Tire options on older BMW model...
Melandre
325is. Current tire size is P205-50Z-R15 on high performance
Fittipaldi rims (original BMW rims replaced by previous owner).
I just want to replace with basic tires (no need anymore for high
performance tires given how old the car is) but not sure if I have any
flexibility. I know the 15 refers to the rim size so, if I want to
keep the same rim, this is not something that I cannot change. Does
the 50 refers to the rim witdh (and therefore something else that I
don't have the option of modifying)?
In brief, do I have to replace with exactly and exclusively the same
P205-50Z-R15? These all seem to be pretty expensive! Which I had a
more traditional rim size...
Andre
Scott Dorsey
>Auto repair rookie here. Need to replace a few tires on my 1989 BMW
>325is. Current tire size is P205-50Z-R15 on high performance
>Fittipaldi rims (original BMW rims replaced by previous owner).
>
>I just want to replace with basic tires (no need anymore for high
>performance tires given how old the car is) but not sure if I have any
>flexibility. I know the 15 refers to the rim size so, if I want to
>keep the same rim, this is not something that I cannot change. Does
>the 50 refers to the rim witdh (and therefore something else that I
>don't have the option of modifying)?
Just be glad you don't have the BMW rims, which may well have been replaced
because they were TRX sized. If you think the 15-inch ones are expensive, you
should SEE the TRX stuff.
Consider the Michelin Hydro-Edge. I have them on my '86 535i and I believe
they are available in the P205. Around a hundred bucks a pop.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."
five...@webtv.net
happens. or try discount tires' - store.
mho
vƒe
Nate Nagel
a brief explanation of what you see on the sidewall of your tire:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=33
That said I don't know what the problem is that you're having; a
205/50R15 is a very common size for European sporty cars. Maybe you're
just expecting to be able to do one of those "4 for $100" tire deals at
Pep Boys? I don't mean to sound unsympathetic, but you bought a BMW;
part of what makes a BMW a BMW is good handling, which in part comes
from low profile, performance-type tires.
You also couldn't possibly have a more traditional rim size; I am
guessing that they are likely either 15x6" or 15x7" which is common as dirt.
nate
--
replace "fly" with "com" to reply.
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Timothy J. Lee
Melandre <mela...@gmail.com> wrote:
>In brief, do I have to replace with exactly and exclusively the same
>P205-50Z-R15? These all seem to be pretty expensive! Which I had a
>more traditional rim size...
205/50ZR15 means:
205 = width in mm
50 = aspect ratio in % (sidewall height / width = aspect ratio, so
205/50 means a sidewall height of 102.5mm)
Z = speed rating (Z is a very high speed rating, usually for the
sportiest tires; most speed ratings are given after the
size and load rating)
R = radial
15 = wheel diameter in inches
Generally, tires with an aspect ratio of 50 are fairly sporty, though
many are available that are less sporty and less expensive than typical
Z rated tires.
You can check various tire retailer web sites (e.g. tirerack.com,
tires.com, discounttire.com, etc.) to get an idea of what options
there are.
--
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Timothy J. Lee
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