The 2019 BMW i3s took BMW’s carbon-fiber-bodied city EV in a more assertive direction, pairing its lightweight, futuristic design with a sportier stance and staggered tire setup. That unusual package makes tire selection more specific than it is on many modern vehicles. The 2019 BMW i3s uses 175/55R20 radial tires in front and 195/50R20 radial tires in the rear, both on 20-inch rims. Because the front and rear sizes are different, the real decision is less about broad tire choice and more about keeping the correct position-specific fitment, overall proportions, and road manners. Owners should confirm front-versus-rear placement before replacing tires or evaluating wheel changes.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2019 BMW i3s
The 2019 BMW i3s uses two primary tire sizes, and they are tied to tire position rather than unrelated trim differences. Both sizes are radial tires for 20-inch rims, with 175/55R20 used on the front and 195/50R20 used on the rear across the covered configurations. The first step is confirming whether you are replacing a front or rear tire, since choosing by wheel position matters more here than choosing by sub-model.
175/55R20 is a metric radial size in which 175 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 20 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2019 BMW i3s, this size serves the front tire position and is part of the vehicle’s staggered setup. Its dimensions support the narrow, efficiency-minded tire concept that is central to the i3 platform while still matching the i3s configuration. Use this size when replacing the front tires and confirm that the wheel remains the correct 20-inch front fitment.
195/50R20 is a metric radial size with a 195-millimeter nominal section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 20-inch rim diameter. On the 2019 BMW i3s, this size is used at the rear, giving the car its wider rear tire within the staggered arrangement. That front-to-rear difference is a meaningful part of the vehicle’s fitment, so this size should be evaluated as a rear application rather than a general replacement for every wheel position. Before ordering, verify that the tire is intended for the rear axle and that the wheel setup has not been changed.
Fitment is straightforward across the covered 2019 BMW i3s configurations because both use the same staggered tire arrangement. Checking the exact sub-model still matters, but the bigger point is confirming whether the tire being replaced is on the front or rear axle.
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2019 BMW i3s Base Front
The 2019 BMW i3s Base Front uses the narrower front tire in the staggered setup, with radial construction on a 20-inch rim. Tire selection here should stay focused on the front position so steering feel, clearance, and the intended front-to-rear balance are preserved.
The 2019 BMW i3s Base Rear uses the wider rear tire in the staggered 20-inch radial fitment. Replacing the rear tires with the correct position-specific size helps maintain the vehicle’s intended stance and avoids mixing front and rear dimensions.
The 2019 BMW i3s Range Extender Front uses the same front radial tire size as the standard i3s front position. That makes selection relatively simple, but the tire still needs to match the front wheel position rather than being chosen as a universal four-corner size.
The 2019 BMW i3s Range Extender Rear uses the same wider rear radial size as the standard i3s rear position. Tire replacement should keep that rear-specific fitment in place and should be checked carefully if the car has aftermarket wheels or any suspension changes.
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
Common questions for the 2019 BMW i3s usually center on its staggered front-and-rear tire sizes, 20-inch rim fitment, position-specific replacement, wheel changes, and the maintenance checks that matter on a modern specialty EV.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2019 BMW i3s?
The 2019 BMW i3s uses a staggered tire setup with two different radial sizes: 175/55R20 in front and 195/50R20 in the rear. Both sizes fit 20-inch rims, and that front-to-rear difference applies across the covered Base and Range Extender configurations.
That means tire replacement starts with wheel position, not just model year. A front tire should be matched to the front size, and a rear tire should be matched to the rear size. Owners should also confirm that the car still has its proper 20-inch wheels and has not been altered with aftermarket wheel or suspension changes that could affect clearance or compatibility.
What size rim does a 2019 BMW i3s use?
The 2019 BMW i3s uses 20-inch rims with both of its primary tire sizes. The front 175/55R20 and rear 195/50R20 are both built around that same 20-inch wheel diameter, even though the tires differ in width and aspect ratio between the two positions.
Knowing the rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on an i3s. The vehicle’s staggered setup means the tire still has to match the correct axle location, and any wheel-width or offset change should be checked carefully before a replacement is chosen. A quick look at the wheel markings is worthwhile if there is any doubt about whether the car still has its original wheel setup.
Do all 2019 BMW i3s sub-models use the same tire size?
The covered 2019 BMW i3s sub-models share the same overall tire arrangement, but not one single size at every corner. Both the Base and Range Extender versions use 175/55R20 in front and 195/50R20 in the rear, so the fitment is consistent by axle across those configurations.
That consistency makes sub-model selection easier, but owners still need to identify whether the tire being replaced is mounted on the front or rear. Mixing up the axle-specific sizes can create fitment and appearance issues, especially on a vehicle designed around narrow, tall-diameter tires. Checking the existing sidewall marking before ordering is the simplest way to avoid a mismatch.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 2019 BMW i3s tire?
