The 2020 BMW i3 stands apart from most modern hatchbacks because it was engineered around efficiency, lightweight construction, and a distinctly narrow-tire footprint. Its upright shape and electric-first design give tire fitment an unusually important role in preserving the car’s intended balance, ride, and rolling character. For this exact model, the key question is not just size, but also whether the car is on the 19-inch or 20-inch wheel setup, with front and rear sizes differing accordingly. All primary fitments are radial, and the narrow metric sizing deserves careful interpretation before replacement. Getting the right combination starts with confirming wheel diameter and whether you are selecting for the front or rear position.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2020 BMW i3
The 2020 BMW i3 uses four primary tire sizes, and the correct choice depends first on wheel diameter and axle position. This model uses staggered radial fitment, with narrower front sizes and wider rear sizes in both 19-inch and 20-inch configurations, so identifying the exact front or rear setup is the first step before comparing tire options.
Fit(s): Base, Base Front, and Range Extender Front
Construction: Radial|Rim: 19 in
In 155/70R19, the 155 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 19 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2020 BMW i3, this is one of the front tire sizes used with the 19-inch setup, making wheel confirmation especially important before replacement. Its narrow profile is part of the i3’s specialized fitment approach rather than a generic compact-car size. This is the size to evaluate when keeping the 19-inch front arrangement in place and matching the car’s intended front fitment layout.
In 155/60R20, the tire keeps the same 155-millimeter nominal width as the 19-inch front size but uses a lower 60-series profile on a 20-inch rim. This radial size serves the front position on 2020 BMW i3 models equipped with the 20-inch wheel setup, so it should be selected only after confirming the car is not on 19-inch wheels. The lower-profile construction changes the sizing convention even though the tire remains notably narrow. It is the relevant front fitment when the vehicle carries the 20-inch staggered arrangement.
In 175/55R20, the 175 indicates a wider nominal section width than the front tire, 55 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 20 is the rim diameter. On the 2020 BMW i3, this size is used at the rear with the 20-inch setup, reflecting the car’s staggered front-to-rear fitment. Its role is different from the front sizes, so it should not be treated as a universal i3 tire simply because it shares the same model year and platform. This is the rear size to match when the car is equipped with 20-inch wheels.
In 175/60R19, the 175 marks the wider rear tire width, 60 describes the aspect ratio, R means radial, and 19 is the wheel diameter in inches. For the 2020 BMW i3, this is the rear tire size paired with the 19-inch setup, complementing the narrower 155/70R19 front fitment. That front-to-rear difference is central to correct replacement, since the i3 does not use the same size at every corner in this configuration. This is the size to compare when retaining the 19-inch rear wheel and its matching staggered layout.
Sub-model fitment on the 2020 BMW i3 is tied not only to trim, but also to front and rear position and to 19-inch versus 20-inch wheel diameter. Checking the exact sub-model wording matters because some entries represent overall fitment, while others separate the car into front and rear tire applications.
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2020 BMW i3 Base
The 2020 BMW i3 Base is associated with 155/70R19 radial fitment, which points to the 19-inch configuration on this model. That makes wheel-diameter confirmation especially important before purchase, particularly if the car has been optioned or changed from its original wheel setup.
The 2020 BMW i3 Base Front uses a narrow radial front tire, with fitment differing between 155/70R19 and 155/60R20 depending on wheel diameter. Tire selection here begins with confirming whether the car carries 19-inch or 20-inch front wheels rather than choosing by model name alone.
The 2020 BMW i3 Base Rear uses the wider rear tire fitment, with 175/60R19 or 175/55R20 depending on the wheel package. Rear replacement should follow the actual rim diameter and preserve the intended staggered relationship with the narrower front tire.
The 2020 BMW i3 Range Extender Front follows the same narrow front-tire pattern, using either 155/70R19 or 155/60R20 radial fitment. The practical decision is confirming the front wheel diameter first so the replacement tire matches the correct front setup.
The 2020 BMW i3 Range Extender Rear uses the wider rear tire position, with fitment in either 175/60R19 or 175/55R20. Choosing the right rear tire means matching the wheel diameter already on the car and keeping the front-to-rear stagger intact.
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
Tire questions for a 2020 BMW i3 usually center on staggered front and rear sizing, 19-inch versus 20-inch wheels, and preserving the car’s intended narrow radial fitment. The answers below focus on exact size meaning, wheel confirmation, selection priorities, and road-use checks.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2020 BMW i3?
A 2020 BMW i3 can use 155/70R19, 155/60R20, 175/60R19, and 175/55R20, depending on wheel diameter and whether the tire is for the front or rear. The car uses radial tires and a staggered layout, with narrower front sizes and wider rear sizes.
The practical starting point is to confirm both the wheel diameter and the axle position before choosing a replacement. A 19-inch i3 uses a different front and rear pair than a 20-inch i3, so selecting by model year alone can lead to the wrong tire even when the size looks close.
What size rim does a 2020 BMW i3 use?
