Well done. Has Martin told you that the prize is an all expenses paid trip to Leipzig?

[@teslaralf]

@@richardpiper4828 that would be awesome

[@wiselyauto]

Well spotted! (No prize though. 😅)

[@tarassu]

I have totally different wheels. doublespokes. What...

[@Alextraz]

And i thought that ownership of bmw i3 is simple...... jealous all mighty what the f*ck bmw was thinking with this approach.... wheels for each season....how about no....what all season tires...can i put them on the stock "Summer" wheels?

[@Humuku]

a little farewell (focus on futuristic design and features) for end of production: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIqaepaEdsSFj5Y

[@lorenzosoiigo5415]

21"?😬

[@wiselyauto]

21" are not an official option and probably even aftermarket would be difficult to find in the narrow dimensions...

[@kwenger7088]

Looks like a spare tire

[@DeVonMArtis]

You all really spell the word tyres?

[@dopiaza2006]

Yes, we speak and write in English

[@onlyonecannoli3952]

I'm sorry, but the information concerning the same type of tire and the cars stability/antilock system relying on the all fours being the same brand is absolute bull$h!t. The car has NO idea what tire brand you're using, not even the tire width. A taller/shorter height will affect your speedometer reading, but that's about it. It's not enough to throw off a stability system. The stability system pulls data from yaw, steering-wheel-angle, and wheel-speed sensors, and determines what amount of slight brake pressure apply to a wheel and/or reduces the engine power to keep the car on the road and moving in its intended direction. And on the issue of insurance, unless your tire modification affected that cars handling in such a way as to make it the cause in fact and proximate cause of an accident, an insurance company will not be able to deny you coverage if the accident is a consequence of an unrelated event or set of circumstances. As a consequence (pun intended), I can't take anything else you mentioned seriously.