The 2013 BMW 550i sits in the modern sport-luxury sedan class where strong highway manners, responsive handling, and understated performance all matter. In this generation, the 550i blends executive-car refinement with the kind of power that puts real demands on tire choice, especially when wheel packages change the fitment. This model uses radial tires only, with 245/45R18 on the Base configuration and a staggered 19-inch setup of 245/40R19 front and 275/35R19 rear on Sport Package cars. Available choices center on Blackwall performance-oriented radial lines from BFGoodrich and Nitto. The key is matching the exact wheel and sub-model setup before comparing series, load characteristics, and road-use priorities.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2013 BMW 550i
The 2013 BMW 550i uses three primary tire sizes, and the right one depends first on whether the car is a Base model or a Sport Package car with staggered front and rear fitment. Rim diameter changes with the setup as well, so identifying the exact sub-model and confirming whether the car has 18-inch or 19-inch wheels should come before comparing tire series or load-related specifications.
245/45R18 is a metric radial size where 245 is the section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2013 BMW 550i, this size belongs to the Base configuration and keeps the fitment on an 18-inch rim. Available choices in this size include BFGoodrich and Nitto products, all in Blackwall form, across series such as g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, Nitto NT555 G2, and g-Force Phenom T/A. It is the size to evaluate when the car is not using the Sport Package staggered 19-inch setup.
245/40R19 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter section width, a 40-series profile, and a 19-inch rim diameter. On the 2013 BMW 550i, this is the front tire size for the Sport Package configuration, so it should be treated as part of a staggered arrangement rather than as a standalone fitment for every car. BFGoodrich offers several Blackwall choices in this size, including g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and g-Force Phenom T/A. This is the correct front-size starting point when the car has Sport Package wheels and matching rear fitment.
275/35R19 is a wider metric radial size using a 275-millimeter section width, a 35-series profile, and a 19-inch rim. On the 2013 BMW 550i, it serves as the rear tire size for the Sport Package setup and works with the narrower 245/40R19 front tire as part of a staggered combination. Available Blackwall options include BFGoodrich g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, and Nitto NT555 G2. This size should be selected only after confirming that the car is equipped with the 19-inch Sport Package rear wheel arrangement.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2013 BMW 550i because the Base car uses one 18-inch tire size, while the Sport Package setup changes to staggered 19-inch front and rear tires. Identifying the exact configuration prevents mixing Base and Sport Package fitments when comparing tires.
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2013 BMW 550i Base
The 2013 BMW 550i Base uses a single 245/45R18 radial tire size rather than a staggered front-and-rear arrangement. That makes the decision more straightforward, with attention focused on choosing the right Blackwall performance tire series and confirming the car still carries its 18-inch wheel setup.
The Sport Package front position uses 245/40R19, which is part of a staggered radial fitment on 19-inch wheels. Tire selection here should stay coordinated with the matching rear size so the complete setup remains consistent in wheel diameter, intended use, and overall presentation.
The Sport Package rear position uses the wider 275/35R19 radial size on a 19-inch wheel. Choosing this fitment means confirming the car is running the full staggered Sport Package arrangement and then comparing available Blackwall performance series that suit the rear wheel width and intended driving use.
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 550i Tires for Sale
Available 2013 BMW 550i tire choices center on radial Blackwall performance lines from BFGoodrich and Nitto. Across the 18-inch Base fitment and the 19-inch Sport Package front and rear sizes, the main comparison points are tire series, rim-width compatibility, weight, and load-related specifications.
The most useful 2013 BMW 550i tire questions usually come down to identifying the correct Base or Sport Package size, confirming 18-inch versus 19-inch wheels, and comparing the available radial performance tire series. Buyers also tend to focus on staggered fitment, sidewall style, and road-use checks before installation.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2013 BMW 550i?
The 2013 BMW 550i uses 245/45R18 in Base form. Sport Package cars use a staggered 19-inch setup with 245/40R19 on the front and 275/35R19 on the rear. All of these are radial tire sizes, so the first step is identifying which wheel and sub-model configuration the car actually has.
That distinction matters because the Base fitment is a single-size 18-inch arrangement, while the Sport Package uses different front and rear sizes on 19-inch wheels. A car with replacement wheels or previously changed tires should be checked carefully so the next set matches the actual setup on the vehicle rather than an assumed configuration.
What size rim does a 2013 BMW 550i use?
A 2013 BMW 550i uses either an 18-inch or 19-inch rim, depending on configuration. The Base model uses 245/45R18 on an 18-inch wheel, while the Sport Package setup uses 245/40R19 front and 275/35R19 rear on 19-inch wheels.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before selecting any tire because 18-inch and 19-inch fitments are not interchangeable. Looking at the wheel itself, the current tire sidewall, and the full front-to-rear setup is especially important on used vehicles, since staggered cars can be changed over time with aftermarket wheels or non-original tire combinations.
