BMW X5 Wheels onto Disco 3

[Gavmanslim]

Hi All,

I thought I'd share my most recent experience as a Land Rover Owner.

While servicing my car the other day I looked at the front passenger wheel and noticed one of the spokes was cracked all the way through! I immediately changed it for the spare and did some research on this forum. I worked out this was a bit of a common problem with the aftermarket Performance brand rims.

I rang Performance - or the people who have now taken on the brand - who told me they could not help me as they were no longer manufactured and the new mob had nothing to do with those rims, they just took the name. They did suggest, however, that I should definitely change all the wheels over. So I asked the next reasonable question. "Well, can you help me out a bit with the price on new rims". Turns out they cant.

I looked up second hand wheels for the Disco 3 but most were 18". I needed 17" as I have only had my tyres 10,000km. After some further research I found that the BMW X5 wheels SHOULD fit.

As luck would have it I found a set on eBay for an absolute bargain and offered to pick them up this morning. After a long drive in the car, which was worth every minute, I loaded up the tyres and headed for my tyre shop. I must tell you that I tried the fitment of the wheels at the fellows house and thought they were all good.

So it came as a bit of a shock when, after my old tyres were fitted and balanced on the new rims, that they would not go flush against the hub! They were out by a fraction of a bees d..k. Luckily the tyre bloke is a friend of mine. We fitted some second hand tyres to my old rims to get me home and I took the already balanced wheels with me.

The center of the BMW hub has a small shim which is slightly too small for the Disco 3's hub. After a small amount of machining the BMW wheels fit on flush. Phew!! (If they didn't work the wife was going to kill me then make me sleep in a fort outside made up of the recently purchased rims)

So, BMW X5 rims will fit - the offset, stud size and pattern and rim size are fine. But the inside of the hub needs a small amount of adjustment to make sure they fit on flush to the hub. This is despite various web sites stating that the inside diameter of the rim was supposed to be the same on both vehicles.

Hope this clarifies the BMW rim situation for those interested. By the way. The BMW rims are from the 2002 X5 i believe.

Gav

[LandyAndy]

Did you change the wheel nuts??? There was a post here last week about BMW wheels needing a long shank wheel nut.
I may only apply to certain BMW wheels,it would pay to make sure.
Cheers
Andrew

[Graeme]

X5 rims have fitted without any modification so you might like to post a picture in case they're not X5 rims and possibly from a lighter vehicle. However your rims may be an X5 design not previously used.

X5 rims require long shank nuts to obtain the legal minimum number of engaged threads.

[Graeme]

The long shank nuts are required because X5 uses normal tapered nuts that are normally fitted to longer studs than LR studs. LR wheel nuts have a long shank but are unsuitable for the X5 rims.

[AnD3rew]

This is timely as I was about to ask the question.

Can anyone tell me or post pictures of the 17" X5 rims that will go on without modifications and where to get and the right specifications for the nuts you need? For a 2.7TDV6 D3 with factory 18" wheels.

[Grentarc]

This is timely as I was about to ask the question.

Can anyone tell me or post pictures of the 17" X5 rims that will go on without modifications
Here are some 17" X5 rims that fit - Graeme will have to tell you about the nuts though
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/03/237.jpg

[Graeme]

I used these : Gorilla 68148 Chrome Lug Nuts E-T Ultra Tapered Mag Seat 13/16" Hex Head 14mm x 1.50 Thread (http://www.brandsport.com/grla-68148.html)

I have a surplus set of 4 of those same rims with part-worn LT245/70 Duratracs fitted but without nuts.

[LandyAndy]

245/70.Thats a size I would love to have on my D4.I ran 235/85 on my D2,sand never was an issue,even with highway tyres.
Andrew

[Narangga]

This is timely as I was about to ask the question.

Can anyone tell me or post pictures of the 17" X5 rims that will go on without modifications and where to get and the right specifications for the nuts you need? For a 2.7TDV6 D3 with factory 18" wheels.

Does this help?

Land Rover Discovery Wheels | Wheels, Tyres & Rims | Gumtree Australia Moonee Valley - Essendon | 1107950907 (http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/essendon/wheels-tyres-rims/land-rover-discovery-wheels/1107950907)

[AnD3rew]

Does this help?

Land Rover Discovery Wheels | Wheels, Tyres & Rims | Gumtree Australia Moonee Valley - Essendon | 1107950907 (http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/essendon/wheels-tyres-rims/land-rover-discovery-wheels/1107950907)

Not realky, they are 18s and in Vic. But thank you anyway.

