The 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive blends grand touring comfort, hatchback practicality, and all-wheel-drive confidence in a distinctly modern BMW package. It sits in the era when BMW was pairing strong performance with larger, more complex wheel and tire combinations, especially on sport-equipped cars. For this exact model, tire fitment is entirely radial, but the correct size depends on whether the car is in Base form or uses a Sport Package front and rear staggered setup. Available choices range from blackwall performance radials to RWL and redline options in selected sizes. The key is matching the tire to the car's exact wheel diameter, axle position, and appearance goals before making a selection.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive
The 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive uses five primary tire sizes, all in radial construction, and they are not interchangeable across every configuration. The first step is identifying whether the car is a Base model or a Sport Package setup, then confirming whether you are selecting for the front or rear axle and whether the wheels are 18-, 19-, or 20-inch. Once that is clear, the real comparison shifts to tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility.
A 245/50R18 tire uses a 245-millimeter nominal section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and an 18-inch rim. On the 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive, this size is used in a straightforward radial fitment and suits the Base configuration rather than the staggered Sport Package combinations. In this size, the available choices center on Pro-Trac Street Pro III tires with either RWL or redline sidewall styling. This size makes the decision less about multiple fitments and more about selecting the sidewall presentation that best matches the car's intended look.
A 245/40R20 tire carries a 245-millimeter nominal width, a lower 40-series profile, radial construction, and a 20-inch rim diameter. For the 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive, this size belongs to the front position on one of the Sport Package wheel setups, so it should be chosen only after confirming the car's exact front wheel diameter. Available products include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac options, with blackwall, RWL, and redline sidewall treatments depending on the tire line. It is the right size to evaluate when keeping the larger-diameter front Sport Package presentation intact.
A 245/45R19 tire combines a 245-millimeter nominal width with a 45-series profile, radial construction, and a 19-inch rim. On the 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive, this size serves as the front tire in the alternate Sport Package fitment, making wheel-diameter confirmation essential before ordering. BFGoodrich and Nitto options appear in this size, with blackwall sidewalls and several performance-oriented tire series. This size is the one to consider when the car uses the 19-inch front Sport Package wheel setup and you want to stay with the proper front tire proportion.
A 275/35R20 tire uses a wider 275-millimeter nominal section width, a 35-series profile, radial construction, and a 20-inch rim. For the 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive, this is a rear Sport Package size and pairs with the larger staggered performance setup rather than the Base model fitment. Products in this size include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac, with blackwall choices alongside RWL and redline versions in the Street Pro III line. This is the size to review when maintaining the wider rear stance and separate front-to-rear fitment of the 20-inch Sport Package arrangement.
A 275/40R19 tire has a 275-millimeter nominal width, a 40-series profile, radial construction, and a 19-inch rim diameter. On the 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive, this size is used at the rear in the 19-inch Sport Package staggered setup, so it should be matched to the correct rear wheel diameter rather than treated as a universal option. BFGoodrich and Nitto both offer choices here, with blackwall sidewalls and several g-Force and NT555 G2 series selections. This size matters when preserving the rear-wheel proportion and staggered character of the 19-inch sport configuration.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive because the Base version uses one size while Sport Package setups use separate front and rear sizes in either 19-inch or 20-inch wheel combinations. Identifying the exact configuration is the key first step before comparing tire series, sidewall style, or other product details.
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2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive Base
The Base 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive uses a single 245/50R18 radial tire size, which keeps fitment more straightforward than the staggered Sport Package arrangements. Tire selection here comes down to choosing the right 18-inch radial and deciding whether an RWL or redline sidewall better suits the car's presentation.
The Sport Package front fitment uses either 245/40R20 or 245/45R19, depending on which wheel package is on the car. Front tire selection starts with confirming whether the car wears 20-inch or 19-inch front wheels, then comparing the available radial series and sidewall treatments within that exact size.
The Sport Package rear fitment uses either 275/35R20 or 275/40R19, matching the staggered rear setup to the corresponding front wheel package. Rear tire choice should keep axle position and wheel diameter aligned, then focus on radial tire series, blackwall versus styling accents, and wheel-width suitability.
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 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive Tires for Sale
Available 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive tire choices span Pro-Trac, BFGoodrich, and Nitto depending on size. Buyers can compare blackwall, RWL, and redline sidewall styles, along with Street Pro III, g-Force, and NT555 G2 series options across the correct 18-, 19-, and 20-inch radial fitments.
Common questions for the 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive usually center on identifying the correct size by sub-model, understanding the staggered Sport Package setup, comparing available radial tire styles and brands, and checking wheel fitment before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive?
