The 2009 BMW 550i sits in the E60 5 Series lineup as a V8-powered sport sedan that blends executive-car comfort with serious highway pace. Buyers usually approach this car with two different fitment paths in mind: the standard setup or the staggered Sport Package arrangement. That matters because the 2009 BMW 550i uses radial tires in three distinct sizes: 225/50R17 for the Base model, and 245/35R19 front with 275/30R19 rear for Sport Package cars. Available choices center on modern blackwall performance radials from BFGoodrich and Nitto, with differences in tire series, load specification, and wheel compatibility worth checking before purchase.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2009 BMW 550i
The 2009 BMW 550i uses three primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on whether the car is a Base model or a Sport Package car with staggered front and rear fitment. The first step is confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, since this BMW uses both 17-inch and 19-inch rims. Once that is clear, the decision shifts to selecting the right radial tire series and comparing brand, load, and rim-width compatibility within the correct size.
The 225/50R17 size identifies a metric radial tire that is 225 millimeters wide, uses a 50-series aspect ratio, and mounts on a 17-inch wheel. On the 2009 BMW 550i, this size belongs to the Base model and represents the standard non-staggered fitment path. Available choices in this size include blackwall radials from BFGoodrich and Nitto across series such as g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and NT555 G2. This size is the one to evaluate when the car retains its 17-inch wheel setup and the goal is a modern radial replacement in the proper format.
The 245/35R19 size is a metric radial format with a 245-millimeter section width, a 35-series profile, and a 19-inch rim diameter. On the 2009 BMW 550i, this size serves the front position on cars equipped with the Sport Package, so it should not be treated as a universal fitment for every 550i. Blackwall performance radials are available from BFGoodrich and Nitto, including g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Phenom T/A, and NT555 G2. This is the correct size to review when the car uses the factory-style 19-inch front wheel arrangement and a staggered setup is being maintained.
The 275/30R19 size is a metric radial tire with a 275-millimeter width, a 30-series profile, and a 19-inch wheel fitment. On the 2009 BMW 550i, this size is used at the rear on Sport Package cars, making it part of a staggered front-and-rear combination rather than a standalone all-around size. Its role is to match the rear wheel and overall setup already on the car, so wheel width, rear clearance, and suspension condition deserve close attention before replacement. This size should be chosen only after confirming that the car is using the Sport Package rear wheel arrangement.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2009 BMW 550i because the Base model uses one tire size, while Sport Package cars use a staggered front-and-rear setup on larger wheels. Confirming the exact sub-model and wheel position is the key first step before comparing tire options.
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2009 BMW 550i Base
The 2009 BMW 550i Base uses a single 225/50R17 radial tire size, which keeps tire selection relatively straightforward compared with the staggered Sport Package setup. The main decision here is choosing among available blackwall radial tire series while confirming that the car still has its 17-inch wheels.
The 2009 BMW 550i w/Sport Pkg. Front uses a 245/35R19 radial tire, making it the front half of the car's staggered fitment. Tire selection should focus on matching the 19-inch front wheel setup and maintaining the intended front-to-rear size relationship.
The 2009 BMW 550i w/Sport Pkg. Rear uses a 275/30R19 radial tire, paired with a different front size on Sport Package cars. That means replacement should be approached as part of the rear axle fitment, with close attention to wheel size, clearance, and the existing staggered arrangement.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2009 BMW 550i Tires for Sale
Available 2009 BMW 550i tire choices center on blackwall radial performance tires from BFGoodrich and Nitto. Depending on size, buyers can compare series such as g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, and NT555 G2, along with rim-width and load differences.
These 2009 BMW 550i tire FAQs focus on the exact fitment questions that matter most, including Base versus Sport Package sizing, 17-inch versus 19-inch wheels, staggered radial setups, and the practical checks to make before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2009 BMW 550i?
A 2009 BMW 550i can use three primary tire sizes, depending on configuration. The Base model uses 225/50R17, while the Sport Package uses a staggered setup with 245/35R19 in front and 275/30R19 in the rear. All of these are radial tire sizes.
The key is identifying whether the car is a standard-wheel Base model or a Sport Package car with different front and rear tires. It also helps to confirm the wheel diameter already on the car, since this model uses both 17-inch and 19-inch rims. If the car has been changed from its original wheel setup, measure the existing wheels before choosing a replacement tire.
What size rim does a 2009 BMW 550i use?
The 2009 BMW 550i uses two rim diameters, depending on the setup. The Base model uses a 17-inch rim with 225/50R17 tires, while Sport Package cars use 19-inch rims with 245/35R19 front tires and 275/30R19 rear tires.
Rim diameter is one of the first things to confirm because the tire size must match the wheel exactly. A 17-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 19-inch wheel, and the opposite is also true. On a 550i with aftermarket wheels, check the actual wheel size stamped on the rim rather than assuming the car still has its original configuration.
Why does the 2009 BMW 550i have more than one tire size?
