Tire Experts...?

Biggins · 03-14-2010, 09:59 PM

Will a 205/50/15 tire work relatively well and even work at all on an E36? They would go on the OEM BMW 15x7 wheels.

The size of my snow set and the crap all-seasons that are on my current "summer wheels" are the standard OEM E36 205/60/15. I guess it would change my rolling diameter by 20mm, but are there any serious issues that you guys think could arise by changing the tire size so drastically?

There are just ZERO options for a good summer tire in the 205/60 and 205/55 sizes. Any expertise would be greatly appreciated!

Optimus Prime · 03-14-2010, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggins

Will a 205/50/15 tire work relatively well and even work at all on an E36? They would go on the OEM BMW 15x7 wheels.

The size of my snow set and the crap all-seasons that are on my current "summer wheels" are the standard OEM E36 205/60/15. I guess it would change my rolling diameter by 20mm, but are there any serious issues that you guys think could arise by changing the tire size so drastically?

There are just ZERO options for a good summer tire in the 205/60 and 205/55 sizes. Any expertise would be greatly appreciated!

my math could be off, but wouldn't that change your rolling diameter by 41mm?

I don't anything about your actual question, sorry. Just wanted to make sure the actual dia. difference was known.

Nick M3 · 03-14-2010, 10:40 PM

You'd be almost an inch lower, your gearing would be about 7% shorter, you'd have big wheel gap, and you'd have marginally lower heat sinking capacity.

So really, none of those is serious on a car that's out of warranty.

rumatt · 03-15-2010, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggins

There are just ZERO options for a good summer tire in the 205/60 and 205/55 sizes. Any expertise would be greatly appreciated!

Get 16" wheels?

operknockity · 03-15-2010, 01:12 AM

From the tire size calculator at http://www.powerdog.com/tiresize.cgi

Rob · 03-15-2010, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rumatt

Get 16" wheels?

Rob · 03-15-2010, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by operknockity

From the tire size calculator at http://www.powerdog.com/tiresize.cgi

That's cool. At least you know what you are getting into.

bren · 03-15-2010, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rumatt

Get 16" wheels?

Or wider tires.

John V · 03-15-2010, 10:36 AM

It's not just summer tires. It's hard to get good all-seasons in 15's anymore. I just changed out the Jetta's wheels to 16's for this reason.

If you're not interested in doing that, the shorter tire will be OK. It'll look funny, though.

Terri Kennedy · 03-15-2010, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by operknockity

From the tire size calculator at http://www.powerdog.com/tiresize.cgi

If you want one with a graphical view of the 2 tires overlapped, you can use the one at Miata Net.

03-14-2010, 09:59 PM	#1
Biggins Crotchety Join Date: Aug 2007 Carmudgeonly Ride: 22 Tiguan, 11 328i Posts: 912	Tire Experts...? Will a 205/50/15 tire work relatively well and even work at all on an E36? They would go on the OEM BMW 15x7 wheels. The size of my snow set and the crap all-seasons that are on my current "summer wheels" are the standard OEM E36 205/60/15. I guess it would change my rolling diameter by 20mm, but are there any serious issues that you guys think could arise by changing the tire size so drastically? There are just ZERO options for a good summer tire in the 205/60 and 205/55 sizes. Any expertise would be greatly appreciated!

03-14-2010, 10:40 PM	#3
Nick M3 Relic Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Bethesda, MD Posts: 12,458	You'd be almost an inch lower, your gearing would be about 7% shorter, you'd have big wheel gap, and you'd have marginally lower heat sinking capacity. So really, none of those is serious on a car that's out of warranty. __________________ 2011 M3 2006 Sierra 2500HD 4WD LBZ/Allison 2004 X5 3.0i 6MT 1995 M3 S50B32 1990 325is 1989 M3 S54B32 Hers: 1989 325iX 1996 911 Turbo

03-15-2010, 01:12 AM	#5
operknockity Finn is in puppy heaven Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: '02 325i Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,405	From the tire size calculator at http://www.powerdog.com/tiresize.cgi Attached Thumbnails

03-15-2010, 10:36 AM	#9
John V No more BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: Ram, MS3, CX-5, RX-8 Location: Glenwood, MD Posts: 14,753	It's not just summer tires. It's hard to get good all-seasons in 15's anymore. I just changed out the Jetta's wheels to 16's for this reason. If you're not interested in doing that, the shorter tire will be OK. It'll look funny, though.