Winter tyre profile on BMW X3 -what should it be?

My wife has a 2009 BMW X3 X-drive 2.0-litre which has 235/55 R17 standard tyres fitted. Having read your frequent comments about the benefits of fitting winter tyres she is about to "take the plunge" and order a set of wheels and tyres from our local dealership. However, they have recommended fitting 215/60 R17 tyres.

I realise that some winter tyres are narrower in width so I'm ok with the 215-v-235 change but I am a bit concerned about the profile changing from 55 to 60. I have queried this will the dealership and they say "it doesn't make any difference". Should we go with their tyre size recommendation or insist on them supplying 235/55 R17 (as fitted now)?

Asked on 15 December 2013 by mikeb43

Answered by Honest John
Matt pointed out that the way to compare profiles is to multiply the big figure by the percentage figure. So 235/55 R17 works out at 129.25 and 215/60 R17 works out at 129.
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