Start with the correct axle position, since the 2019 BMW i3s uses 175/55R20 in front and 195/50R20 in the rear. The next priorities are keeping the tire in the proper radial construction, confirming the 20-inch wheel diameter, and making sure the selected tire matches the wheel it will actually be mounted on.
After basic fitment, think about how the car is used. A low-mileage collector-style i3s may place more emphasis on age, condition, and matching pairs, while a regularly driven car may call for closer attention to wear and evenness across the axle. It also helps to verify whether the car still has its original wheel arrangement before comparing replacement choices.
How do I choose between the available 175/55R20 and 195/50R20 tires for a 2019 BMW i3s?
The main distinction is not between competing vintage-style presentations or multiple constructions, but between front and rear application. A 175/55R20 belongs on the front of the 2019 BMW i3s, while a 195/50R20 belongs on the rear, and both are radial tires for 20-inch rims.
Choice becomes simpler once the axle position is confirmed. Replace a single tire only when the remaining tire on that axle is still in sound condition and compatible in wear and age; otherwise, replacing in pairs is often the cleaner solution. On a staggered vehicle like the i3s, checking the exact sidewall size on the car before purchase helps prevent front-to-rear confusion.
Why does the 2019 BMW i3s use different front and rear tire sizes?
The 2019 BMW i3s uses a staggered setup, with 175/55R20 in front and 195/50R20 in the rear. That means the rear tire is wider than the front tire, even though both are built for 20-inch rims and have very similar overall diameters.
For the owner, the practical takeaway is that tire size on this car is part of the vehicle’s intended configuration rather than an interchangeable four-corner arrangement. Replacement decisions should preserve the correct front and rear positions unless the entire wheel-and-tire package has been deliberately redesigned. Any change in wheel width, offset, or suspension height deserves a careful clearance check before new tires are installed.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2019 BMW i3s restoration or preservation project?
Yes. Even though the 2019 BMW i3s is a much newer collector candidate than a traditional classic car, correct tire fitment still matters for anyone trying to preserve the vehicle’s original character. Its narrow 20-inch staggered setup is a distinctive part of the i3s look and stance, not just a routine replacement detail.
Preservation-minded owners should keep the front 175/55R20 and rear 195/50R20 positions straight and avoid assuming that any 20-inch tire with a similar look will serve the same purpose. If exact originality is important, compare the car against marque-specific references and verify that the wheels themselves have not been changed over time. Tire presentation on a design-driven vehicle like the i3s has a noticeable visual effect.
How does tire fitment affect the appearance of a 2019 BMW i3s?
Tire fitment has a strong effect on the 2019 BMW i3s because the car was styled around tall, narrow tires and large-diameter wheels. The difference between the 175/55R20 front and 195/50R20 rear sizes contributes to the i3s stance, so keeping the correct sizes in their intended positions helps preserve the vehicle’s visual balance.
Appearance changes quickly when a staggered setup is ignored or when nonstandard wheel dimensions are introduced. Even if a substitute seems close at a glance, section width and overall proportion can alter how the tire fills the wheel opening. Owners focused on a clean, original-looking presentation should confirm both tire size and wheel setup before replacing a full set.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2019 BMW i3s?
Yes. Wheel, suspension, and alignment-related modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2019 BMW i3s, even though the factory setup itself is straightforward. The car uses a staggered 20-inch arrangement, so changes in wheel width, offset, ride height, or body clearance can alter how well a 175/55R20 front or 195/50R20 rear tire works in place.
A modified i3s should be checked at full steering lock and through suspension movement before replacement tires are chosen. That is especially important if aftermarket wheels have been installed, since the correct rim diameter alone does not confirm compatibility. Looking at the actual wheel markings and the current tire sidewalls is a smart first step before placing an order.
What should I inspect before driving a 2019 BMW i3s on new tires?
Before driving a 2019 BMW i3s on new tires, inspect the mounting direction, confirm that the front and rear sizes are in the correct positions, and check inflation pressure. It is also wise to look over the wheels for damage and verify that the tires seat properly on the 20-inch rims without rubbing or unusual clearance concerns.
A short, careful road test can reveal vibration, pull, or contact issues before the car returns to normal use. Recheck pressure after the first drives and keep an eye on even wear across each axle. Since the i3s uses different sizes front and rear, a final sidewall check after installation helps confirm that the staggered arrangement was preserved correctly.
How should tires on a 2019 BMW i3s be maintained?
Tires on a 2019 BMW i3s should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and close attention to wear patterns. Because the car uses different front and rear sizes, maintenance starts with keeping each tire in its correct axle position and watching for any signs of uneven wear, cuts, bulges, sidewall damage, or gradual air loss.
Low-use vehicles deserve extra attention because age and storage conditions can matter as much as mileage. Inspect the tires before longer drives, especially if the car sits for extended periods, and store the vehicle away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources when possible. Any unusual wear or recurring pressure loss should be addressed before regular road use continues.
