X5 4.4 Sport - wheel size problem

[sumo69]

I am looking at a well specked 05 1 owner full BMW history car - only issue is that it has 17" SE spec rims!

Whilst this makes the car a softer ride, what's everyone's opinion on it not having the 19" standard rims?

For info it's for family use not tracking!!

David

[rassi]

Are you buying privately? The owner should be able to explain why it is on 17" rather than 19". The ride will certainly be better but 17" look a bit under-nourished on an X5.

[8Tech]

I didn't know you could get 17" wheels for an X5! I bet he got a nasty shock when going to purchase some new 19" runflats and bought some cheap used alloys from another car.

I would either revert to the 19's or even better, buy a full set of new 19 or 20" replicas complete with non run-flats for about the same price as a couple of 19" run-flats only.

Going normal tyres improves the ride and you should have a spare anyway so no problem.

I would be rather suspicious of the maintenance level of a car someone has been so obviously cheap with on the tyres.

[sumo69]

Now established that they are BMW supplied winter wheels and tyres - only problem is that the vendor sold the OEM rims to buy them! Dock brain!!!

So do I go ahead and source some off fleabay??

....or just find another car and not have the grief?

[DennisCooper]

Hi,

I wouldn't put unbranded replica type wheels on any car - always go for higher quality and stronger wheels as I consider them as safety related items as well.

There's plenty of choice from ebay for wheels and tyres to fit onto an X5, don't give up a mechanically good car with the spec you want over a set of easily available wheels !

Cheers, Dennis!