The 2020 BMW i3 uses either 19-inch or 20-inch rims, depending on the wheel setup. The 19-inch fitment pairs 155/70R19 in front with 175/60R19 in the rear, while the 20-inch fitment pairs 155/60R20 in front with 175/55R20 in the rear.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before anything else because both diameters appear on this exact model. Once that is settled, the next check is front versus rear position, since the i3 does not use the same tire width at all four corners in either wheel configuration.
Why does the 2020 BMW i3 have more than one tire size?
The 2020 BMW i3 has more than one tire size because it uses different wheel packages and a staggered fitment layout. Front tires are narrower than rear tires, and each wheel diameter has its own matching front-and-rear size combination.
That means the correct replacement is tied to the actual setup on the car rather than to the model name alone. Looking at the sidewall markings on the current tires and confirming the wheel diameter will usually settle the question quickly, especially if the car has separate front and rear listings.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 2020 BMW i3 tire?
Start with the exact size, then confirm whether the tire is for the front or rear and whether the car is on 19-inch or 20-inch wheels. The 2020 BMW i3 uses narrow radial tires in a staggered arrangement, so preserving the correct size relationship across the axle matters.
After size and position are confirmed, compare the replacement tire’s overall role in the setup rather than treating the car like a conventional four-matching-tire hatchback. Owners should also verify the actual wheel package on the car if it has been changed, since aftermarket wheel swaps can complicate size selection.
How do I choose between the available 2020 BMW i3 tire sizes?
The right way to choose between 2020 BMW i3 tire sizes is not by preference, but by fitment. Each size belongs to a specific front or rear position and to a specific 19-inch or 20-inch wheel setup, so the vehicle’s existing wheel and axle arrangement determines the correct choice.
That makes this a confirmation process more than a comparison exercise. Checking the sidewall on the tire being replaced, then matching it to the wheel diameter and front or rear location, helps maintain the intended staggered layout and avoids mixing sizes meant for different wheel packages.
What rim-fitment details matter when choosing 2020 BMW i3 tires?
The most important rim-fitment detail on a 2020 BMW i3 is diameter, since the car uses both 19-inch and 20-inch wheel configurations. Front and rear positions also matter because each diameter pairs a narrower front tire with a wider rear tire.
Wheel changes deserve special attention on this model because the i3’s tire sizes are unusually narrow and application-specific. A buyer should confirm that the tire size being considered matches the actual wheel diameter on the car and still leaves proper clearance at steering lock and under suspension movement.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2020 BMW i3 restoration or preservation project?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 2020 BMW i3 because the car’s appearance and driving character are closely tied to its narrow, staggered radial setup. Keeping the proper front and rear relationship and the correct 19-inch or 20-inch pairing helps preserve the way the vehicle was configured.
For a preservation-minded owner, the goal is usually to avoid treating the i3 like a generic compact hatchback with interchangeable tire sizes. Confirming the existing wheel package and replacing each position with the matching size keeps the visual proportions and intended fitment concept intact.
How does tire sizing affect the appearance of a preserved 2020 BMW i3?
Tire sizing has a noticeable effect on a preserved 2020 BMW i3 because the car was designed around very narrow tires and a staggered stance. The difference between front and rear widths is part of the i3’s visual identity, and the 19-inch and 20-inch setups each present that idea a little differently.
Using the correct size at each corner helps the car retain its intended proportions instead of looking over-tired or mismatched. Owners focused on original presentation should confirm the actual wheel package on the vehicle and avoid substituting a size simply because it seems close on paper.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2020 BMW i3?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2020 BMW i3, especially if the car has aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, or a wheel package different from its current tire labeling. Because the i3 uses narrow, staggered tires in both 19-inch and 20-inch configurations, even small setup changes can alter what works.
A modified car should be checked for actual wheel diameter, front and rear width pairing, and clearance through steering and suspension travel before replacement tires are chosen. That matters even more on an i3 than on many modern cars because its tire sizing is unusually specialized.
What should I inspect before driving a 2020 BMW i3 on new tires?
Before driving a 2020 BMW i3 on new tires, confirm that each tire matches the correct front or rear position and the correct 19-inch or 20-inch wheel diameter. It is also smart to inspect inflation pressure, bead seating, visible sidewall condition, and any sign of rubbing or uneven clearance.
A short test drive followed by a recheck can help catch issues early, especially on a staggered setup. The i3’s narrow tires make proper matching important, so it is worth checking that the front and rear sizes have not been mixed and that the car tracks cleanly without interference.
What should I check before a longer drive in a 2020 BMW i3?
Before a longer drive in a 2020 BMW i3, check tire pressure, tread condition, visible cracking, cuts, bulges, and any history of air loss. The correct front and rear sizes should also be confirmed, since the car’s staggered arrangement means a mismatch can be easy to overlook if tires were replaced at different times.
Longer trips are also a good reason to inspect wheel condition and verify that there is no rubbing after recent tire or wheel service. On a low-use i3, age and storage condition matter as much as tread depth, so a close visual inspection is worthwhile even when the tires look only lightly worn.
