By the Rims & Tires Team
Compiled & reviewed by our West Georgia tire & wheel research team · Updated 2026-07-24
The BMW i5 is the all-electric version of the BMW 5 Series executive sedan, launched for the 2024 model year. The i5 eDrive40 produces 335 hp from a single rear motor; the i5 M60 xDrive produces 601 hp from dual motors. The M60 uses a staggered tire setup different from the eDrive40, so BMW enthusiasts choosing between trims should understand the tire differences before purchasing.
BMW i5 Tire Sizes by Variant
BMW i5 eDrive40 (RWD): 245/45R19 on 19-inch standard alloy wheels, a symmetrical all-around setup allowing front-to-rear rotation. The optional 20-inch M Sport package uses a staggered 245/40R20 front / 275/35R20 rear (no rotation).
BMW i5 M60 xDrive (AWD): staggered 245/45R19 front and 275/40R19 rear on 19-inch wheels standard; optional 20-inch M Sport package uses 245/40R20 front and 275/35R20 rear.
BMW specifies tires with the star (BMW star of approval) marking for i5 fitments. The star marking indicates a tire compound specifically validated for BMW's suspension tuning and, in the i5's case, EV weight and torque delivery.
The M60's staggered setup means no rotation possible. The eDrive40 can rotate front-to-rear.
Best Tires for the BMW i5
Michelin Pilot Sport EV in 245/45R19: the top EV-specific tire choice for i5 buyers. Engineered for battery weight and instant torque, appropriate for both eDrive40 and M60 front axle (M60 rear uses 275/40R19).
Continental SportContact 7 with star marking in i5 fitment sizes: Continental is a frequent BMW OEM supplier. The SportContact 7 star-marked variant is validated for BMW i5 use, with strong dry and wet performance.
Pirelli P Zero elect in 245/45R19 and staggered M60 sizes: Pirelli's EV-marked P Zero in BMW star-approved compound. OEM-equivalent performance for i5 buyers who prefer Pirelli.
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 in 245/45R19: for eDrive40 owners who want all-weather year-round capability. 3PMSF certified, appropriate for mild winter use without a seasonal swap.
Frequently asked
What size tires does the BMW i5 use?
i5 eDrive40: 245/45R19, or staggered 245/40R20 front / 275/35R20 rear (M Sport). i5 M60: 245/45R19 front and 275/40R19 rear (staggered), or 245/40R20 / 275/35R20 with M Sport package. Verify with door jamb sticker.
Do BMW i5 tires need the star marking?
BMW recommends star-marked tires. The compound is validated for i5 suspension tuning and EV requirements. Non-star tires in the correct size will fit, but star-marked replacements maintain the intended handling character.
Can you rotate BMW i5 tires?
eDrive40: yes. Symmetric 245/45R19 all around allows front-to-rear rotation. M60: no, staggered 245/45R19 front / 275/40R19 rear cannot be rotated.
Do I need EV-specific tires on the BMW i5?
They're the better fit. The i5 is heavy and instant-torque, so tires built for EV weight with low rolling resistance protect your range and hold up to the load, and many add foam to keep the quiet cabin quiet. BMW recommends star-marked tires tuned for the car, and a shop can fit the right size and marking for your trim.
Should I replace all four tires on the i5?
It depends on your setup. The rear-drive version with a square fitment can be rotated and replaced in pairs if the wear is even. The performance versions run staggered sizes that can't be rotated, so each axle wears on its own and you replace in axle pairs. On any version, keeping tread depth close all around matters most, and a shop can measure and advise.
Keep reading
Last updated 2026-07-24. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.