The 2013 BMW 135i sits at the sharp end of the E82 and E88 1 Series, blending compact BMW proportions with the kind of rear-wheel-drive balance that keeps these cars relevant to enthusiasts long after their showroom years. That makes tire choice especially important, because the car’s character depends heavily on using the right size and wheel setup. This model uses radial fitments in 205/50R17 or, on staggered 18-inch applications, 215/40R18 front and 245/35R18 rear. Available choices range from blackwall performance-oriented tires to a wide whitewall 17-inch option. The key is matching the tire to the exact coupe or convertible configuration and actual wheel package on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2013 BMW 135i
The 2013 BMW 135i uses three primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on whether the car has the standard 17-inch setup or the staggered 18-inch arrangement with separate front and rear sizes. Before choosing a tire, confirm the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, since 205/50R17, 215/40R18, and 245/35R18 do not serve the same position or configuration.
205/50R17 is a metric radial size in which 205 is the section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 17 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2013 BMW 135i, this size is associated with the 17-inch setup rather than the staggered 18-inch front and rear arrangement. Product choice is broader here, with BFGoodrich, American Classic, and Vredestein options, mostly in blackwall form plus a wide whitewall variation. This size matters most when the car retains its 17-inch wheels and the goal is choosing between performance-oriented styling and a more distinctive appearance.
Fit(s): Convertible Front, Convertible w/M Sport Pkg. Front, Coupe Front, and Coupe w/M Sport Pkg. Front
Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
215/40R18 is a metric radial size where 215 indicates section width in millimeters, 40 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 18 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 2013 BMW 135i, this size serves the front position on the staggered 18-inch setup used on certain coupe and convertible configurations. The available product choice in this size centers on a blackwall BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp 2, keeping the selection focused and performance-oriented. This is the size to evaluate when the car has 18-inch front wheels and needs the proper front fitment rather than a square 17-inch arrangement.
Fit(s): Convertible Rear, Convertible w/M Sport Pkg. Rear, Coupe Rear, and Coupe w/M Sport Pkg. Rear
Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
245/35R18 is a metric radial size in which 245 represents section width in millimeters, 35 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 18 is the rim diameter in inches. For the 2013 BMW 135i, this size is used at the rear on staggered 18-inch applications, pairing with a narrower 215/40R18 front tire. The current product choice is a blackwall BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A, which keeps the focus on a modern performance-style presentation. This size should be chosen only after confirming that the car is using the rear position of the staggered 18-inch setup.
Fitment for the 2013 BMW 135i varies by sub-model and wheel setup, with some coupe and convertible applications using a single 17-inch size and others using a staggered 18-inch front and rear combination. Checking the exact sub-model matters because the front and rear 18-inch positions do not use the same tire size.
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2013 BMW 135i Convertible
The 2013 BMW 135i Convertible uses the 205/50R17 radial size when equipped with the standard 17-inch arrangement. Tire selection here centers on choosing among available 17-inch radial products, sidewall presentation, and the overall look and road-use character you want from the car.
The 2013 BMW 135i Convertible Front uses 215/40R18 in a radial construction on the staggered 18-inch setup. That makes front-position confirmation essential, since this size works as part of a matched front and rear package rather than as a standalone all-around fitment.
The 2013 BMW 135i Convertible Rear uses the 245/35R18 radial size on the staggered 18-inch configuration. Tire choice should be made with the rear wheel and overall staggered setup in mind so the tire matches the intended wheel position and vehicle balance.
The 2013 BMW 135i Convertible w/M Sport Pkg. Front uses 215/40R18 in radial form at the front axle. Selecting this size correctly means confirming the M Sport 18-inch front wheel setup first, then comparing the available tire’s rim-width compatibility and overall fitment role.
The 2013 BMW 135i Convertible w/M Sport Pkg. Rear uses 245/35R18 as its rear radial tire size. This rear-specific fitment is part of the staggered package, so tire selection should stay focused on proper rear placement and compatibility with the existing wheel width.
