We recently blew a run-flat tire on our 2015 X5. Those things aren't cheap! In any case, the tire shop we went to strongly recommended that we replace all four tires; not because the other three were too worn, but because we needed to keep a matching set to avoid damage to the AWD system.
Now, I get that... different circumferences will cause a problem, etc. But, here's the thing...
In checking the owners manual, I can't find any reference to any issue with non-matched tires. Nothing! And, in fact, some models (AWD included) recommend different size tires for the front and rear(!).
So, I'm throwing this out to all of you experts... do I need to spend the extra $700+ to replace the three older tires???
All four corners must have the same diameter (and thus the same rolling circumference). Some packages offer a wider stance on the rears. That wider stance does not change the rolling circumference. Search these forums for square vs. staggered. Also, read this:
To the OP, you will be fine just replacing the one tire as long as it is the same size. You have up to a 3% variance to work with without causing any strain on the diff.
If tires are in good shape the tread difference is negligible and will have no effect. Go with the same brand as the others though as there is variance between brands
Just ask the tire installer to shave off the new tire so that it will be close to the other 3 and you should be fine. If the other 3 are quite worn out, then replacing all 4 making more sense.
We recently blew a run-flat tire on our 2015 X5. Those things aren't cheap! In any case, the tire shop we went to strongly recommended that we replace all four tires; not because the other three were too worn, but because we needed to keep a matching set to avoid damage to the AWD system.
Now, I get that... different circumferences will cause a problem, etc. But, here's the thing...
In checking the owners manual, I can't find any reference to any issue with non-matched tires. Nothing! And, in fact, some models (AWD included) recommend different size tires for the front and rear(!).
So, I'm throwing this out to all of you experts... do I need to spend the extra $700+ to replace the three older tires???
@ dtnelson......Just my 2 cents worth here. My daughters '07 X3 had 2 tires go bad (bubble on sidewall) & we just replaced those 2 without any issues. The other 2 tires had good tread left. The other option I would suggest is to replace your Run Flats with conventional tires which are much less of an expense, then go to WalMart & buy a couple cans of the Flat-a-Fix & a small air pump, for "just in case" you have a flat. That's what they do for the M4 convertible that a friend of mine bought. With AAA, FlatFix & air pump, you should be able to make it home or to a Discount Tire store to fix the flat if it still needs it. You're probably to young to remember but years ago one of the major tire manufactures (Goodyear) maybe, made a self sealing tire. had an inner surface that was kinda like the Fix a Flat stuff.
If you do just replace the bad run flat, if it's not the correct dia (circumference) the tire light will come up on the dash & you will know that its' not the right size.
Marek is exactly right. There is a very low tolerance for different diameters on the same axle. Not worth the huge downside and great expense with xdrive.
Tire Rack likely has an exact match of make and model of tire you have, including BMW spec' tires. They also will shave it down to whatever tread depth you want for $30. I just bought a PSS shaved down to 6/32nds inch to match the other three on the car.
tire rack likely has an exact match of make and model of tire you have, including bmw spec' tires. They also will shave it down to whatever tread depth you want for $30. I just bought a pss shaved down to 6/32nds inch to match the other three on the car.
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