The 2012 BMW 550i GT blends grand-touring comfort with the fastback utility and long-wheelbase character that made the 5 Series Gran Turismo stand apart from a conventional sedan. It is a modern BMW that asks for close attention to wheel and tire setup, especially because fitment changes between the standard configuration and the Sport Package front and rear positions. This model uses radial tires only, with 18-, 19-, and 20-inch fitments depending on setup. Available choices range from blackwall performance radials to RWL and redline options in select sizes. The key is matching the exact size to the car's wheel position, appearance goals, and current wheel package.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2012 BMW 550i GT
Five primary tire sizes apply to the 2012 BMW 550i GT, and the correct choice depends first on whether the car is a Base model or a Sport Package front or rear fitment. Rim diameter matters just as much as sub-model position here, since this BMW uses 18-, 19-, and 20-inch wheel setups. Once that is confirmed, the real decision becomes selecting the right radial tire style, series, and sidewall treatment within the correct size.
245/50R18 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, and fitment for an 18-inch rim. On the 2012 BMW 550i GT, this size serves the Base configuration and keeps the fitment conversation straightforward because the vehicle stays with a single front-to-rear size in that setup. Available choices in this size center on Pro-Trac Street Pro III radial tires with either RWL or redline sidewall styling. It is the size to focus on when the car retains its 18-inch wheel package and the goal is choosing between traditional visual treatments rather than changing fitment layout.
245/40R20 is a metric radial size that uses a 245-millimeter section width, a 40-series profile, and a 20-inch rim. On the 2012 BMW 550i GT, it belongs to the front position on a Sport Package setup, so it should be treated as part of a staggered arrangement rather than a universal all-around size. Choices include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac options, with blackwall, RWL, and redline presentations depending on the tire series. It becomes the right path when the car has 20-inch Sport Package front wheels and the owner wants to compare performance-oriented radial selections within that front fitment.
245/45R19 is a metric radial with a 245-millimeter section width, a 45-series profile, and a 19-inch rim diameter. For the 2012 BMW 550i GT, this size is used at the front on one Sport Package wheel setup, making it a position-specific fitment rather than a catch-all choice for every configuration. BFGoodrich and Nitto both appear here, with blackwall performance-focused series that differ in load specification, rim-width compatibility, and product character. This is the size to evaluate after confirming that the car uses the 19-inch Sport Package front wheel rather than the 20-inch alternative.
275/35R20 is a metric radial size with a 275-millimeter section width, a 35-series profile, and a 20-inch rim. On the 2012 BMW 550i GT, it is the rear companion to the 245/40R20 front Sport Package fitment, so it belongs in a staggered setup where front and rear sizes are intentionally different. Available products include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac tires, with blackwall, RWL, and redline sidewall choices depending on the series. It should be considered only after confirming the car carries 20-inch rear Sport Package wheels and the goal is maintaining the proper rear tire size relationship.
275/40R19 is a metric radial that combines a 275-millimeter section width, a 40-series profile, and a 19-inch rim diameter. For the 2012 BMW 550i GT, this is the rear fitment paired with the 245/45R19 front size on a 19-inch Sport Package arrangement, so it should be selected as part of that matched front-to-rear combination. BFGoodrich and Nitto offer blackwall choices in several series, including g-Force and NT555 G2 lines. This size matters most when the car retains its 19-inch rear Sport Package wheel and the buyer needs a rear tire that matches that specific staggered setup.
Tire fitment on the 2012 BMW 550i GT changes by configuration, and the Sport Package adds separate front and rear sizes. Checking the exact sub-model and wheel position is the first step, especially because this BMW uses multiple rim diameters across its covered fitments.
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2012 BMW 550i GT Base
The 2012 BMW 550i GT Base uses a single 245/50R18 radial tire size, making fitment more straightforward than the staggered Sport Package arrangements. Tire selection then comes down to confirming the 18-inch wheel setup and choosing the sidewall presentation that best suits the car's intended look.
