The 2017 BMW i8 arrived as a dramatic plug-in sports car that blended futuristic design with lightweight construction and unmistakably modern proportions. It occupies a very different place in the collector conversation than a traditional grand tourer, because tire choice affects not only appearance but also the balance between its front and rear fitment. This car uses staggered 20-inch radial tires, with 215/45R20 on the front and 245/40R20 on the rear. Rear tire choices include blackwall, raised white letter, and redline presentations across several performance-oriented series. The key is matching the correct axle position, preserving the staggered setup, and confirming wheel compatibility before any change.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2017 BMW i8
The 2017 BMW i8 uses two primary tire sizes, both on 20-inch rims, and the fitment depends on axle position rather than a choice between trims. The front uses 215/45R20, while the rear uses 245/40R20. The first step is confirming whether you are replacing front tires, rear tires, or the complete set, because this staggered radial setup should be matched correctly to the vehicle's wheel layout.
215/45R20 is a metric radial size in which 215 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 20 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2017 BMW i8, this size serves the front position and is part of the car's staggered 20-inch setup. Its role is not interchangeable with the wider rear fitment simply because both use the same rim diameter. Choosing this size means staying true to the front axle specification and verifying that the wheel and vehicle remain configured as intended.
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 2017 BMW i8, this is the rear tire size, and it carries most of the visible product variety for this fitment. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac options, with blackwall, RWL, and redline sidewall treatments across several performance-oriented series. This is the size to evaluate carefully when rear appearance, wheel-width compatibility, and overall tire character matter most.
Fitment on the 2017 BMW i8 is straightforward in one sense and specific in another: the size does not vary by trim, but it does vary by axle position. Checking whether the tire is for the front or rear is essential before making a selection.
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2017 BMW i8 Base Front
The 2017 BMW i8 Base Front uses a 215/45R20 radial tire on a 20-inch wheel. Front tire selection centers on maintaining the correct staggered setup and confirming that the wheel on the car still matches the original front fitment approach.
The 2017 BMW i8 Base Rear uses a 245/40R20 radial tire on a 20-inch wheel. Rear tire selection brings more visible choice, including different sidewall treatments and tire series, so appearance and wheel compatibility become part of the decision.
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 2017 BMW i8 Tires for Sale
Available 2017 BMW i8 rear tire choices center on 245/40R20 radials from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac. The main points of comparison are tire series, blackwall versus RWL or redline sidewall presentation, and rim-width compatibility where stated.
Owners of a 2017 BMW i8 usually need clarity on the staggered front and rear tire sizes, 20-inch rim fitment, rear tire choices, and the checks worth making before road use or after wheel changes.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2017 BMW i8?
The 2017 BMW i8 uses a staggered tire setup with two different radial sizes. The front position uses 215/45R20, and the rear position uses 245/40R20, with both sizes built for 20-inch rims.
That means the first question is not simply which size fits the car, but which axle you are replacing. Front and rear tires should be matched to their intended positions, and any car with replacement wheels, previous tire changes, or other modifications should have the wheel dimensions and clearance checked before a new set is chosen.
What size rim does a 2017 BMW i8 use?
Both primary tire sizes used on the 2017 BMW i8 are built around a 20-inch rim diameter. The front 215/45R20 and rear 245/40R20 share that same wheel diameter even though the tire widths and profiles differ.
Matching rim diameter is only the starting point on a staggered setup like this one. Wheel width and the tire's intended front or rear position still matter, so a 20-inch wheel alone does not make every 20-inch tire appropriate for the car. Confirm the actual wheel on the vehicle before replacing tires, especially if the i8 has been modified.
Why does the 2017 BMW i8 have more than one tire size?
The 2017 BMW i8 uses more than one tire size because it has separate front and rear fitments. The front uses 215/45R20, while the rear uses the wider 245/40R20, creating a staggered arrangement rather than a same-size setup at all four corners.
For the owner, that means tire replacement should be approached by axle position. Ordering the rear size for the front or treating the pair as interchangeable can create fitment issues even though both use 20-inch rims. A quick check of the wheel location, wheel width, and existing tire markings helps keep the replacement aligned with the car's intended setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/40R20 tire for a 2017 BMW i8?
Start with the correct rear size, which is 245/40R20 on the 2017 BMW i8, and confirm that the tire is being selected for the rear axle rather than the front. Available rear choices vary by brand, tire series, sidewall style, and in some cases stated rim-width compatibility and load specification.
A practical comparison should focus on how you use the car and how you want it to look. Some owners will prefer a straightforward blackwall presentation, while others may want RWL or redline styling. It also helps to compare wheel-width suitability where it is stated, especially if the i8 is no longer using its original wheel setup.
What sidewall styles are available for 2017 BMW i8 tires?
For the 2017 BMW i8 rear size of 245/40R20, available sidewall styles include blackwall, RWL, and redline. That gives the car a choice between a more understated modern look and sidewall treatments that add more visual character.
Sidewall style does not change the need to keep the correct rear size and wheel compatibility, but it can change the overall presentation of the car quite a bit. Owners trying to preserve the i8's original modern appearance may lean toward blackwall, while those looking for a more customized look may consider raised white letter or redline options.
What brands offer tires for the 2017 BMW i8?
The 2017 BMW i8 rear fitment in 245/40R20 is available from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac. Those options span several tire series, including g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Phenom T/A, Nitto NT555 G2, and Pro-Trac Street Pro III.
Brand is only one part of the decision. It is worth comparing the tire series, sidewall style, and any stated wheel-width or load details that matter to your car's actual setup. Since this is a staggered application, the right choice is the one that matches the correct rear position and suits the i8's current wheels and intended road use.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2017 BMW i8?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2017 BMW i8 even when the replacement tire size appears correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, or body modifications can all change how a 215/45R20 front or 245/40R20 rear tire sits and clears the car.
That is especially important on a staggered setup where front and rear tires already differ by design. Before replacing tires, inspect the actual wheel dimensions on the car and check for steering, suspension, and fender clearance through the full range of motion. A quick verification now can prevent ordering a size that only matches the original specification on paper.
What should I inspect before driving a 2017 BMW i8 on new tires?
Before driving a 2017 BMW i8 on new tires, check that the front and rear sizes are installed in the correct positions, that each tire is seated properly on its wheel, and that inflation pressures are set appropriately for the tire and vehicle setup. A visual inspection for rubbing or unusually tight clearance is also worthwhile.
It helps to take a close look at the wheels, valve stems, and overall condition of the suspension and alignment-related wear points at the same time. On a car with staggered 20-inch tires, even a small setup issue can show up quickly in ride quality or wear pattern. A cautious short drive and recheck can catch problems before longer use.
How often should tires on a 2017 BMW i8 be inspected?
Tires on a 2017 BMW i8 should be inspected regularly rather than only at replacement time. Frequent checks for air loss, tread condition, uneven wear, sidewall cuts, bulges, and age-related cracking are important, especially on a vehicle that may spend periods parked between drives.
The staggered setup makes it helpful to inspect the front and rear tires as separate fitments instead of assuming they will wear or age the same way. Cars stored for long stretches should also have their tires checked before returning to regular road use. Paying attention to pressure and visible condition is one of the simplest ways to protect fitment and drivability.
