The 2019 BMW i8 brought futuristic design and plug-in hybrid performance into a shape that still feels more concept car than conventional grand tourer. Its low, sculpted body and staggered tire setup are part of what gives the car its distinctive stance and handling balance. The 2019 BMW i8 uses 215/45R20 tires at the front and 245/40R20 tires at the rear, both in radial construction on 20-inch rims. Rear tire choices include blackwall, raised white letter, and redline presentations across several performance-oriented series. For an i8 owner, the key is matching the correct front or rear position while keeping wheel fitment, appearance, and intended road use in view.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2019 BMW i8
The 2019 BMW i8 uses two primary tire sizes, both on 20-inch rims, with one size for the front axle and a wider size for the rear. That makes position on the car the first thing to confirm before choosing a tire. Once front-versus-rear fitment is clear, the real comparison becomes tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width compatibility within the correct size.
A 245/40R20 tire uses a 245-millimeter nominal section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 20-inch rim diameter. On the 2019 BMW i8, this wider size is used at the rear, where it supports the car's staggered fitment and should not be confused with the narrower front tire. Available choices in this size include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac options, with blackwall, raised white letter, and redline sidewall treatments across different series. Selecting among them comes down to keeping the correct rear size while comparing appearance, wheel-width range, and product character.
Fitment on the 2019 BMW i8 is straightforward once the exact body style and tire position are identified. Coupe and Roadster models share the same staggered layout, so the important distinction is front versus rear rather than a different size between sub-model lines.
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2019 BMW i8 Coupe Front
The 2019 BMW i8 Coupe Front uses the narrower front radial fitment in the i8's staggered setup. Tire selection here centers on confirming front position, 20-inch wheel compatibility, and keeping the front axle matched to the car's intended sizing strategy.
The 2019 BMW i8 Coupe Rear uses the wider rear radial fitment, which is where the broader product choice appears. This is the position where sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width range become more visible parts of the buying decision.
The 2019 BMW i8 Roadster Front follows the same front tire fitment pattern as the Coupe. Choosing correctly means staying with the proper front size and checking actual wheel setup carefully if the Roadster has aftermarket wheels or suspension changes.
The 2019 BMW i8 Roadster Rear uses the same wider rear radial size as the Coupe Rear. That gives the Roadster owner the same rear-tire decision points around style, series, and wheel compatibility while preserving the staggered front-to-rear arrangement.
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 2019 BMW i8 Tires for Sale
Available 245/40R20 choices for the 2019 BMW i8 include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac tires in several performance-oriented series. The main product differences are sidewall style, including blackwall, raised white letter, and redline, along with wheel-width specifications and related tire details.
These FAQs focus on the 2019 BMW i8's staggered tire sizing, 20-inch rim fitment, rear tire choices, appearance options, and the practical checks that matter before road use or changes to wheel and suspension setup.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2019 BMW i8?
The 2019 BMW i8 uses a staggered tire setup with 215/45R20 at the front and 245/40R20 at the rear. Both sizes are radial tires designed for 20-inch rims, so the car does not use the same tire size at all four corners.
That means the first step is confirming whether the tire is for the front or rear axle before choosing a replacement. Coupe and Roadster configurations use the same front and rear size pattern, but actual wheel dimensions should still be checked if the car has aftermarket wheels or any suspension changes.
What size rim does a 2019 BMW i8 use?
The 2019 BMW i8 uses 20-inch rims with both of its primary tire sizes. The 215/45R20 front tire and the 245/40R20 rear tire are both built around a 20-inch rim diameter, so wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire widths differ.
Rim diameter is only one part of fitment, so wheel width still matters when comparing tire options, especially at the rear. A correct 20-inch diameter does not automatically make every wheel suitable, and clearance should be reviewed carefully if the i8 no longer has its original wheel and suspension setup.
Do all 2019 BMW i8 sub-models use the same tire size?
Coupe and Roadster versions of the 2019 BMW i8 share the same staggered tire sizing pattern. Each uses 215/45R20 on the front and 245/40R20 on the rear, so the fitment difference is axle position rather than a different tire package between those sub-models.