The 2012 BMW 550i GT w/Sport Pkg. Front uses either 245/40R20 or 245/45R19 radial front tires depending on the wheel package on the car. That makes wheel-diameter confirmation essential before comparing front tire options or matching them to the correct rear size.
The 2012 BMW 550i GT w/Sport Pkg. Rear uses either 275/35R20 or 275/40R19 radial rear tires, paired with the corresponding Sport Package front fitment. Rear tire choice should stay tied to the actual wheel diameter and the existing staggered setup rather than treating the sizes as interchangeable.
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 2012 BMW 550i GT Tires for Sale
Available 2012 BMW 550i GT tires span Pro-Trac, BFGoodrich, and Nitto radial options across Street Pro III, g-Force, and NT555 G2 series. Depending on size, buyers can compare blackwall, RWL, and redline sidewall treatments along with differing rim-width and load-capacity specifications.
Tire questions for the 2012 BMW 550i GT usually center on identifying the correct size by sub-model and wheel position, then comparing radial tire styles, sidewall treatments, and wheel-fitment details. The FAQs below focus on those exact decisions.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2012 BMW 550i GT?
The 2012 BMW 550i GT uses several radial tire sizes depending on configuration. The Base model uses 245/50R18. Sport Package front fitment uses either 245/45R19 or 245/40R20, while Sport Package rear fitment uses either 275/40R19 or 275/35R20.
That means the first step is identifying whether the car is a Base model or a staggered Sport Package setup, then confirming the actual wheel diameter on the vehicle. A front Sport Package tire should not be chosen as a rear tire, and a 19-inch setup should not be mixed with a 20-inch setup unless the whole wheel-and-tire package is being changed deliberately.
What size rim does a 2012 BMW 550i GT use?
The 2012 BMW 550i GT uses 18-inch, 19-inch, and 20-inch rim diameters depending on the tire size and configuration. The Base model is tied to an 18-inch fitment, while Sport Package setups use either 19-inch or 20-inch front and rear wheel combinations.
Wheel diameter should be verified before selecting a tire because the same model year includes more than one rim size. On Sport Package cars, front and rear wheel positions also matter because the BMW uses staggered sizing. Reading the wheel markings or confirming the mounted tire size is the safest way to avoid ordering a tire that matches the model but not the actual wheel on the car.
Why does the 2012 BMW 550i GT have more than one tire size?
The 2012 BMW 550i GT has more than one tire size because fitment changes between the Base model and the Sport Package, and the Sport Package uses separate front and rear sizes. It also appears with both 19-inch and 20-inch Sport Package wheel combinations.
That variety means the model name alone is not enough to choose a tire. The correct approach is to confirm the exact sub-model, check whether the car has a staggered front-and-rear setup, and verify the rim diameter already on the vehicle. This matters even more on used examples, where wheel changes may have been made after the car left its original configuration.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 2012 BMW 550i GT tire?
Start with the exact size for the car's configuration, because the 2012 BMW 550i GT can use five different radial sizes across Base and Sport Package applications. After size is confirmed, compare construction details such as rim-width compatibility, load-capacity figures where stated, tire series, and sidewall style.
The best comparison points depend on how the car is used. A Base car on 245/50R18 may be more about visual style, while Sport Package sizes often involve choosing among blackwall performance radials from BFGoodrich and Nitto or RWL and redline treatments from Pro-Trac. Matching the tire to the wheel position and the vehicle's current wheel package matters more than choosing by brand name alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 2012 BMW 550i GT tires?
Sidewall choices for the 2012 BMW 550i GT include blackwall, RWL, and redline, depending on the tire size. Blackwall options appear across the BFGoodrich and Nitto performance radials, while Pro-Trac Street Pro III adds RWL and redline choices in several covered sizes.