The 2009 BMW 550i has more than one tire size because fitment changes by sub-model and wheel package. The Base model uses a single 225/50R17 size, while Sport Package cars use a staggered arrangement with a narrower front tire and a wider rear tire on 19-inch wheels.
That difference affects more than just sizing on paper. It changes how the tires are rotated, how replacements are matched front to rear, and which wheels the tires can mount to. Before ordering, identify whether the car has equal-size tires all around or the staggered Sport Package setup, then confirm that the current wheels still match that arrangement.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 2009 BMW 550i tire?
Start with the correct tire size for the exact 2009 BMW 550i configuration, then compare construction, wheel compatibility, and the tire's intended character. This car uses radial tires only, but the actual choices still vary by size, tire series, rim-width specification, load capacity, and brand.
A Base model owner shopping for 225/50R17 should focus on 17-inch compatibility and the role of the tire in daily road use. A Sport Package owner needs to treat the front and rear sizes separately and preserve the staggered arrangement. It also makes sense to compare whether the tire matches the car's current wheels, suspension condition, and the kind of driving the car actually sees.
What sidewall styles are available for 2009 BMW 550i tires?
The available tires for the 2009 BMW 550i use a blackwall sidewall style. That applies across the currently available 17-inch and 19-inch fitments, so the visual decision is less about stripe treatment and more about which modern performance tire series best matches the car's setup.
Blackwall tires suit the contemporary appearance of an E60 5 Series and keep the focus on wheel design and stance. Since there are no alternate sidewall treatments in these fitments, buyers can spend more time comparing practical details such as tire series, rim-width range, and load specification. That usually matters more on this BMW than appearance-based sidewall choices.
What brands offer tires for the 2009 BMW 550i?
BFGoodrich and Nitto both offer tires for the 2009 BMW 550i fitments shown here. Depending on size, the available series include BFGoodrich g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and g-Force Phenom T/A, along with the Nitto NT555 G2.
Brand choice should come after confirming the exact tire size and wheel setup on the car. Once size is settled, compare the specific series available in that fitment, along with any stated rim-width range, load figure, and overall intended use. A Base model on 17-inch wheels and a Sport Package car on 19-inch staggered wheels may end up comparing different brand-and-series combinations.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2009 BMW 550i?
A period-style approach for a 2009 BMW 550i usually starts with preserving the correct factory-era sizing layout for the exact configuration. That means 225/50R17 for the Base model or the 245/35R19 front and 275/30R19 rear combination for a Sport Package car, all in radial construction.
Because the available choices are blackwall modern performance radials, the visual character comes mainly from keeping the right wheel diameter and front-to-rear proportions. The most convincing result usually comes from matching the tire size to the car's original-style setup rather than mixing wheel diameters or substituting a non-matching front or rear size. On a highly detail-focused car, compare the tire's profile and overall presentation with period photography or marque references.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2009 BMW 550i restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 2009 BMW 550i restoration because the wheel-and-tire package is a visible part of the car's stance and proportion. Using the proper Base or Sport Package sizing helps preserve the way the car sits and keeps the tire relationship to the wheel openings closer to the intended appearance.
Fitment also affects how believable the finished restoration feels to an enthusiast familiar with the model. A Base car on mismatched low-profile tires or a Sport Package car without its staggered setup can look visually off even before the car moves. Matching the right size to the right wheel diameter is one of the easiest ways to keep the restoration cohesive.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2009 BMW 550i?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2009 BMW 550i. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different offsets, suspension lowering, altered ride height, or bodywork changes can all influence whether the original 225/50R17 or the Sport Package 19-inch sizes still make sense on the car.
A 550i that no longer has its original wheel setup should be measured rather than assumed to match stock fitment. Wheel width, offset, and available clearance around the fenders and suspension all matter, especially on staggered Sport Package cars. Even when the tire size looks familiar, a modified wheel can change how that tire sits and whether it has enough room in real driving conditions.
What should I inspect before driving a 2009 BMW 550i on new tires?
Before driving a 2009 BMW 550i on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and visible damage, then confirm that the tires are mounted in the proper front or rear positions. Tire pressure should be checked cold, and the car should be looked over for obvious suspension wear, rubbing marks, or uneven clearance.
It also helps to recheck lug torque, make sure the tires clear the struts and inner fenders at full steering lock, and verify that a staggered Sport Package setup has not been mixed front to rear. A short test drive can reveal vibration, pull, or contact issues early. Catching those problems immediately is far easier than discovering them after a longer drive.
How often should tires on a 2009 BMW 550i be inspected?
Tires on a 2009 BMW 550i should be inspected regularly, not just when tread looks low. Check them for uneven wear, cuts, bulges, cracking, punctures, and pressure loss, especially if the car is driven seasonally or spends long periods parked between outings.
A monthly visual inspection is a sensible routine for a low-use enthusiast car, and another inspection before a highway trip is worthwhile. On staggered Sport Package cars, compare front and rear wear patterns separately because the sizes and wheel positions are different. Catching pressure loss or aging early helps protect the wheels, preserves ride quality, and reduces the chance of discovering a problem once the car is already on the road.
