1997 BMW 5 Series 520i/528i
The 1997 BMW 5 Series 520i/528i tire size and wheel specifications below reflect standard OEM reference fitment data for this trim level.
Detailed tire and wheel breakdown for the 1997 BMW 5 Series
Tire geometry â 225/55R16
The 225/55R16 fitted to the 1997 BMW 5 Series has a section width of 225mm and an aspect ratio of 55%, mounted on a 16-inch rim. That gives a sidewall height of 123.8mm (4.87") and an overall outside diameter of 653.9mm (25.74"). At highway speed this tire completes roughly 487 revolutions per kilometre, which is what your speedometer and odometer are calibrated against.
Plus-sizing window
If you want to upsize wheels on the 1997 BMW 5 Series while keeping the speedometer accurate, target a 235/47R17 (plus-one). For a softer ride or winter setup, a 215/63R15 (minus-one) keeps the overall diameter within Âą3% of stock, which is the industry tolerance for ABS and stability control to stay calibrated.
Wheel fitment specs
The 1997 BMW 5 Series uses a 5x120 bolt pattern with a 74.1mm hub bore. Safe rim width range for the OEM tire is 6.5J â 7.5J, and offsets in the ET15 â ET25 window will clear suspension and fender without rubbing on most setups.
Tire pressure guidance
Manufacturer-recommended cold tire pressure for the 1997 BMW 5 Series is printed on the driver-side door jamb sticker â always defer to that value, not to the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall. Check pressure monthly and before long trips; under-inflation by 20% can reduce tread life by 25%.
Fitment Specifications
| Engine & Trim | Tire Size | Rim Size | Offset (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 520i/528i | 225/55R16 | 16" x 7.0 | ET20 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What tire size does the 1997 BMW 5 Series 520i/528i use?
The 1997 BMW 5 Series 520i/528i uses 225/55R16 tires as standard equipment.
What is the bolt pattern of the 1997 BMW 5 Series 520i/528i?
The 1997 BMW 5 Series 520i/528i has a 5x120 bolt pattern with a center bore of 74.1mm.
What is the wheel offset of the 1997 BMW 5 Series 520i/528i?
The 1997 BMW 5 Series 520i/528i has a wheel offset of ETET20.