[Gavmanslim]

Cheers for the info on the lug nuts. I thought my nuts were ok but I can see the difference. Probably worth the $2 each.

[Gavmanslim]

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[Narangga]

Not realky, they are 18s and in Vic. But thank you anyway.

I thought their 17's & 18's were pretty much the same, in the same way that the D3 has both 17's and 18's that fit.

[Geedublya]

Does this help?

Land Rover Discovery Wheels | Wheels, Tyres & Rims | Gumtree Australia Moonee Valley - Essendon | 1107950907 (http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/essendon/wheels-tyres-rims/land-rover-discovery-wheels/1107950907)

It is unlikely those BMW wheels will fit without modification. While the PCD is correct for some reason the centers of BMW wheels above 17" are of a smaller diameter.

[Geedublya]

This is timely as I was about to ask the question.

Can anyone tell me or post pictures of the 17" X5 rims that will go on without modifications and where to get and the right specifications for the nuts you need? For a 2.7TDV6 D3 with factory 18" wheels.

As far as I can tell there are three suitable wheels.

1 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/17-inch-Genuine-BMW-E53-X5-ALLOY-WHEELS-/171270645205?hash=item27e086a5d5:g:8~sAAOxyoVZTJYN F)
2 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BMW-17-X5-SPARE-WHEEL-/291579285224?hash=item43e37acee8:g:SQwAAOSwN81WDgN P)
3 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/17-BMW-X5-E36-E46-SET-OF-FOUR-GENUINE-USED-ALLOY-WHEELS-/111809024809?hash=item1a08565329:g:cVUAAOSw5VFWMXC 9)

They used to be fairly cheap, however I've noticed that people are asking more for them now, probably because they are fitting them to VW transporters.

[Graeme]

107262

I understood that this style fitted without modification. I have fitted the other 2 styles listed by Geedublya.

[AnD3rew]

I thought their 17's & 18's were pretty much the same, in the same way that the D3 has both 17's and 18's that fit.

I already have 18s, I want 17s to put some cheap Muddies on. I don't believe there are D3 factory 17s, but could be wrong about that.

[Narangga]

I already have 18s, I want 17s to put some cheap Muddies on. I don't believe there are D3 factory 17s, but could be wrong about that.

The S variant had 17's I was led to believe.

These are a bit to the north of you.

Land Rover Discovery 3 - 17 inch rims & tyres | Wheels, Tyres & Rims | Gumtree Australia Brisbane North East - Newstead | 1108261362 (http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/newstead/wheels-tyres-rims/land-rover-discovery-3-17-inch-rims-tyres/1108261362)

[AnD3rew]

Thank you, that's a good deal, if I was in Brisbane would definitely snap that up.

[scarry]

Thank you, that's a good deal, if I was in Brisbane would definitely snap that up.

Keep looking around,i have seen quite a few sets for sale at that sort of price, much cheaper than they were a few years ago.

I have had a set on mine since it was three months old.

No problems with nuts either,standard OEM fit

[NavyDiver]

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/139292-rim-centre-cap-replacement-new-rims.html

Be sure your rims are BMW X5. there is 7 versions possibly more now. I have BMW rims 17 inch on my off road rubber or my rubber on the rims :D

Pictures of my rims are in the link above. Mine have run my fully loaded D3 in the Vic high Country mountains with over 20,000km mostly off road with no issues to report or found except I sadly admit the 18 inch AT rubber are on mine far more than I want. I do have the other nuts for the BMW rims - Could not find the link sorry. Search would work:D Note the second photo is the rubbish not the BMW rim. The rubbish sold to me by a tosser in Sydney who may have sunk himself by now.

[winaje]

It is unlikely those BMW wheels will fit without modification. While the PCD is correct for some reason the centers of BMW wheels above 17" are of a smaller diameter.

17" X5 E53 rims fit perfectly and correctly WITH the correct nuts, which as Graeme has stated are http://www.brandsport.com/grla-68148.html.

[Drizzle]

I understood that this style fitted without modification. I have fitted the other 2 styles listed by Geedublya.

Yep, they fit with no modification.


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/06/840.jpg



https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/06/841.jpg

[b.anzellotti]

Anybody know if the 18" BMW X5 wheels will fit a 2010 D4 3.0ltr. ?

[jonesy63]

Sorry, nope. Only the Compomotive 18" will fit - which GOE sells.