That gives the car owner a real appearance decision once the correct fitment is identified. Blackwalls suit a more understated modern look, while RWL and redline treatments create a stronger visual statement on a GT with a custom or enthusiast-oriented presentation. The key is keeping style selection secondary to the correct size, wheel diameter, and front or rear position on the vehicle.
What brands offer tires for the 2012 BMW 550i GT?
The 2012 BMW 550i GT has tire options from Pro-Trac, BFGoodrich, and Nitto across its covered sizes. Depending on the exact fitment, those brands appear in Street Pro III, g-Force, and NT555 G2 series, with the strongest variety found in the Sport Package 19-inch and 20-inch sizes.
Brand choice should be evaluated alongside the specific size and intended look of the car. Some sizes lean toward blackwall performance-oriented options, while others also include RWL or redline styling. It helps to compare each tire's stated rim-width range, load figure when shown, and overall presentation instead of assuming every brand offers the same type of tire in every 550i GT fitment.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2012 BMW 550i GT?
A period-style 2012 BMW 550i GT still starts with the exact fitment the car uses now, whether that is 245/50R18 on the Base model or one of the staggered Sport Package combinations. From there, the visual direction depends on whether the goal is a subtle modern blackwall look or a more distinctive enthusiast-style presentation.
Pro-Trac Street Pro III tires add RWL and redline options in select sizes, which can change the car's personality without changing the basic fitment category. For owners who want the appearance to reflect a specific showroom or delivery-era look, it is worth checking marque references, original photography, or window-sticker documentation before treating any sidewall treatment as historically exact.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2012 BMW 550i GT?
On the 2012 BMW 550i GT, construction is straightforward because the covered fitments are radial tires throughout. The visible appearance difference comes less from bias-ply versus radial questions and more from sidewall style, tire series, and the stance created by the 18-inch Base setup versus the 19-inch or 20-inch Sport Package arrangements.
That means a restoration-oriented owner should focus on preserving the correct size relationship and wheel package first. A blackwall BFGoodrich or Nitto tire gives the car a more contemporary OEM-like visual tone, while RWL or redline Pro-Trac options create a more customized statement. Keeping the correct front and rear pairing on staggered Sport Package cars is just as important as sidewall appearance.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2012 BMW 550i GT?
Yes. Wheel changes, suspension alterations, and aftermarket fitments can all affect tire selection on a 2012 BMW 550i GT, especially because this model already uses multiple diameters and staggered front-and-rear combinations. A tire that matches the model year may still be wrong for a car that no longer has its original wheel package.
It helps to confirm the actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and front or rear position before choosing a replacement tire. Lowering changes, spacer use, or non-original wheel offsets can also alter fender and steering clearance. Checking the size mounted on the car and comparing it with the wheel setup in place is more reliable than assuming every 550i GT was equipped the same way.
What should I inspect before driving a 2012 BMW 550i GT on new tires?
Before road use, inspect tire pressure, wheel condition, valve stems, and the basic condition of the suspension and alignment-related wear points. On a 2012 BMW 550i GT, it is also smart to confirm that the front and rear tires are mounted in the correct staggered positions if the car uses a Sport Package setup.
A visual check should include tread condition, sidewall damage, and any signs of rubbing after installation. The first miles are the right time to listen for contact during turns and to verify that the steering feels consistent. After a short drive, recheck inflation and look again for clearance marks, especially on cars with 19-inch or 20-inch wheel packages.
How often should tires on a 2012 BMW 550i GT be inspected?
Tires on a 2012 BMW 550i GT should be inspected regularly for pressure, tread wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, and any signs of uneven wear. A quick visual check before longer drives is especially worthwhile on a grand-touring car, and cars that are driven less often still need periodic inspection because age and storage conditions matter.
Inspection intervals should become shorter if the car has staggered Sport Package tires, aftermarket wheels, or any recent suspension work. Uneven front-to-rear sizing means each position should be checked as its own fitment, not treated as a generic set of four. Watching for slow air loss, shoulder wear, or rubbing signs can catch wheel or alignment issues before they become more serious.
