X3 G01 best tyre inflation spec

[AshG108]

Good day all,

The X3 has 20" 699M rims and tyres setup on Michelin Latitude 3 with narrow and wides (245/45/20 & 275/40/20).

What is the best inflation spec for these? The car had the tyres up to 2.8bar when I got it and it was a tad bit stiff, I lowered it to the door spec which is 2.2. front and 2.4 rear and it is tons more comfy BUT the tyres look like they are running too much on the side of the tyre.
Now I don't like that...a gent form work with the F25 told me he runs 2.4 & 2.6 on his F25 but with 19s.

I wanted to check what are you guys running on your G01s with the same setup?

 

[MR_Y]

I have 245/45 19s all round.
The door panel says 2.2 bar all round, if there is low weight on board.

I think that is too low - I assume BMW is prioritising comfort.

I run 2.4 all round, which is between the low and high weight settings according to the panel.

I went on an Audi Advanced Driving Course back in 2012 - they advised to use the highest pressure on the door panel for the chosen tyre spec. Can't recall the technical reasons why.

 

[AshG108]

I have 245/45 19s all round.
The door panel says 2.2 bar all round, if there is low weight on board.

I think that is too low - I assume BMW is prioritising comfort.

I run 2.4 all round, which is between the low and high weight settings according to the panel.

I went on an Audi Advanced Driving Course back in 2012 - they advised to use the highest pressure on the door panel for the chosen tyre spec. Can't recall the technical reasons why.

Thanks Mnr Y!

 

[modocrat]

My tyre guy/friend suggested 2.5 for all newer cars with large tyres.

 

[MR_Y]

Thanks Mnr Y!

So, had a long WhatsApp chat with a technical mate of mine now...

It depends on the type of driving you do.

If the car is driven hard, it is likely that the tyre will get hotter and the pressure increase. So, in this case it makes sense to follow the manufacturer's pressures (which seem lower than what one expects for these size of tyres).

If the car is driven sedately, it may make sense to fill a slightly higher pressure (at least higher than what the manufacturer requires for light/low load weight). Something to do with reducing slippage angle, and improving straightline grip, I think.

Anyway, @AshG108 not a straightforward answer....

On my Porkers, the sports cars not the SUVs, I use the manufacturer pressure guide because the cars tend to feel more bouncy with higher pressure. On my X3, the car feels better with 2.4 all round and that is also what my TWT tech recommended as well. But, I guess it depends on your driving and requirements.

 

[AshG108]

Thanks Yash, I will top it up to around 2.4 front and 2.5 rear for now, sedate driving on the car and check how it goes. Should be fine and MUCH better than the 2.8bar it had though, for sure

 

[KPM3_30]

For what its worth, on the X5 I run 2.4 front and 2.6 rear. Seems to be the best for the 20", on the F25 with 19" it was 2.3 front and 2.5 rear.

 

[Eust]

My tyre guy/friend suggested 2.5 for all newer cars with large tyres.

This is what I run on my X3M.
255(f) & 265(r)/40/21 Michelins.

 

[GravityLee]

For what its worth, on the X5 I run 2.4 front and 2.6 rear. Seems to be the best for the 20", on the F25 with 19" it was 2.3 front and 2.5 rear.

Similarly, 2.5 all round on the X6 20”. I don’t notice a difference in comfort between this and 2.2.

 

[AshG108]

Thank you gents, I appreciate the info. Going to top up the tyres today.

 

[Devzo]

I run 2.6 all round on both the F25 and the G01. The G01 is prone to shoulder wear on the fronts, slightly higher pressure helps even it out.

 

[r0ckf1re]

I’ve always just followed the specs stated on the car.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ENT_DocY]

I did a course with BMW a few years ago when run flats just came out. The guy there recommended 0.1bar more for run flat tires than the panel recommendation. Improves the comfort and life apparently. So that's what I've been doing for years now on all my cars.

 

[AshG108]

Shot thanks @ENT_DocY - so I inflated to 2.4(F)/2.8(R) when loaded and drove to KZN. When I got back, brought it down to 2.3(F)/2.4(R) which comfort seems great and drives absolutely soft.
So similar to what you doing.

Great feedback, the car gave a total consumption of 1100kms to the tank (on the hand) on 55litres usage, mixed driving of speed limit and pushing it to much more quiet a bit often too.

 

[///M Individual]

Shot thanks @ENT_DocY - so I inflated to 2.4(F)/2.8(R) when loaded and drove to KZN. When I got back, brought it down to 2.3(F)/2.4(R) which comfort seems great and drives absolutely soft.
So similar to what you doing.

Great feedback, the car gave a total consumption of 1100kms to the tank (on the hand) on 55litres usage, mixed driving of speed limit and pushing it to much more quiet a bit often too.

Brilliant! I cannot think of another non-hybrid SUV/SAV in this segment that can achieve this.

 

[AshG108]

So true, I didn't expect it since this car is bigger and heavier than the older one and this car is frugal. It somehow doesn't punish you easily when you drive a bit harsh/hard.

 

[Mrvaughng]

So true, I didn't expect it since this car is bigger and heavier than the older one and this car is frugal. It somehow doesn't punish you easily when you drive a bit harsh/hard.

Good points raised here