The 2013 BMW 135i Coupe uses the 205/50R17 radial size when fitted with the 17-inch wheel package. That keeps size selection straightforward, leaving the main decision to product type, brand preference, and whether a standard blackwall or more distinctive sidewall appearance suits the car.
The 2013 BMW 135i Coupe Front uses 215/40R18 on staggered 18-inch applications in radial construction. Tire choice here depends on confirming that the car has the 18-inch front setup, since this is not the same fitment used on 17-inch coupe configurations.
The 2013 BMW 135i Coupe Rear uses the 245/35R18 radial size on staggered 18-inch setups. This fitment should be evaluated as a rear-only application, with attention to wheel width and the paired front size already on the car.
The 2013 BMW 135i Coupe w/M Sport Pkg. Front uses 215/40R18 as its front radial tire size. Tire selection starts with verifying the front 18-inch wheel package, then choosing an appropriate product for that wheel position and intended road use.
The 2013 BMW 135i Coupe w/M Sport Pkg. Rear uses 245/35R18 in radial construction at the rear axle. Choosing this size correctly means treating it as the rear half of a staggered package rather than assuming it applies to every 2013 BMW 135i configuration.
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 2013 BMW 135i Tires for Sale
Available 2013 BMW 135i tire choices span 17-inch and 18-inch radial fitments, with BFGoodrich appearing across all three sizes and additional 205/50R17 options from American Classic and Vredestein. The product grid is most useful for comparing tire series, blackwall versus wide whitewall presentation, and rim-width compatibility within each size.
These FAQs focus on 2013 BMW 135i tire sizing, 17-inch versus staggered 18-inch fitment, product selection, sidewall and brand choices, and the checks worth making before road use on a modified or low-mileage car.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2013 BMW 135i?
The 2013 BMW 135i uses three primary tire sizes: 205/50R17, 215/40R18, and 245/35R18. The 205/50R17 size is used on 17-inch applications, while 215/40R18 front and 245/35R18 rear are used on staggered 18-inch setups for certain coupe and convertible configurations.
The practical first step is confirming whether the car has 17-inch wheels or the 18-inch staggered package. A 17-inch square setup and an 18-inch front-and-rear stagger do not use the same tires, so checking the actual wheel diameter and whether the tire is for the front or rear position prevents choosing the right size for the wrong configuration.
What size rim does a 2013 BMW 135i use?
The 2013 BMW 135i uses either 17-inch or 18-inch rims, depending on configuration. The 205/50R17 tire fits a 17-inch rim, while the staggered 18-inch setup uses 215/40R18 at the front and 245/35R18 at the rear, both on 18-inch rims.
Rim diameter is the first fitment detail to verify because a 17-inch tire cannot be mounted on an 18-inch wheel, and the reverse is equally true. It also helps to confirm wheel width, especially on the staggered setup, since front and rear tires are different sizes and should stay matched to the wheel position already on the car.
Why does the 2013 BMW 135i have more than one tire size?
More than one tire size applies because the 2013 BMW 135i was offered with different wheel arrangements. Some coupe and convertible applications use a single 205/50R17 size, while others use a staggered 18-inch setup with 215/40R18 in front and 245/35R18 in the rear.
That means the tire decision starts with identifying the actual wheel package on the car, not just the model name. Cars with factory-style 18-inch staggered wheels need separate front and rear sizes, while 17-inch applications stay simpler. If wheels have ever been changed, inspecting the tire sidewall and wheel diameter is the safest way to confirm what belongs there now.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 2013 BMW 135i tire?
Start with the correct size for the car’s actual setup: 205/50R17 for 17-inch applications, or 215/40R18 front and 245/35R18 rear for staggered 18-inch applications. From there, compare construction, rim-width compatibility, tire series, sidewall style, and any load information that applies to the specific tire you are considering.
The right choice depends on how the 135i is used and how you want it to look. A blackwall performance-style tire suits the car’s modern sporting character, while the 17-inch wide whitewall option creates a very different presentation. Matching the tire to the wheel package, appearance goal, and intended road use usually matters more than focusing on brand name alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 2013 BMW 135i tires?
