The 2016 BMW i8 arrived as a striking plug-in sports car that blended exotic styling with advanced hybrid engineering, making tire fitment part of the car’s overall balance rather than a minor detail. Its low, futuristic stance and staggered setup mean front and rear tires serve different roles on the same 20-inch wheel diameter. This i8 uses 215/45R20 in front and 245/40R20 in the rear, both in radial construction. Rear tire choices include blackwall, raised white letter, and redline presentations across several performance-oriented series. The key is matching the correct front or rear position, then checking wheel width, condition, and any later modifications before road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2016 BMW i8
The 2016 BMW i8 uses two primary tire sizes, and the first step is confirming whether you are replacing the front or rear tires. Both sizes are radial and fit 20-inch wheels, but the staggered layout means the narrower 215/45R20 belongs up front while the wider 245/40R20 is used at the rear. Once position is confirmed, the decision becomes choosing among the available rear tire styles and series while keeping wheel compatibility in mind.
215/45R20 is a metric radial size in which 215 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R designates radial construction, and 20 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2016 BMW i8, this size is used on the front, where the narrower footprint is part of the car’s staggered fitment. Its practical importance is position-specific fitment rather than appearance variation. Choosing this size means confirming that the front wheel remains the original 20-inch setup and that any suspension or alignment changes have not altered clearance requirements.
245/40R20 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter nominal section width, a 40-series profile, radial construction, and a 20-inch rim diameter. On the 2016 BMW i8, this is the rear tire size, giving the back of the staggered setup a wider tire than the front. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac options, along with blackwall, raised white letter, and redline sidewall treatments in several tire series. This is the size to evaluate when rear tire appearance, brand preference, or rim-width compatibility matters most.
Sub-model fitment on the 2016 BMW i8 is straightforward, but the front and rear positions use different tire sizes. Checking whether the tire is for the front or rear matters more than trim variation, since the car uses a staggered setup on the same 20-inch wheel diameter.
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2016 BMW i8 Base Front
The 2016 BMW i8 Base Front uses the front-specific radial tire size for the car’s staggered layout. That makes tire selection here a matter of keeping the correct front fitment and confirming the wheel and suspension setup have not been altered from the intended configuration.
The 2016 BMW i8 Base Rear uses the wider rear radial tire size, which is where the visible product variety appears. Rear tire selection can therefore involve not only correct fitment, but also choosing among available brands, tire series, and sidewall styles.
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 2016 BMW i8 Tires for Sale
Rear 245/40R20 choices for the 2016 BMW i8 include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac options in several performance-oriented series. Buyers can compare blackwall, raised white letter, and redline sidewall treatments, along with rim-width compatibility and other product specifications where stated.
These FAQs focus on the 2016 BMW i8’s staggered tire sizing, 20-inch wheel fitment, rear tire selection, appearance choices, and the checks worth making before putting a modern performance car like the i8 back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2016 BMW i8?
The 2016 BMW i8 uses a staggered tire setup with 215/45R20 on the front and 245/40R20 on the rear. Both are radial sizes mounted on 20-inch wheels, so the correct fitment depends on which end of the car you are servicing rather than choosing one universal size.
That staggered arrangement makes position-specific replacement important. A front tire should be matched to the front size, and a rear tire should be matched to the rear size, with wheel diameter confirmed before installation. If the car has aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, or alignment modifications, those changes should be checked carefully before selecting replacements.
What size rim does a 2016 BMW i8 use?
The 2016 BMW i8 uses 20-inch rims with both of its primary tire sizes. The front 215/45R20 and the rear 245/40R20 share the same rim diameter, even though the rear tire is wider and uses a lower aspect ratio than the front.
Matching the 20-inch rim diameter is only the starting point. Wheel width and the actual front or rear position still matter, especially on a staggered vehicle like the i8. A car that has been fitted with non-original wheels should be measured carefully so the replacement tire matches the wheel correctly and maintains proper clearance.
Why does the 2016 BMW i8 have more than one tire size?
The 2016 BMW i8 uses more than one tire size because it has a staggered fitment: 215/45R20 in front and 245/40R20 in the rear. The narrower front and wider rear are part of the car’s intended wheel-and-tire layout rather than an interchangeable same-size setup.
For tire replacement, that means the first decision is front versus rear, not simply 20-inch diameter. Mixing up the two sizes can create fitment and handling issues, especially on a vehicle designed around specific tire positions. It is also smart to confirm that the car still has its correct wheel placement if wheels have ever been rotated or changed.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/40R20 tire for a 2016 BMW i8?
