The 2015 BMW i8 arrived as a distinctly modern performance car, blending futuristic styling with hybrid engineering in a way few production cars had attempted. Its low, sculpted body and staggered tire layout are central to how the car looks and drives, so tire selection starts with getting the front and rear sizes right. This i8 uses 215/45R20 in front and 245/40R20 in the rear, both in radial construction on 20-inch rims. Rear tire choices include blackwall, raised white letter, and redline presentations across several brands and series. For an i8 that remains true to its intended stance, handling balance, and appearance, front-to-rear fitment should be confirmed before any replacement decision.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2015 BMW i8
The 2015 BMW i8 uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference is position-specific rather than optional. A 215/45R20 radial is used at the front and a 245/40R20 radial at the rear, both on 20-inch rims. The first step is confirming whether you are replacing a front tire or a rear tire, since the i8's staggered setup depends on matching the correct size to the correct axle position.
215/45R20 is a metric radial size in which 215 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 20 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2015 BMW i8, this size is used at the front and is part of the car's staggered front-to-rear tire arrangement. Its role is not interchangeable with the wider rear size, even though both share the same 20-inch rim diameter. Front replacement should focus on preserving the intended axle-specific fitment, overall stance, and clearance at the steering end of the car.
245/40R20 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter nominal section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 20-inch rim diameter. On the 2015 BMW i8, this is the rear tire size, giving the car a wider rear footprint than the front. Rear tire choices include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac offerings, with sidewall treatments such as blackwall, raised white letter, and redline across multiple series. This is the size to evaluate when rear-axle appearance, brand preference, and rim-width compatibility matter most.
Fitment on the 2015 BMW i8 is straightforward once tire position is identified, because the covered front and rear sub-model entries use different sizes as part of the same staggered setup. Checking whether the tire is for the front or rear matters more than comparing trim variations.
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2015 BMW i8 Base Front
The 2015 BMW i8 Base Front uses its own dedicated radial tire size on a 20-inch rim, separate from the wider rear fitment. Front tire replacement should keep steering-position fitment in mind and preserve the intended staggered relationship with the rear axle.
The 2015 BMW i8 Base Rear uses a wider radial tire size than the front, also on a 20-inch rim. That makes the rear position the main area where buyers can compare available brands, sidewall styles, and tire series without confusing it with the front fitment.
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 2015 BMW i8 Tires for Sale
Available 245/40R20 rear tire choices span BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac, all in radial construction on 20-inch rims. The product grid is where to compare tire series, blackwall versus raised white letter or redline appearance, and rear-fitment rim-width specifications where stated.
Common 2015 BMW i8 tire questions usually come down to the staggered front and rear sizes, 20-inch rim fitment, rear tire choices, and what to inspect before putting a low-use performance car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2015 BMW i8?
The 2015 BMW i8 uses a staggered tire setup with two sizes: 215/45R20 at the front and 245/40R20 at the rear. Both are radial tires designed for 20-inch rims, and they are tied to axle position rather than being interchangeable options for the whole car.
That means the first question is whether the replacement is for the front or rear of the car. Matching the correct size to the correct position helps maintain the i8's intended stance and fitment, while any wheel changes or non-stock setup should be checked carefully before selecting a replacement tire.
What size rim does a 2015 BMW i8 use?
The primary tire sizes for the 2015 BMW i8 both use a 20-inch rim diameter. The front 215/45R20 and rear 245/40R20 share that same rim diameter, even though the rear tire is wider and carries a different aspect ratio.
Rim diameter is only one part of fitment, so it is still important to confirm actual wheel width and the tire position on the car. A 20-inch wheel does not automatically make every 20-inch tire suitable, especially on a staggered application where front and rear dimensions serve different roles.
Why does the 2015 BMW i8 have more than one tire size?
The 2015 BMW i8 has more than one tire size because it uses a staggered setup, with a narrower 215/45R20 tire in front and a wider 245/40R20 tire in the rear. This is a front-to-rear fitment difference, not a case of multiple interchangeable sizes for the same wheel position.
For tire replacement, that means the car should be approached by axle position first. Anyone replacing a single tire, a pair, or a full set should confirm where each tire is mounted and verify that any existing wheels or previous modifications have not altered the original front-to-rear arrangement.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/40R20 tire for a 2015 BMW i8?
Start with the basics: the rear of the 2015 BMW i8 uses 245/40R20, so the tire must match that size and 20-inch rim diameter. From there, the meaningful differences are construction details within the radial category, sidewall appearance, tire series, brand, and any stated rim-width specification.
Available rear options include blackwall, raised white letter, and redline styles, so appearance can be part of the decision as well as fitment. It also helps to compare wheel width, weight, and any published load figure when present, especially if the car sees regular road use rather than occasional display or storage.
What sidewall styles are available for 2015 BMW i8 tires?
For the 2015 BMW i8 rear size, available sidewall styles include blackwall, raised white letter, and redline. Those choices appear within the 245/40R20 radial fitment, giving the rear position a wider appearance range than a single plain replacement style would offer.
Sidewall treatment does not change the need to keep the correct rear size, but it can change how the car presents visually. Buyers who want a more understated look may lean toward blackwall, while raised white letter or redline options can create a more expressive custom or performance-oriented appearance.
What brands offer tires for the 2015 BMW i8?
The 2015 BMW i8 rear 245/40R20 size is available from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac. Those options span several radial tire series, including g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Phenom T/A, Nitto NT555 G2, and Street Pro III.
Brand choice should still follow fitment first, especially on a position-specific rear size. Once size and wheel compatibility are confirmed, the decision can shift toward the tire series you prefer and whether a blackwall, raised white letter, or redline sidewall better suits the way the i8 is driven and presented.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2015 BMW i8?
Yes. The 2015 BMW i8 already uses a staggered 20-inch setup, so aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension changes, or body modifications can affect how a tire fits. Even when the nominal tire size remains the same, wheel and clearance differences can change the result.
A modified i8 should be checked for steering clearance at the front and body or suspension clearance at both ends before replacement tires are chosen. Verifying the actual wheel dimensions on the car is especially important, since the correct axle-specific size still has to work with the current hardware.
What should I inspect before driving a 2015 BMW i8 on new tires?
Before putting a 2015 BMW i8 back into regular road use, inspect wheel condition, valve stems, tire pressure, tread and sidewall condition, and the general state of the suspension and alignment-related wear surfaces. On a low-use car, age-related cracking, flat spotting, and slow air loss deserve just as much attention as tread depth.
A careful visual check should be paired with confirmation that the correct front and rear sizes are mounted in the correct positions. Since the i8 uses a staggered setup, it also helps to look for any evidence of rubbing, uneven wear, or prior wheel substitutions before taking the car on a longer drive.
How often should tires on a 2015 BMW i8 be inspected?
Tires on a 2015 BMW i8 should be inspected regularly, not only when tread appears worn. A performance car that spends time stored can develop age-related concerns that are easy to miss, including sidewall cracking, air loss, surface weathering, or changes in ride and handling feel.
Routine inspection is especially important because the i8 uses different front and rear sizes, so each axle should be checked on its own terms. Looking over pressure, visible condition, and wear patterns before normal driving or seasonal use can catch problems early and help preserve proper front-to-rear fitment balance.
