Wheels for X5 3.0 base model

Hi

I am a newbie to this forum. Mine is a 05' X5 base model. The factory 17" wheels and 255 tire is too skinny and I am thinking of upgrading the wheels to take up tire of at least 285 width.

I do prefer 18" wheels but according to factory spec, it won't be able to take up tire width higher than 255. (fyi, my ML with 18" AMG wheels works perfectly well with 285/50R18 Diamaris). Apparently, I am forced to consider 19" or 20" wheel options?!

Can a base model X5 (w/o SP) work well with 19" or 20" wheels? what are the potential problems? ..... performance, comfort, fuel consumption.

Need your advice.

I have seen plenty of x5's with 20" rims. They will work fine but some of the drawbacks include a stiffer ride but with wider tires the performance will increase. I say go for it. :iceslolan :iceslolan

Something to consider:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=393322

I have locked on my target for AC type IV 20". But, given the 3.0 output, should I put 275/40 on both front & rear? or 275/40 front and 315/35 rear? I personally love the latter combination but no way to test out the actual performance and feel on road.

tough decision to me!

I think that the 315 in the back would be way too wide for the somewhat small horsepower the 3.0 puts out. I am pretty sure that the tires on the 4.8 dont even get that wide.

The stock 20" wheels/tires for the X5 are:

9.5x20 wheel with 275-40ZR20 tire on front

10.5x20 wheel with 315-35ZR20 tire on rear

Yes, the rears are wider than the fronts (staggered).

With regard to the lesser horsepower of the 3.0L engine (225hp) than the 4.4L (315hp) or the 4.8L (355hp), this is certainly the case, but believe me, the 3.0 can handle these wheels/tires just fine. The 20" package both handles better and looks better (but will ride slightly rougher).

If you do not have the sport package, then the 20" tires/wheels will be fine since the ride will firm up a bit. If you have the sport package (which is already a pretty stiff ride), simply consider whether you want to add more stiffness to the existing ride.