Sidewall choices for the 2013 BMW 135i include blackwall and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size and product line. Blackwall is the predominant style across the available 17-inch and 18-inch radial fitments, while the wide whitewall option appears in 205/50R17 through the American Classic Radial line.
That makes sidewall style an appearance decision as much as a fitment one. Buyers staying close to the car’s modern factory-era look will usually focus on blackwall tires, while a wide whitewall creates a custom or more individualized presentation. The key is making sure the sidewall style you like is offered in the correct size for the wheel package already on the car.
What brands offer tires for the 2013 BMW 135i?
Tires for the 2013 BMW 135i are available from BFGoodrich, American Classic, and Vredestein. BFGoodrich covers all three primary sizes here, while American Classic and Vredestein appear in 205/50R17, giving the 17-inch fitment the broadest brand and style range.
Brand choice is most useful when paired with the exact size and intended use. The 17-inch setup gives more room to compare brand character, tire series, and sidewall appearance, while the staggered 18-inch sizes are more focused. Instead of treating brand as the only decision, compare whether the tire matches the car’s wheel package, visual style, and driving plan.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2013 BMW 135i?
A period-style 2013 BMW 135i tire choice usually starts with the original-style fitment approach for the car’s actual wheel setup. That means 205/50R17 on 17-inch applications or the staggered 215/40R18 front and 245/35R18 rear arrangement on 18-inch cars, all in radial construction.
Appearance then becomes the deciding factor. Blackwall tires align most naturally with the 135i’s factory-era performance look, while the available 205/50R17 wide whitewall creates a custom presentation rather than a typical showroom-era one. Owners chasing exact originality should confirm wheel package and visual details against BMW-specific reference material before settling on a tire style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2013 BMW 135i?
Tire construction is straightforward on the 2013 BMW 135i because the primary fitments are radial, which matches the car’s modern era and overall visual character. The bigger appearance difference comes from tire profile, wheel diameter, and sidewall treatment rather than from choosing between bias-ply and radial construction.
For a restoration-oriented or carefully preserved car, the goal is usually to keep the tire’s proportions and wheel pairing in line with the 17-inch or staggered 18-inch setup the car actually uses. A blackwall tire keeps the presentation closest to the model’s original-era feel, while a wide whitewall introduces a distinctly customized look.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2013 BMW 135i?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2013 BMW 135i. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, offset differences, lowering springs, suspension work, or body modifications can change how a 205/50R17, 215/40R18, or 245/35R18 tire sits and clears the car.
That matters especially on staggered 18-inch setups, where the front and rear tires already serve different positions. A modified car should be checked for wheel diameter, width, and clearance at steering lock and through suspension travel before new tires are selected. Even when the size itself is correct, the wheel and suspension combination can change how comfortably that fitment works.
What should I inspect before driving a 2013 BMW 135i on new tires?
Before driving a 2013 BMW 135i on new tires, inspect inflation pressure, wheel condition, lug torque, valve stems, and the tire’s seating on the rim. It also helps to confirm that the correct size is installed in the correct position, especially on cars using the staggered 215/40R18 front and 245/35R18 rear setup.
A short visual check after installation can prevent larger problems. Look for sidewall damage, rubbing marks, unusual bulges, or uneven clearance near suspension and fender edges. After a brief drive, recheck pressure and make sure the car tracks normally. On a car that has sat for long periods, inspecting brakes and suspension at the same time is equally worthwhile.
How often should tires on a 2013 BMW 135i be inspected?
Tires on a 2013 BMW 135i should be inspected regularly, not just when tread looks worn. A monthly check of pressure and overall condition is a sensible routine, and the tires should also be looked over before longer drives or after the car has been stored for an extended period.
Inspection should include tread wear, cuts, cracking, bulges, and any signs of slow air loss. Low-use enthusiast cars can age out tires long before they wear them out, so condition matters as much as mileage. On staggered 18-inch cars, checking both front and rear positions separately is important because the sizes differ and wear patterns may not match.