The 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive uses several radial tire sizes depending on configuration. The Base model uses 245/50R18, while Sport Package cars use staggered front and rear combinations of 245/45R19 with 275/40R19 or 245/40R20 with 275/35R20.
That means the right answer starts with identifying the exact setup on the car, not simply the model name. Check whether it is a Base car or a Sport Package version, then confirm front and rear wheel diameters before choosing tires, since the sport fitments are axle-specific and use different widths.
What size rim does a 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive use?
A 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive uses 18-inch, 19-inch, or 20-inch rims depending on the tire size and vehicle configuration. The Base model uses an 18-inch rim with 245/50R18 tires, while Sport Package versions use either 19-inch or 20-inch staggered wheel sets.
Rim diameter is the first fitment detail to confirm because a 19-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 20-inch wheel, and vice versa. On Sport Package cars, front and rear tires also use different widths, so checking each wheel individually helps prevent mixing the wrong tire size with the wrong axle.
Why does the 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive have more than one tire size?
More than one tire size applies because the 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive was offered in both Base and Sport Package configurations, and the Sport Package uses staggered front and rear tire sizing. It also appears with either 19-inch or 20-inch sport wheel combinations.
That variation makes the car's actual wheel setup more important than the model name alone. A buyer should confirm whether the car has the Base 18-inch arrangement or one of the staggered sport layouts, then match the correct front and rear sizes to preserve proper fitment and wheel compatibility.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive?
Start with the exact tire size that matches the car's configuration, since the 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive may use a single 18-inch size or staggered 19-inch or 20-inch front and rear sizes. Every primary fitment here is radial, so the main variables are size, wheel diameter, and axle position.
Once fitment is confirmed, compare tire series, sidewall style, and any wheel-width guidance attached to the product. A Base car owner may focus on appearance choices such as RWL or redline, while a Sport Package owner usually needs to keep close track of separate front and rear sizing.
What sidewall styles are available for 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive tires?
Sidewall style depends on size. Blackwall tires appear in the 19-inch and 20-inch sport-oriented fitments, while selected sizes also offer RWL and redline sidewall treatments, especially in the Pro-Trac Street Pro III line, and the 245/50R18 Base size is available with RWL or redline styling.
Appearance choice should come after size and wheel confirmation. Blackwall usually suits a more understated modern performance look, while RWL and redline create a stronger visual accent, so the best choice is the one that matches the car's wheel package and the owner's preferred presentation.
What brands offer tires for the 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive?
Tires for the 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive are available from Pro-Trac, BFGoodrich, and Nitto, depending on the size. The mix varies by fitment, with Pro-Trac appearing in the Base 18-inch size and several 20-inch sport sizes, while BFGoodrich and Nitto cover multiple 19-inch and 20-inch sport applications.
Brand comparison works best after the correct size is settled, because not every brand appears in every fitment. Once the size is confirmed, the useful differences become tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width compatibility rather than assuming the same lineup applies across all Base and Sport Package combinations.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive?
Yes. Modifications such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, or altered ride height can affect tire fitment on a 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive even when the tire size looks close to stock. That matters most on Sport Package cars because the front and rear sizes are already staggered.
Any car with non-original wheels should have wheel diameter and width checked before replacement tires are chosen. Clearance at the fender, suspension, and steering should also be reviewed, especially with 19-inch and 20-inch setups, since a tire that matches the model name may still be wrong for a modified car.
What should I inspect before driving a 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive on new tires?
Before road use, inspect that each new tire matches the correct axle position, size, and wheel diameter for the car's configuration. Then check inflation, bead seating, valve condition, and visible clearance around the fenders and suspension, particularly on staggered Sport Package cars with separate front and rear sizes.
A short, careful test drive is a smart next step after installation. Listen for rubbing, verify stable tracking, and recheck pressure after the first miles, since a setup with 18-, 19-, or 20-inch wheels can behave differently if a tire was mounted on the wrong axle or paired with the wrong wheel.
How often should tires on a 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive be inspected?
Tires on a 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive should be inspected regularly, not only at service intervals. Look over tread wear, sidewall condition, cuts, bulges, and air pressure, and pay extra attention if the car sees limited use, seasonal use, or longer periods parked between drives.
Routine inspection is especially important on a staggered setup because front and rear tires are different sizes and cannot simply be treated as a uniform set. Catching uneven wear or pressure loss early helps protect handling and ride quality, and it also confirms the tires still suit the car's actual wheel arrangement.
