Tire options on older BMW model...

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Melandre - 24 Apr 2006 22:40 GMT

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)?

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

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Scott Dorsey - 25 Apr 2006 00:01 GMT

>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
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>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

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"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

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fiveiron@webtv.net - 25 Apr 2006 00:37 GMT

go to pep boys, tell them the situation, and your intent, see what
happens. or try discount tires' - store.

mho
ve

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Nate Nagel - 25 Apr 2006 01:09 GMT

> 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
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> Andre

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

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Timothy J. Lee - 25 Apr 2006 01:39 GMT

>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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