Tyres by Car · BMW
Best tyres for the BMW i3
Electric cars are heavy and instantly torquey, so the best tyres protect range and carry the battery weight without wearing out quickly. Look for low rolling resistance, a high enough load rating, and quiet, EV-ready ranges.
The BMW i3 runs a staggered fitment on 19 to 20 inch wheels, with 155/70 R19 or 155/60 R20 at the front and 175/60 R19 or 175/55 R20 at the rear. Because each axle takes a different size, the tyres cannot be rotated front to back or moved side to side, and a worn pair is usually replaced as a matched set rather than one corner at a time.
What we'd fit on a i3
Michelin e.Primacy, low rolling resistance to protect range.
ShopContinental EcoContact 6, efficient with strong wet grip.
ShopHankook iON evo, an EV-specific design that tests well.
ShopShopping links go to Tyres.co.uk, our recommended retailer and official fulfilment partner.
For the full tested ranking, see the best tyres for electric cars. Then weigh it against how you actually drive.
BMW i3 tyre sizes
Front
Rear
The BMW i3 uses a staggered fitment, so the front and rear tyres are different sizes and must not be swapped. Sport, M or AMG trims often run larger staggered sizes again, so confirm yours from the tyre sidewall, the door placard or your V5C. New to it? See what a size like 155/70 R19 means.
Recommended pressures
Your BMW i3's recommended pressures are on the placard in the driver's door shut or fuel flap, and in the handbook. Set them cold, and raise them when fully loaded or towing. Our guide to correct tyre pressure and where to find your figures cover the detail.
What to watch on a i3
Instant torque and battery weight wear EV tyres faster than a petrol car, so rotate regularly to even it out. See how tyre rotation works if you spot it.
BMW i3 tyres: common questions
What are the best tyres for a BMW i3?
Electric cars are heavy and instantly torquey, so the best tyres protect range and carry the battery weight without wearing out quickly. Look for low rolling resistance, a high enough load rating, and quiet, EV-ready ranges. Our pick of Michelin e.Primacy, Continental EcoContact 6, Hankook iON evo is a strong starting point; see the best tyres for electric cars for the tested detail, then match it to how you drive.
What size tyres does the BMW i3 take?
The BMW i3 runs a staggered fitment, with different front and rear sizes: typically 155/70 R19 or 155/60 R20 on the front and 175/60 R19 or 175/55 R20 on the rear. Sport and M or AMG trims often use larger staggered sizes, so confirm yours from the sidewall, door placard or V5C, and never swap front and rear.
How much should I spend on tyres for a BMW i3?
It depends on the car and how you drive. A premium tyre pays off on motorway miles and in the wet; a strong value-premium tyre is often the smarter buy on a smaller or lighter car. See our guide on premium versus mid-range versus budget to weigh it up.
From the reviews desk: we pick by how a car is actually used, not by badge. The names above are a sound starting point for a electric hatchback like this, but the right tyre also depends on your budget and the weather you drive in.
Sources and accuracy. Recommendations draw on our tested review guides. Sizes shown are common fitments for the BMW i3 and are not a substitute for confirming your own car's fitment from the sidewall, placard or V5C. If anything here looks wrong, tell us and we will check it.