New-old X3

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by ETD

Went out again mudding and climbing. Did well given lack of locking diff and street tires. Pictures to follow. Will be going with 17 inch wheels and 235/65/17's as recommended on this forum, actually. Leaning towards Yoko's Geo AT-s but also looking at Pirelli ATR and Michelin X-terrains. Any opinions? Does anyone have the underrider protector? Seems like that is a must as well. I would say that I am a very proficient off-roader on the H3 (read: careful driver) so hopefully the X3 will continue to take me places as well. Plan on taking the easy lines on obstacles but will test what German engineers have done

235/65R17 is the standard X5 E53 size. 17s on the X3 wear 235/55R17s as standard. You would have to check if the taller 235/65s would fit your X3 without fouling anything. I'm very happy with my Pirelli ATRs - good puncture resistance and good off-road traction but still quiet and comfortable on sealed roads.

[ETD]

[ETD]

Sorry, I meant to say that I am looking at 225/65R17 which should fit, no?

[AzNMpower32]

Actually, 225mm is probably a bit narrow for the wheels. The problem is actually the taller 65-aspect ratio which has been known to cause rubbing issues with the wheelwell.

[ETD]

I found 225/60R17 or 225/55R18. The latter would save buying new wheels!