New 2012 F30 BMW 328i and 335i Winter Wheels and Snow Tires FAQ

Thursday, October 4, 2012 by Gary Stanley

The new 2012 / 2013 BMW 3 Series sedans (known in some enthusiast circles by the chassis number "F30") will be going through their first winter season this year. Like previous BMW 3 Series cars, the 2012 sedans are available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive models. 

The Original Equipment tires on the car are either summer performance tires or high-speed rated all-seasons. If you live in an area that sees snow during the winter months you should be considering a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package.

How can I see which wheels will fit the new 2012 BMW 3 Series sedans?
  1. Go to the winter section of our website.
  2. Select the make, year and model of your vehicle using the drop down menu under the heading titled "Shop vehicle make and year".
  3. Select the size of the wheel that you would like under the heading titled "Build Your Own Package". 
  4. The resulting page will show you winter / snow tires. To proceed to the winter wheels, click on the text towards the right side of the page that reads "Skip to wheels". 
What are the recommended Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package sizes? 
  • A large selection of 18"  diameter wheels fit and work well with the tire size 225/45R18.  Both run-flat and non-run-flat winter tires are made in this size.
  • Even if your vehicle came with 18"  or 19" wheels, you may want to consider minus sizing to 17" wheels with the tire size 225/50R17 for more effective winter traction. Run-flat and non-run-flat winter tires are also available in this size.
  • If you own a 328i, you can even minus size to 16" with the size 225/55R16, although only non-run-flat options are made in this size.  
Did the TPMS sensors change from the previous 3 Series?
 
Yes. BMW changed to a different TPMS sensor for the new F30 2012 BMW 3 Series. This means that new sensors will need to be purchased unless you're reusing the sensors from the original wheels on your new F30. No worries, Tire Rack has the correct sensors available for sale. 


I kept my old wheels from my 2007-2011 BMW 335i, will they fit my new 2012 3 Series sedan?

Most winter wheels that fit the E90 335i will also fit the new F30. Just keep in mind that the new F30 does use taller tires than the E90 and uses different TPMS sensors. As always, be sure to test fit to check for clearance before driving on them.

Get a head start on safe driving this winter by building your Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package today!  

 

Comments on New 2012 F30 BMW 328i and 335i Winter Wheels and Snow Tires FAQ

Thursday, October 25, 2012 by michael:
I have 225/45/17 winters on ASA rims from my 2007 335 that I would like to use on my F30 335xdrive. I don't need the sensors because I'm in Canada. Can I use them on the F30 and what will the downside to using 45 profile tires instead of the recommended 50?
Thursday, October 25, 2012 by Gary:
Michael,

Yes, you can use the shorter 225/45R17 size on the new F30. The tires are an inch shorter in diameter so the speedometer will read faster and the lower profile tires ride more stiffly than a 225/50R17. You should run the tires at 36psi or higher to maintain the proper load capacity.
Friday, January 4, 2013 by Lee:
in your testing of winter driving...what advantages do to see of the AWD having over RWD ...both with winter tires.
Friday, January 4, 2013 by Gary:
AWD models have better acceleration and slightly better cornering when accelerating, but no advantage in braking.
Monday, February 11, 2013 by Leer:
Why do do down-sized wheels/tires have better winter traction? Does the downsized tire have a narrower foot print?
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 by Gary:
Leer,

Downsizing typically allows for a more narrow tread width tire to be used.


The more narrow tread width bites into and through the snow rather than a wider tread patter which tend to float over the snow.

Shop Wheel Tire Packages by Vehicle http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/wtpack.jsp?affiliate=FH8
Tuesday, April 23, 2013 by Steven L:
Hi there, I bought a winter tire package 18" from tirerack for my 135i msport. I'm getting a 13' 335xi msport with the large blue brakes, will my 17" wheels fit? What should I look for when test fitting (other than obviously getting them fully on without contact with the calipers).
Wednesday, April 24, 2013 by Gary:
Steven,

What exact size and model of wheel are you asking about fitment on?
Tuesday, May 7, 2013 by Lee:
Hi, I bought a new set of tires/rims for my 2013 335ix, but now my TPMS keep alarming. How can you reset the system? I did that via the iDrive, but it keeps alarming. Is there a fix, or only fix action is taking back to the dealer for a reset?
Tuesday, May 7, 2013 by Gary:
If you purchased new TPMS sensors with your package, the instructions to sync them is in the owners manual.

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