[puttysydney]

Wondering if anyone else needs to order the special lug nuts from gorilla? It's $51 US for delivery and only $33 for the nuts. Would be happy to bulk order and split the delivery if anyone is keen?

[Disco-tastic]

Wondering if anyone else needs to order the special lug nuts from gorilla? It's $51 US for delivery and only $33 for the nuts. Would be happy to bulk order and split the delivery if anyone is keen?
I may be in need of some of these nuts if you're still looking.

Dan

[AZLR4]

Here are some 17" X5 rims that fit - Graeme will have to tell you about the nuts though
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/03/237.jpg

Hello, I’m about to put these exact wheels on my LR4, how did you get the Land Rover center caps to fit the BMW wheels?

[p38arover]

Sorry, nope. Only the Compomotive 18" will fit - which GOE sells.

I'm pretty sure GOE are no longer trading.

[loanrangie]

I'm pretty sure GOE are no longer trading.Correct.

[loanrangie]

Hello, I’m about to put these exact wheels on my LR4, how did you get the Land Rover center caps to fit the BMW wheels?Unless your D4 is a 2.7 TDV6 17's won't fit.

[Graeme]

Hello, I’m about to put these exact wheels on my LR4, how did you get the Land Rover center caps to fit the BMW wheels?
LR inserts replacing the generic inserts in the generic caps were sourced from ebay.

[AZLR4]

LR inserts replacing the generic inserts in the generic caps were sourced from ebay.

Great, thanks for the quick reply.

[AZLR4]

LR inserts replacing the generic inserts in the generic caps were sourced from ebay.

Yep, I have all of the parts required to do the swap. I’ll post pics here when it’s done next week.

[AZLR4]

LR inserts replacing the generic inserts in the generic caps were sourced from ebay.

I’m having a hard time finding Land Rover inserts, do you have specific info on those? Thank you.

[loanrangie]

Wait until you try to fit the wheels and then you'll realise not to bother.

[DiscoDB]

I’m having a hard time finding Land Rover inserts, do you have specific info on those? Thank you.

You have to go generic - if I recall correctly the X5 wheel has a 68mm centre cap (you need to check this), so you can get a set of 68mm blank wheel centre caps and then get some round metal stickers with the Land Rover logo on to add to the cap. You will find them on eBay.

Being in the US, I presume you have a V8, so you have a captive audience interested in the mod you will make to fit the 17 inch wheels. I know in the US people do change front rotors and brake calliper to fit the smaller wheels - unfortunately this is a mod we possibly can’t (legally) do in Australia.

[Graeme]

I changed to the 2.7 rotors and callipers on my 3.0 D4 which was legal at the time, although rules may have since changed. LR's AU certification specifications listed the combination even though LR noted that all 3.0s would be shipped with the larger brakes. However it would have not been legal to fit the slightly larger front D3 V8 brakes because those brakes weren't listed on the D4 certification docs.

[DiscoDB]

That’s good to know Graeme - do you know what was listed for the V8 D4?

[loanrangie]

No D4 2.7 parts available in the US which will make it an expensive swap , only option would be the 4L D3 parts.

[DiscoDB]

No D4 2.7 parts available in the US which will make it an expensive swap , only option would be the 4L D3 parts.

There was a kit made in Italy that allowed fitting 17 inch wheels on the 3.0 D4 that included cross drilled discs, new callipers and mounting brackets.

But AZLR4 has already said they have all the parts needed.

[101RRS]

You have to go generic - if I recall correctly the X5 wheel has a 68mm centre cap (you need to check this), so you can get a set of 68mm blank wheel centre caps and then get some round metal stickers with the Land Rover logo on to add to the cap. You will find them on eBay.



No need for that hassle, aftermarket Landrover caps from Ebay fit straight in.

188117

[Graeme]

That’s good to know Graeme - do you know what was listed for the V8 D4?
The original Road Vehicle Descriptor record for the D4 (41394, the number on the compliance plate) didn't have a Service Brakes for Engine section but it had 17", 18", 19" & 20" rims as either standard or optional for all 3 S, SE and HSE variants. However that RVD was later superseded by one with the same compliance number that did have that section, so even though the range of rim sizes was unchanged, it was no longer clear-cut that the smaller brakes were allowed with the 3.0 and 5.0 engines.

[DiscoDB]

The original Road Vehicle Descriptor record for the D4 (41394, the number on the compliance plate) didn't have a Service Brakes for Engine section but it had 17", 18", 19" & 20" rims as either standard or optional for all 3 S, SE and HSE variants. However that RVD was later superseded by one with the same compliance number that did have that section, so even though the range of rim sizes was unchanged, it was no longer clear-cut that the smaller brakes were allowed with the 3.0 and 5.0 engines.