A 245/40R20 tire for a 2016 BMW i8 should first be chosen as a rear-position tire, since that size belongs on the back of the car. After size and construction are confirmed, useful comparison points include brand, tire series, sidewall style, stated rim-width compatibility, weight, and any load information that appears with the product.
The available rear choices are not all the same in presentation or specification. Some focus on a straightforward blackwall appearance, while others add raised white letters or a redline look. Checking those details against the wheel you have and the appearance you want helps narrow the field without losing sight of the i8’s position-specific fitment.
What sidewall styles are available for 2016 BMW i8 tires?
For the 2016 BMW i8’s rear 245/40R20 size, available sidewall styles include blackwall, RWL, and redline. Blackwall keeps a contemporary understated appearance, while RWL adds raised white lettering and redline gives the tire a more stylized visual treatment.
Sidewall style is mainly an appearance decision, but it can noticeably change how the car looks against its wheel design and body shape. The safest approach is to start with the correct rear size, then decide whether a subtle or more expressive sidewall suits the car’s presentation. Front and rear sizes should still remain in their proper positions.
What brands offer tires for the 2016 BMW i8?
Rear 245/40R20 tire options for the 2016 BMW i8 are available from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac. Those choices appear across several tire series, including g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Phenom T/A, Nitto NT555 G2, and Street Pro III.
Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It makes more sense to compare the exact series, sidewall treatment, and wheel compatibility details for the rear tire you are replacing. That approach keeps the selection centered on the i8’s actual fitment while also letting appearance and specification differences guide the final choice.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2016 BMW i8?
A period-style tire choice for a 2016 BMW i8 starts with preserving its original staggered sizing concept: 215/45R20 front and 245/40R20 rear. Because this is a modern halo car rather than a traditional classic, the most important visual cue is usually maintaining the correct proportions and wheel-to-tire relationship instead of chasing vintage-style construction.
Appearance decisions on the rear can then shift toward sidewall treatment and series character. A blackwall keeps the car closer to a restrained modern look, while RWL or redline options create a more personalized presentation. Owners pursuing strict originality should compare any visual choice against period BMW literature, delivery photos, or marque-specific reference material.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2016 BMW i8 restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 2016 BMW i8 because the car’s visual stance and intended layout depend on its staggered front and rear sizing. Using the proper 215/45R20 front and 245/40R20 rear setup preserves the car’s designed proportions much better than treating all four corners as though they use one interchangeable size.
That matters for both appearance and authenticity-minded ownership. Even on a newer collector car, incorrect sizing can change how the wheel openings look and how the car sits on the road. A restoration-oriented approach should therefore confirm wheel diameter, front-to-rear placement, and any prior modifications before selecting tires mainly on cosmetic appeal.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2016 BMW i8?
Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2016 BMW i8, especially because the car already uses a staggered setup with specific front and rear sizes. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension adjustments, or ride-height changes can influence clearance, tire-to-wheel compatibility, and the way the tire sits within the body opening.
Even when the tire size remains 215/45R20 in front or 245/40R20 in the rear, the actual vehicle setup still needs to be checked. Measuring wheel dimensions and looking at steering and suspension clearance can prevent surprises. That is particularly important on a low-slung car where small changes may have a noticeable effect.
What should I inspect before driving a 2016 BMW i8 on new tires?
Before driving a 2016 BMW i8 on new tires, inspect the wheel condition, confirm that the correct size is mounted at each end, and check inflation pressure, tread seating, and valve condition. It is also worth looking over the old tires for irregular wear, since unusual wear patterns can point to alignment or suspension issues.
A short road test should be paired with another visual check afterward. Any rubbing, vibration, uneven shoulder contact, or air loss deserves attention before regular use. On a staggered application like the i8, verifying that the 215/45R20 tires are on the front and the 245/40R20 tires are on the rear is part of that basic road-readiness check.
How often should tires on a 2016 BMW i8 be inspected?
Tires on a 2016 BMW i8 should be inspected regularly, with a quick visual check before driving and a closer inspection at routine service intervals or any time the car has been stored for a while. Key points include tread wear, sidewall condition, embedded debris, cuts, bulges, and signs of slow air loss.
Low-use specialty cars can develop tire issues even when tread depth still looks acceptable. Pressure should be kept consistent, and any vibration or pull should prompt a closer look at tire condition and alignment. Because the i8 uses different front and rear sizes, inspection should also confirm that each tire remains in the correct position.
