What are the correct tyre pressures for a BMW X3?

BMW’s latest-generation X3 was refreshed in 2021, and as usual, the mid-sized SUV in the Bavarian range is a class act. This guide details all the wheel and tyre sizes fitted to X3s, and the correct tyre pressures for each.

Stuart Johnston

23 Nov 2023 · 12:15Car Ownership4 min read

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SA's favourite X3

The big news surrounding the outgoing generation BMW X3 at its launch from 2018 is the fact that it is now built in South Africa at BMW’s famous Plant Rosslyn, west of Pretoria. At launch there were 34 model variants of the X3, however, the recently updated range now features a more reasonable 10 derivatives, with both petrol and diesel engines.

Six different engine variants

The range kicks off with the X3 sDrive 18d and tops out with the X3 M Competition. There are six different engine variants, ranging in power from 110 kW in the 18d model to 375 kW in the six-cylinder, high-performance X3 M Competition.

The two entry-level engine options, the 18d and 20i, come with the rear-wheel-drive transmission, known as sDrive. All the other models use the xDrive all-wheel-drive transmission system.

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Options and trim lines

There are many individual feature options available for each model variant, as well as two trim lines across the model ranges defined by the engine sizes and types. These include the Standard (base model) and M-Sport trim packages. The M-Sport models should not be confused with the M models. These M-Sport models are built with special mechanicals sourced from BMW’s Motorsport division and offer much more power than the standard models.

Wheels and tyre options.

The various trim lines come with different wheel designs and in many cases different sizes in rim diameter to differentiate them. Complicating the situation further is that BMW offers a range of optional wheel/tyre sizes across the model range that can be ordered in addition to the trim-line packages.

So how do you determine the correct pressures for each wheel/tyre combination?

Fortunately, BMW has helpfully included a comprehensive tyre pressure information sticker, located on the door jam of the driver’s side. Open the door and you will see it in the door jam section of the body.

This sticker helpfully includes the various tyre pressures for each and every tyre sizing available as standard or factory-optional equipment on all the X3 models. To find out which are the correct pressures for your particular X3, you need to examine the tyres and inspect the size markings on the side walls.

Tyre pressures for the BMW X3

Tyre Size	Front	Rear
225/60 R18 M+S XL	2.3 bar light load	2.3 bar light load
	2.3 bar heavy load	2.8 bar heavy load
225/45 R20 W XL	2.2 bar light load	2.2 bar light load
	2.3 bar heavy load	2.8 bar heavy load
225/40 R21 XL	2.3 bar light load	2.4 bar light load
	2.2 bar light load	2.9 bar heavy load
245/45 R20 M+S XL	2.2 bar light load	2,.4 bar light load
	2.4 bar heavy load	2.9 bar heavy load
275/35 R21 XL	2.2 bar light load	2.4 bar light load

	2.2 bar light load	2.9 bar heavy load
245/45 R20 M+S XL	2.2 bar light load	2.4 bar light load
	2.4 bar heavy load	2.9 bar heavy load
275/35 R21 XL	2.2 bar light load	2.4 bar light load
	2.4 bar heavy load	2.9 bar heavy load
245/45 R20 103Y XL	2.2 bar light load	2.2 bar light load

	2.2 bar heavy load	2.7 bar heavy load
245/50 R19 XL	2.2 bar light load	2.2 bar light load
	2.2 bar heavy load	2.7 bar heavy load
275/40 R20 XL	2.2 bar light load	2.2 bar light load
	2.2 bar light load	2.7 bar heavy load
255/40 R21	2.2 bar light load	2.7 bar heavy load