[nca75]

Ok, so this is either going to be the biggest noob question ever, or a question which actually requires expert advice...

I recently got my new 2020 230i RWD with the track package. I live outside of Boston and have a decent commute, so I've always had snow tires. I'd prefer to go to 17" for winter rather than just putting snows on the OEM 18" staggered.

The complicating factor is the blue M-Sport brakes, which are definitely bigger than the base model's; so I made the mistake of asking the dealership about what my winter options were. They told me that there are no 17" options out there which will fit over my calipers, and then they tried to sell me a set of M2 19" "winter" wheels for a mere $3700. The configurator at Tire Rack suggests that I should be able to find some 17" wheels that fit over the M brakes, but I want to make sure before I order.

The question: Is there a confirmed 17" wheel set that fits safely over the 230's blue brakes without having to bend rims or shave calipers? I don't need them to look beautiful - they are going to get potholed to death. I just need them to be solid, and to have sufficient clearance that I am not doing damage to the brakes/wheels, and that they are able to be installed/removed without major surgery.

I have seen other threads with answers for M235/240s from a few years back which suggest BBS SXs can work, but I don't know whether there is a difference between the M brakes on those and the current track handling package...

Thank you in advance!

[Maynard]

BMW uses a confusing and similar set of terms for the different brake setups, but the thing that matters is the diameter of the brake disc. If it is the 370mm, then you won't fit 17's. They all use blue Brembos, but some can fit 17's, (340mm IIRC), some can't. You could probably call tire rack or one of the parts houses w/ your vin and get a definite answer. And lots of 18" options that don't cost $3700; you want to stay w/ smaller wheels, so 17 is ideal if possible, and 18 better than 19.

[Sportstick]

My 2015 has the Track Handling Package with the blue MSport calipers. 17" definitely fit, in my case BBS SR. Tire Rack actually test fits these before they show them as fitting on their website. Use their tool to select MSport brakes with your car model and see the wheels they propose. Then, to comfort yourself, call and actually speak (old school!) to one of their excellent sales guys to reconfirm. P.S. Never buy from or ask new car dealers about wheels and tires...this is not their business nor expertise, other than to sell what they have in inventory.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by nca75

I made the mistake of asking the dealership about what my winter options were. They told me that there are no 17" options out there which will fit over my calipers, and then they tried to sell me a set of M2 19" "winter" wheels for a mere $3700.

If you ever go back there, don't forget to show them your 17" wheels. Not that they'll get it, but still.

I think the Rack will confirm that BBS SR 17X7½ ET35s will fit over your brakes. It's a strong wheel and along with 45-series tires you may find that the combo is able to handle the sometimes poor road conditions in Mass.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by dradernh

I think the Rack will confirm that BBS SR 17X7½ ET35s will fit over your brakes.

...and this is what they look like...I run them in non-winter, but Michigan! BTW, I painted my blue MSport calipers to match Valencia Orange, but they are blue underneath.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

...and this is what they look like...I run them in non-winter, but Michigan! BTW, I painted my blue MSport calipers to match Valencia Orange, but they are blue underneath.

Hey, those are good-looking wheels!

We run them on the wife's Mazda 3, too - 16" winters in her case.

[msej449]

This is really the test of whether a 3rd.-party wheel/tire dealer knows their stuff - or not. There are plenty of 7.5Jx17 wheels which will fit around the M235i/M240i calipers, although plenty that won't as well. Recommending to switch to 19" on a 2 M-Lite for a winter setup is just bad advice, plain and simple.

My local 3rd.Party dealer does know their stuff and also said it's important to test-fit a wheel for the M-Lite before you fit the tire on the wheel. Even knowledgeable manufacturers sometimes get it wrong, but once you've fitted tires to a wheel, they won't take the wheel back.

Here are some Wolfrace 7.5Jx17 on my M235i. They're actually easier to keep clean than the stock wheels.

[nca75]

Thank you everyone for the advice! I am definitely calling Tire Rack, and the BBSs seem like the way to go. I also have the Valencia Orange, and they look great on there.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by nca75

Thank you everyone for the advice! I am definitely calling Tire Rack, and the BBSs seem like the way to go. I also have the Valencia Orange, and they look great on there.

Time to get the calipers painted to match!