That simplifies selection because body style does not change the basic size choice. The important check is making sure the correct tire goes to the correct end of the car, then verifying wheel width, offset, and clearance if the i8 has been altered from its original ride height or wheel configuration.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/40R20 tire for a 2019 BMW i8?
Start with the basics: 245/40R20 is the rear tire size for the 2019 BMW i8, and it belongs on a 20-inch rear wheel. From there, the choice shifts to construction details within that size, including tire series, wheel-width compatibility, sidewall style, and other product-level differences.
A buyer focused on appearance may notice the difference between blackwall, raised white letter, and redline offerings, while another owner may focus on matching an existing set or comparing load and weight details. The right comparison is always between tires in the correct rear size, not between front and rear fitments.
What sidewall styles are available for 2019 BMW i8 tires?
For the 2019 BMW i8's available 245/40R20 rear tire options, sidewall styles include blackwall, raised white letter, and redline. Those choices can noticeably change the car's visual character, even when the size and basic radial construction stay the same.
A blackwall keeps the presentation restrained and modern, while raised white letter or redline treatments add a more pronounced visual accent. Appearance should still come after fitment, so the tire needs to match the correct rear size and wheel specifications before sidewall style becomes the deciding factor.
What brands offer tires for the 2019 BMW i8?
Available 245/40R20 rear tire choices for the 2019 BMW i8 include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac. Those brands appear across several tire series, so the decision is not only about brand name but also about the specific tire's style, dimensions, and intended presentation.
Comparing by brand alone can miss details that matter more on the car, such as sidewall treatment and wheel-width range. A useful approach is to confirm the correct rear size first, then compare each brand's available series and specifications against the actual wheel setup and the look you want on the i8.
Restoration & Appearance
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2019 BMW i8?
The 2019 BMW i8 uses modern radial tire sizing, so the visual effect comes less from switching construction types and more from choosing the right size and sidewall presentation. On this car, maintaining the staggered front-and-rear proportions is a major part of preserving its intended futuristic stance.
Appearance choices are most visible in the available rear options, where blackwall, raised white letter, and redline styles create very different looks. A restoration-minded owner should keep the original design character in view and make sure any visual preference still works with the correct axle position and wheel setup.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2019 BMW i8 restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 2019 BMW i8 because the car's stance, proportions, and front-to-rear balance rely on a staggered setup. Using the proper 215/45R20 front and 245/40R20 rear sizes helps preserve the visual relationship BMW built into the car's low, sculpted body.
That does not mean every tire in those sizes presents the car the same way. Sidewall treatment, wheel width, and the details of the installed wheel package can all influence how authentic or cohesive the finished look appears, especially if the car is being brought back from a modified configuration.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2019 BMW i8?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2019 BMW i8 even when the tire size itself appears correct. Aftermarket wheels, altered offsets, suspension changes, or ride-height adjustments can change clearance at the fender, inner wheelhouse, or steering components.
That matters more on a low, tightly packaged car with staggered sizing than it does on a vehicle with generous wheelwell space. Any modified i8 should have its actual wheel dimensions and clearances checked carefully at both front and rear positions before a tire choice is treated as suitable.
What should I inspect before driving a 2019 BMW i8 on new tires?
Before driving a 2019 BMW i8 on new tires, confirm that the front and rear tires are mounted in the correct positions and that the wheel diameter matches the required 20-inch fitment. Tire pressure, visible bead seating, and basic clearance at full steering lock are also worth checking before road use.
A short initial drive should be followed by another inspection for rubbing, unusual vibration, or signs of air loss. Low-use performance cars can hide wheel damage or alignment issues, so it is smart to look at the condition of the wheels, suspension, and surrounding components at the same time.
How often should tires on a 2019 BMW i8 be inspected?
Tires on a 2019 BMW i8 should be inspected regularly, especially because specialty performance cars are often driven less frequently than ordinary daily vehicles. Pressure loss, tread wear, sidewall damage, cuts, cracking, and any uneven wear pattern deserve attention well before a long drive or seasonal use.
A collector-minded owner should also remember that age and storage conditions matter, not just miles traveled. Tires can deteriorate while the car sits, so periodic checks for air retention and visual condition are just as important as checking tread depth on an i8 that spends long stretches off the road.