Same tires, different size....

[GTLee]

OK, so I'm buying new tires tomorrow...found a good deal on Michelin MXV4s...so which size:

225-60-15 or 205-65-15?



Will the wider tire give better handling and braking?
Will the wider tire be more likely to cause vibration?
Will the smaller tire ride and drive better?
Will the smaller tire roll easier - more gas mileage?


The smaller one is less money, but insignificant, especially when considered over the life of the tire.

FWIW, these are going on the OEM basketweaves '95 525i.

I value your responses! :thanks:

[4500 RPM]

225/60 if you can find it. I hated the skateboard 205/65 Michelin Energy MXV4s that were on my E34 when I first bought it. You will see a sneeze less mileage but the Energys really do well with mileage. Mine was sky-high when I had them.

[NapaBavarian]

I made the mistake of buying narrower tires once, and will never do it again! The car slid around in the twisties and tires wore much faster, now I always go to the wide side.

[paanta]

Roughly the same sidewall, and 20mm isn't very much width handling-wise. IME, sidewall height makes more difference in ride and handling characteristics than the physical width of the tread.

Since you're not going for all-out performance with those, get whichever you want. Either one will grip less than a high performance tire. I suspect the only difference you'll notice is how wide they look. I'd go wide just for that reason. :)