The 2019 BMW i3 occupies a very specific place in modern car design, pairing electric-city efficiency with lightweight construction and unusually narrow tires that are central to how the car looks and drives. Its tall, slim tire profile is part of the i3’s distinctive packaging rather than a generic compact-car setup. For this exact model, fitment centers on four radial sizes: 155/70R19, 155/60R20, 175/60R19, and 175/55R20. That means the real decision is confirming whether the car is running 19-inch or 20-inch wheels and matching front and rear sizes correctly. Owners also need to pay close attention to staggered fitment before replacing tires.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2019 BMW i3
The 2019 BMW i3 uses four primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on wheel diameter and front-versus-rear position. Both 19-inch and 20-inch setups appear on this model, with narrower 155-section tires used at the front and wider 175-section tires used at the rear. Before choosing a tire, confirm whether the car has 19-inch or 20-inch wheels and make sure you are matching the correct axle position.
Fit(s): Base, Base Front, and Range Extender Front
Construction: Radial|Rim: 19 in
155/70R19 is a metric radial size in which 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 19 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2019 BMW i3, this size belongs to the narrow, efficiency-focused tire concept that helps define the car’s unusual stance and low-drag character. Its tall sidewall relative to width gives it a distinct look compared with more conventional compact-car tires. This size should be chosen only when the car is using the applicable 19-inch wheel setup, typically at the front.
155/60R20 is a metric radial size with a 155-millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series profile, radial construction, and a 20-inch rim diameter. On the 2019 BMW i3, it fills the same narrow front-tire role as the 19-inch front size, but it is built around the optional 20-inch wheel package instead. The shorter sidewall changes the tire’s visual proportion while keeping the i3’s slim-tire theme intact. This size should be evaluated only after confirming that the car has 20-inch front wheels rather than the 19-inch setup.
175/55R20 is a metric radial size in which 175 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 20 is the rim diameter in inches. For the 2019 BMW i3, this is the wider rear tire used with the 20-inch staggered arrangement. It works with the i3’s front-to-rear size difference rather than serving as a universal fitment across the car. This size needs to be matched to the correct rear wheel position and should be confirmed against the 20-inch wheel package before replacement.
175/60R19 is a metric radial tire size with a 175-millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series profile, radial construction, and a 19-inch wheel diameter. On the 2019 BMW i3, it serves as the wider rear counterpart to the narrower 155/70R19 front tire in the 19-inch staggered setup. That makes it part of an axle-specific fitment rather than a size that should be moved freely around the car. Owners selecting this size should first verify that the vehicle is on 19-inch rear wheels and not the alternate 20-inch arrangement.
Tire fitment on the 2019 BMW i3 varies by wheel diameter and by front or rear position rather than following one size across every configuration. Checking the exact sub-model description matters because the i3 can use either a 19-inch or 20-inch staggered setup.
1
2019 BMW i3 Base
The 2019 BMW i3 Base is associated with 155/70R19 radial fitment in this configuration. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, since other i3 configurations split front and rear sizes across both 19-inch and 20-inch setups.
The 2019 BMW i3 Base Front uses narrow front radial sizes tied to either the 19-inch or 20-inch wheel arrangement. Tire selection here starts with confirming wheel diameter so the replacement matches the existing front setup rather than the alternate package.
The 2019 BMW i3 Base Rear uses the wider rear tire sizes for either the 19-inch or 20-inch staggered configuration. Choosing a tire for this position means matching the correct wheel diameter and keeping the rear fitment aligned with the i3’s front-to-rear size layout.
The 2019 BMW i3 Range Extender Front follows the same narrow front-tire pattern used on 19-inch and 20-inch wheel packages. Replacement starts with identifying the actual wheel size on the car so the front tire matches the correct staggered setup.
The 2019 BMW i3 Range Extender Rear uses the wider rear radial sizes paired with either 19-inch or 20-inch wheels. Owners should verify wheel diameter and rear position carefully, since the i3 does not use the same tire size at all four corners.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Owners researching 2019 BMW i3 tires usually need clarity on the staggered front and rear sizing, the difference between 19-inch and 20-inch wheel setups, and what to inspect before putting the car back into regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2019 BMW i3?
The 2019 BMW i3 uses four radial tire sizes: 155/70R19, 155/60R20, 175/60R19, and 175/55R20. The narrow 155-section sizes are used at the front, while the wider 175-section sizes are used at the rear. The exact size depends on whether the car is equipped with 19-inch or 20-inch wheels.
That means tire selection starts with identifying both wheel diameter and axle position, not just the model name. A 19-inch i3 needs the correct 19-inch front and rear pairing, and a 20-inch i3 needs the matching 20-inch pair. Checking the current wheel and tire markings before replacement helps avoid mixing front, rear, and wheel-diameter fitments.
What size rim does a 2019 BMW i3 use?
The 2019 BMW i3 uses either 19-inch or 20-inch rims, depending on the wheel package. The 19-inch setup pairs with 155/70R19 front and 175/60R19 rear tires, while the 20-inch setup pairs with 155/60R20 front and 175/55R20 rear tires. All of these are radial sizes.
Rim diameter is the first thing to confirm before ordering tires for an i3, because a tire built for a 19-inch wheel cannot be used on a 20-inch wheel, and vice versa. It also helps to verify whether the car still has its original wheels or has been changed to another factory-style setup since front and rear sizes are staggered.
