Looking at pimping up the wife's non-sport pkg 3.0 X5 from the so-so 17" wheels to 19" snowflakes as used on the 4.4 - 4.6 sport package over the last few years.

The 3.0 sport pkg went to matched 18's. Only models with 19's and larger are staggered.

QUESTION:

Would going MATCHED 19's be an issue due to the larger diameter? Is there a functional reason beyond larger contact patch/additional understeer for having wider widths in the rear for large dia. wheels?


My biggest issues with going with the staggered - which is how this set is available - are 1.) inability to rotate front to rear; and 2.) additional unsprung weight. (And I'm trying not to make tire $$ a deciding factor here)

Increase in unsprung weight should be your number one concern. The increase in rim size means a heavier wheel unless you're using very pricey forged wheels. I dont' know what the brake system changes are in the X5 model line, but especially with SUV's SAV's, they will suffer in the braking department when using a heavy wheel if you've made no other changes. Will you or your wife notice? Odds are not most of the time, but in emergency conditions I think you've reduced some margin.

Personally, I am not a fan of staggered setups because you cannot rotate easily.

The key to figuring out what wheels will work is offset, wheel width, and tire size.

I would avoid running 19"s with all the potholes you're going to have to dodge. 18" would be a better choice...but I'm not sure what's available for an X3.

Actually, with the X5, 19's are pretty conservative. 21-22's get the rubber close to the road. I think the 4.8 has optional 21's. 18's don't really look a whole lot different than the 17's.

Peter, I agree with the unsprung wt. and possible braking issues. But it sure has great brakes right now. Except for the time I rear ended someone.........................