Do all 2013 BMW 550i sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 2013 BMW 550i Base uses 245/45R18, while the Sport Package setup uses two different 19-inch sizes: 245/40R19 in front and 275/35R19 in the rear. That means tire fitment is not the same across all covered configurations.
A buyer should confirm more than just the model name before choosing tires. The car may have a square 18-inch setup or a staggered 19-inch arrangement, and the correct selection depends on which one is actually on the vehicle. Checking both axles prevents ordering a front size for the rear or mixing Base and Sport Package fitments.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 2013 BMW 550i tire?
Start with the exact size and wheel setup: 245/45R18 for the Base model, or 245/40R19 front with 275/35R19 rear for the Sport Package arrangement. From there, compare radial tire series, rim-width compatibility, weight, and any stated load figures so the tire suits the wheel and the car's intended road use.
The 550i is a performance-oriented sedan, so tire selection is not just about matching the sidewall code. A Base car and a staggered Sport Package car have different needs, and even within the correct size, the available BFGoodrich and Nitto choices vary by series. Matching the tire to the wheel position and driving priorities will make the comparison much more useful.
What sidewall styles are available for 2013 BMW 550i tires?
The available 2013 BMW 550i tires in these sizes use a Blackwall sidewall style. That applies across the listed 245/45R18, 245/40R19, and 275/35R19 fitments, so the appearance emphasis stays modern and performance-oriented rather than restoration-style or decorative sidewall driven.
Since sidewall treatment does not vary here, the more meaningful choice comes from tire series, brand, and wheel-position fitment. Buyers comparing tires for a Sport Package car should still treat front and rear selection carefully, because a staggered setup needs the right size at each axle even when the sidewall appearance stays visually consistent.
What brands offer tires for the 2013 BMW 550i?
BFGoodrich and Nitto both offer tires for the 2013 BMW 550i fitments covered here. Depending on size, the available series include BFGoodrich g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, and Nitto NT555 G2.
Brand choice should be considered alongside the exact tire series, wheel size, and whether the car uses the Base or Sport Package arrangement. Some sizes have options from both brands, while others lean more heavily toward BFGoodrich. Comparing the correct size first, then looking at rim-width range and load-related details, keeps the decision grounded in fitment.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2013 BMW 550i?
A period-style approach on a 2013 BMW 550i still begins with the correct modern radial fitment for the exact configuration. That means 245/45R18 for the Base model or the staggered 245/40R19 front and 275/35R19 rear setup for Sport Package cars, with Blackwall sidewalls across the available choices.
Because this is a newer enthusiast-era BMW rather than a vintage restoration vehicle, appearance usually comes from preserving the intended wheel-and-tire stance more than from decorative sidewall treatments. Keeping the proper size relationship front to rear on Sport Package cars and avoiding mismatched wheel diameters will do more for an authentic presentation than chasing an incorrect style.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2013 BMW 550i restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters because the 2013 BMW 550i uses distinct Base and Sport Package setups. A car restored or refreshed with the wrong wheel diameter or the wrong front-to-rear relationship can lose the stance and balance that belong with its intended configuration.
For an appearance-focused project, confirming whether the car should wear 18-inch Base tires or staggered 19-inch Sport Package tires is more important than simply buying a tire that physically mounts. If exact as-delivered presentation matters, checking the vehicle's original equipment documentation or marque-specific references is a smart step before final tire selection.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2013 BMW 550i?
Yes. Wheel changes, suspension alterations, lowering, and non-original offsets can all affect tire fitment on a 2013 BMW 550i, especially on Sport Package cars that already use a staggered 19-inch front-and-rear setup. Even when the tire size looks correct on paper, the actual vehicle configuration can change the usable clearance.
A modified car should be checked for wheel width, front steering clearance, rear fender space, and any suspension contact points before installing new tires. Cars with aftermarket wheels may no longer match standard Base or Sport Package assumptions, so using the current wheel setup as the starting point will avoid many of the common fitment mistakes.
What should I inspect before driving a 2013 BMW 550i on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the tire size at each wheel position, confirm cold inflation is set appropriately for the car's setup, and look over the wheels for damage or bent lips that could affect sealing and balance. It also helps to verify tread is clear of suspension and body contact at full steering lock and normal ride height.
The rest of the car matters too. Worn alignment components, tired suspension parts, or uneven wheel hardware condition can shorten tire life and change how the 550i feels on the road. A short, careful test drive followed by another visual inspection is a sensible way to catch rubbing, vibration, or pressure loss early.
How often should tires on a 2013 BMW 550i be inspected?
Tires on a 2013 BMW 550i should be inspected regularly, not just when tread looks worn. Frequent checks for air loss, uneven wear, sidewall damage, punctures, and age-related cracking are especially worthwhile on cars that see seasonal or occasional use rather than steady commuting.
A staggered Sport Package setup deserves extra attention because front and rear tires do different jobs and are not the same size. Looking at all four tires before longer drives, after winter storage, or anytime ride quality changes can help catch problems early. Pressure checks and visual inspections are simple habits that support both tire life and road confidence.