Why does the 2019 BMW i3 have more than one tire size?
The 2019 BMW i3 has more than one tire size because it uses staggered fitment and two wheel-diameter setups. Front tires are narrower than rear tires, and the car may be equipped with either 19-inch or 20-inch wheels. That creates four total primary sizes across the model range.
For the owner, that means the important question is not simply whether a tire is for a 2019 i3, but where on the car it belongs and which wheels are installed. Looking at the current tire sidewall and confirming front-versus-rear placement will usually answer the fitment question faster than relying on a broad vehicle description alone.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 2019 BMW i3 tire?
Start with the basics: the 2019 BMW i3 uses radial tires, has staggered front and rear sizing, and may be equipped with either 19-inch or 20-inch wheels. That makes exact size matching essential. A front 155-section tire and a rear 175-section tire are not interchangeable just because they belong to the same model.
Beyond size, the useful checks are wheel diameter, axle position, and whether the car still has the same wheel package it left with. An i3 that has had wheels changed between 19-inch and 20-inch setups needs tires to match the current hardware. Verifying the sidewall markings on each corner is the safest way to narrow the decision.
How do I choose between the available 2019 BMW i3 tire sizes?
The available sizes are not alternatives in the usual sense; they correspond to specific wheel diameters and front or rear positions. A 2019 BMW i3 running 19-inch wheels uses 155/70R19 in front and 175/60R19 in back. A 20-inch setup uses 155/60R20 in front and 175/55R20 in back.
Choosing correctly means matching what is already on the vehicle unless the wheel package itself is being changed. It is helpful to inspect both front and rear tires because an i3’s narrow profile can make the size differences easy to overlook at a glance. Replacement should preserve the correct front-to-rear relationship as well as the wheel diameter.
How do I choose between the available front and rear tires for a 2019 BMW i3?
Front and rear tire choice on a 2019 BMW i3 is determined by the car’s staggered layout. The front uses a 155-section tire, while the rear uses a 175-section tire, and each pair is tied to either the 19-inch or 20-inch wheel package. The key is matching the position-specific size already required by the car.
Owners should avoid assuming that all four tires can be replaced with one common size just because the overall tire diameters are close. Position matters on an i3. Checking each corner, confirming the wheel diameter, and replacing front tires as front tires and rear tires as rear tires will keep the car aligned with its intended fitment pattern.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2019 BMW i3 restoration?
Yes. On a 2019 BMW i3, correct tire fitment is a visible and functional part of the car’s design because the model uses unusually narrow, tall-profile tires and a staggered front-to-rear layout. The appearance changes quickly if the wrong width, wrong profile, or wrong wheel-diameter tire is installed.
A restoration-minded owner should preserve the proper relationship between 155-section front tires and 175-section rear tires while confirming whether the car belongs on 19-inch or 20-inch wheels. If presentation matters as much as drivability, checking original vehicle documentation and the wheel setup already on the car helps keep the finished look consistent.
How does tire sizing affect the appearance of a 2019 BMW i3?
Tire sizing has a major effect on the appearance of a 2019 BMW i3 because the car was styled around slim tires with relatively large wheel diameters. The difference between 19-inch and 20-inch fitment changes sidewall proportion, while the wider rear tire is part of the car’s intended staggered visual stance.
That makes accurate sizing important even for owners focused mainly on looks. A mismatched front or rear tire can upset the i3’s distinctive profile, and the wrong wheel-diameter fitment can alter the visual balance of the sidewall and wheel. Checking size markings carefully is worthwhile before replacing only one pair or one axle.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2019 BMW i3?
Yes. Wheel changes are the most obvious example, because the 2019 BMW i3 already uses two factory wheel diameters and staggered front and rear sizes. If the car has been switched from 19-inch wheels to 20-inch wheels, or the reverse, the tire sizes need to match that current setup rather than the original assumption.
Suspension changes, alignment issues, or nonstandard wheels can also affect clearance and how the tires sit on the car. Any modified i3 should be checked corner by corner before replacement. Tire size, wheel diameter, and front-versus-rear placement all need to be verified together so the replacement remains compatible with the actual vehicle configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 2019 BMW i3 on new tires?
Before driving a 2019 BMW i3 on new tires, confirm that each tire is mounted in the correct front or rear position and that the wheel diameter matches the tire size. It is also smart to inspect valve stems, wheel condition, and tire pressure so the installation starts from a sound baseline.
A short road test should include attention to steering feel, warning lights, and any rubbing or unusual noise. Because the i3 uses narrow, position-specific tires, even a simple front-rear size mix-up can create problems. Looking over tread seating, checking for air loss after installation, and rechecking pressures after the first drive are sensible follow-up steps.
How often should tires on a 2019 BMW i3 be inspected?
Tires on a 2019 BMW i3 should be inspected regularly, especially because many examples see lower annual mileage or uneven use patterns. Pressure, tread condition, cuts, cracking, and visible sidewall damage are the main items to watch. It also helps to confirm that the front and rear tires remain in their correct staggered positions.
A quick visual check before routine driving is worthwhile, with closer inspection any time the car has been parked for long periods or driven over rough pavement. Owners should also look for uneven wear that might point to alignment or suspension issues. Staying ahead of those checks helps protect both tire life and the i3’s road manners.
