BMW 8 (E31) Tire Size and Rim Specification Guide by Year and Trim
The BMW 8 Series (E31) was produced from 1990 to 1999, featuring various trims and model year updates that influenced tire sizes and rim specifications. Early models typically came with 16-inch or 17-inch rims, with rim widths ranging from 7 to 8.5 inches, depending on the trim and performance package.\n\nTire size markings vary by year and trim; common sizes include 225/55ZR16, 245/45ZR17, and 265/40ZR17. Performance trims often required wider rims and tires to enhance grip and handling. Checking your vehicle’s manufacturing year and specific trim helps identify the correct tire and wheel combination.\n\nWhen comparing trims, pay close attention to rim width and diameter specifications, as fitting a rim too wide or narrow affects tire performance and safety. Consulting exact tire markings on your original tires or owner’s manual ensures compatibility. Upgrading tires or wheels may improve ride quality but must adhere to BMW’s recommended specifications.\n\nAlways verify tire sidewall codes to confirm size and speed ratings appropriate for your BMW 8 (E31). Proper tire and rim selection maintain optimal vehicle dynamics and preserve the integrity of this classic grand tourer.
| Make / model / trim | Year | Tire size | Wheel |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 8 (E31) 840 Ci | 1999 | 235/45R17 | 8" × 17" |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 Ci | 1999 | 235/45R17 | 8" × 17" |
| BMW 8 (E31) 840 Ci | 1998 | 235/45R17 | 8" × 17" |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 Ci | 1998 | 235/45R17 | 8" × 17" |
| BMW 8 (E31) 840 Ci | 1997 | 235/45R17 | 8" × 17" |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 Ci | 1997 | 235/45R17 | 8" × 17" |
| BMW 8 (E31) 840 Ci | 1996 | 235/45R17 | 8" × 17" |
| BMW 8 (E31) 840 i | 1996 | 235/45R17 | 8" × 17" |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 Ci | 1996 | 235/45R17 | 8" × 17" |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 CSi | 1996 | 235/45R17 | 8" × 17" |
| BMW 8 (E31) 840 i | 1995 | 235/45R17 | 8" × 17" |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 Ci | 1995 | 235/45R17 | 8" × 17" |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 CSi | 1995 | 235/45R17 | 8" × 17" |
| BMW 8 (E31) 840 i | 1994 | 235/45R17 | 8" × 17" |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 Ci | 1994 | 235/45R17 | 8" × 17" |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 CSi | 1994 | 235/45R17 | 8" × 17" |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 i,Ci | 1994 | 235/45R17 | 8" × 17" |
| BMW 8 (E31) 840 i | 1993 | 235/45R17 | 8" × 17" |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 CSi | 1993 | 235/45R17 | 8" × 17" |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 i,Ci | 1993 | 235/45R17 | 8" × 17" |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 i,Ci | 1992 | 235/45R17 | 8" × 17" |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 i,Ci | 1991 | 235/45R17 | 8" × 17" |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 i,Ci | 1990 | 235/45R17 | 8" × 17" |
For bolt pattern (PCD), offset ET, center bore, and mounting details, open the bolt pattern page for BMW 8 (E31).
FAQ
- What are the common tire sizes for the BMW 8 (E31)?
- Typical tire sizes include 225/55ZR16, 245/45ZR17, and 265/40ZR17, varying by model year and trim.
- How do rim widths differ between BMW 8 (E31) trims?
- Rim widths generally range from 7 to 8.5 inches, with performance trims using wider rims for better handling.
- Can I use tires from one trim level on another BMW 8 (E31) trim?
- You can, provided the tire and rim sizes match exactly; otherwise, it may affect vehicle safety and performance.
Tire size calculatorShow
Compare two tire sizes — diameter, speedometer error, and clearance change.
| Size 1 | Size 2 | Diff | Diff(%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 25.0" | 25.4" | 0.5" | 1.89% |
| Width | 7.7" | 8.5" | 0.8" | 10.26% |
| Circumference | 78.4" | 79.9" | 1.5" | 1.86% |
| Profile height | 5.0" | 4.2" | -0.7" | -15.08% |
| Turnover per mile | 807 | 793 | 14 | -1.73% |
| Clearance | - | - | +0.2" | - |






Speedometer Error
(First wheel OEM size)
| Reading | 20 mph | 30 mph | 40 mph | 50 mph | 60 mph | 70 mph | 80 mph | 90 mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | 20.4 | 30.5 | 40.7 | 50.9 | 61.1 | 71.2 | 81.4 | 91.6 |