Cheers - found it. I see the problem. 17in is listed for all models but service brakes are recorded as 360mm on the front and 350mm on the rear for the 3.0 and 5.0. I can’t see how you could reduce brake size here without going through an Engineering Mod process.

Would be interesting to know if with the smaller discs (or a set of drilled and grooved discs for the 2.7) if the 3.0 and 5.0 could still pass the ADR brake performance test.

[Graeme]

For a 3.0 at least, of course the 2.7 brakes will still pass the test as the mass difference between a 2.7 engine and a 3.0 engine is negligible compared with the total mass of the vehicle.

[DiscoDB]

The 2.7 and 3.0 also had the same top speed so getting engineering approval to drop disc size and fit 17in wheels should be straight forward.

The 5.0 may struggle with the brake fade test done at 80% of the vehicles top speed (195kph vs 180kph for the 2.7/3.0). But a V8 with 17 inch wheels would be a very nice set up.

[Graeme]

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[AZLR4]

Thanks for the info guys. A couple of interesting things… I purchased a set of LR3 V6 front brake calipers in bad shape just for the mounts as I read that the LR4 and LR3 has that same front calipers, just different mounts. This turned out to be incorrect so I have a set of new V6 calipers arriving on Friday.
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I also bought the V6 rear calipers and rotors but upon test fitting the BMW wheels on my stock V8 brakes, it looks like they will fit with some minor grinding on the corner of the mount, which doesn’t look like it serves a purpose besides adding weight. I could actually get the wheels all the way on and tightened, with the mount just barely scratching the wheel. I’ll save about $150 when I send the rear brakes back to the supplier.
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I’ll update the thread once I have the new parts on.

[Graeme]

Yes, just grind the corners off the rear to allow the X5 rims to fit. IMO they're only there to stop 17" going straight on.

Do you have the part numbers for the fronts that you've ordered as those larger brackets look very similar to 3.0 D4 front brackets and the callipers won't allow 17".

[AZLR4]

You have to go generic - if I recall correctly the X5 wheel has a 68mm centre cap (you need to check this), so you can get a set of 68mm blank wheel centre caps and then get some round metal stickers with the Land Rover logo on to add to the cap. You will find them on eBay.

Being in the US, I presume you have a V8, so you have a captive audience interested in the mod you will make to fit the 17 inch wheels. I know in the US people do change front rotors and brake calliper to fit the smaller wheels - unfortunately this is a mod we possibly can’t (legally) do in Australia.

I ordered some of the metal stickers, hopefully they will work with the stock BMW center caps. If not I'll pick up some generic ones on Amazon.

I always find it interesting when hearing about the other English speaking countries and the inability to do certain mods to their vehicles. In Arizona we only have to pass emissions testing. There is no mechanical or even visual inspection. We prefer to apply the law on the other side, only after you cause an accident. Even then it will probably be handled in civil court with the insurance companies doing the payouts. All of this said, you don't hear much about people causing accidents with their car mods. I think the only mod you can't legally do is put in an engine that is older than the car itself, but that is for emissions reasons only.

Anyway... Should get my parts today, I have an appointment with the tire shop on Monday. I'll post some pictures soon!

Cheers,
Richard

[AZLR4]

I finally got the wheels and tires on my truck. I was not able to fit the rears without spacers, and that was pretty dangerous looking so I re-ordered the V6 rear calipers (could not find the mounts only) and rotors. There were a few setbacks with receiving incorrect parts but I was finally able to make it work yesterday.

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The parts I ended up using are all from an American market V6 LR3:

Front calipers, including mounts
Front brake pads
Front Rotors
Rear Caliper mounts
Rear Rotors

I can't find those aftermarket land rover center caps at 68mm, been looking for days. I did receive the metal stickers but they don't fit the generic center caps I bought on Amazon. I have another set on the way that might work. If anyone can find a link to the land rover caps that would be very helpful.

I am pretty happy with it overall. I love the look and the additional ride height, and I'm sure the off-road capabilities have been substantially increased. The only negative so far is the wallowey feeling at high speeds. It used to feel like a sports car, now it handles more like a truck. I will probably get used to that, I hear it's normal with this amount of sidewall.

Next project will be to paint, or plasti-dip the wheels. What do you guys think of this color:
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