Incompatible Wheels

I have 275/40-20 (front) and 315/35-20 (rear) on my X5 35d (E70). I decided to purchase winter tires and rims. Found a set of this exact size used one winter on an X6. Took them to the dealer for installation and was told they do not fit my vehicle. Apparently the hubs are different size. I feel stupid but also a little peed off that BMW builds two vehicles, same year, same tire size but incompatible hub sizes. The dealer folks were only barely able to conceal that look that says "This wouldn't happen if you bought stuff from us." I hope this prevents at least one person from making my mistake.

Hold on a minute. You CAN get the hubs bored out to fit the X5...

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...omparison.html

The rear wheels from the X6 should be 72.5mm...and that can be bored out to 74mm. A competent machine shop and $50-100.

I am sure the scumbags at the dealership didnt point this out for you, did they?

Thanks. I actually asked if they could be machined and was told "no". I will check with a machine shop. Are front hubs same or do they also need to be machined? I really appreciate your response. Hold the press! Disregard. I see from site you provided that front is the same on X5 and X6. Many thanks.

It seems like the topic of X5/X6/M/E53 hub-sizes comes every week. Btw, the correct sizes are 72.56 and 74.1 mm. And yes, they can be machined, but due to liability issues not everyone will do it.

You can also run adapters to properly fit the hub of those wheels to your E70. We've had a ton of luck with the H&R adapters found HERE.

Thanks for your clarification and sorry for bringing up the subject again. I have owned 8 BMWs for their performance, handling and just plain fun-to-drive factor. Never got involved in the technicalities such as 72.5mm vs 72.56mm hubs before. Not sure I want to. The dealership was helpful but I suspect they said "no" to machining for the reason you point out; that is liability.