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Thread: Stupid question about wrong tire sizes

  1. #1
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    Stupid question about wrong tire sizes

    My 528i has style 29 15's factory size seems to be 225/60/15. I barely have 2 options in most places but if I change the tire size to 195/65/15 I have quite a few more options. What would the effect of the wrong tire size be on performance? would they be safe?

    Thanks for your help.
    1998 BMW 528i My First Build

  2. #2
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    Verify that this proposed size has the same load capacity and speed rating as the OEM size, including rolling radius, or revolutions per mile.

    You'll lose some braking and cornering capacity, but you may not notice it. The ride will be somewhat softer.

    Have you checked with Tire Rack for the proper OEM size?


    Ed in San Jose '97 540i 6 speed aspensilber over aubergine leather. Build date 3/97. Golden Gate Chapter BMW CCA Nr 62319.

  3. #3
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    Yes there are a total of 4 options available on tire rack in the stock size I plan to buy from the local pep boys and they only have 2 options and I find it insane to pay over $400 for 15's So I was trying to find a more common tire size that would fit.
    1998 BMW 528i My First Build

  4. #4
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    Yea the speed rating is the same though the load is 91 vs 96 so that's a bit of an issue. It seems sidewall height is a 6% difference based on an online calculator and in my researching, it seems the BMW freaks out over anything more than 3% which measurement has to be less than 3%?
    1998 BMW 528i My First Build

  5. #5
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    My car specifies a 94 load rating. 97 will offer a tougher ride.


    Ed in San Jose '97 540i 6 speed aspensilber over aubergine leather. Build date 3/97. Golden Gate Chapter BMW CCA Nr 62319.

  6. #6
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    This is a good tool: https://tiresize.com/calculator/

    Choose "tire comparison"

    I would personally stay with the factory size. 195/65 is an economy tire size, for Civics and whatnot, which is why you see so many for sale

  7. #7
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    I will have to agree with fullthrottle540. Best to stick with the OEM size if at all possible, unless you are going for the latest craze of rims much wider than the tires.

    The Style 29 is 7x15 meaning it is 7" wide

    Tread Widths (approx)

    195 = 7.70
    205 = 8.06
    215 = 8.5
    225 = 8.85

    So the lowest i would even consider dropping is to a 205 but a quick look at TireRack:

    205/65/R15's show up 54 max possibilities (i did not check load ratings so it is probably less) - tires are more expensive than the 225's

    215/60/R15's show up 17 max possibilities (i did not check load ratings so it is probably less) - about the same to a little lower than the 225's for price

    And as a reality check you would really need to go to a 196/70/R15 to keep the overall diameter close at +.4%, the 195/65/R15's are -2.3% (so smaller) which is not a good thing.

    And at 195/70/R15 tire rack only shows 3 max available, and all of those are load range D rather than service description 94-97 so they are marketed as pickup truck/SUV tires.
    2003 525iT Automatic, Topas Blue Exterior, Gray Leather Interior, Sports Suspension, Sports Seats, M 3 spoke Steering Wheel.
    2008 328xi E91 (wagon) Automatic, Barberatot Metallic Exterior, Terracotta Leather Interior.

  8. #8
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    I'm trying to negotiate a deal I can afford on some style 5's right now but if that doesn't work out Ill likely do 205/65/15 because in a cheap brand it is almost 100 dollars cheaper than the factory size which is better since I want new wheels as soon as I am making money again. side note the hub size issue with the e39 is highly inconvenient when shopping for wheels
    1998 BMW 528i My First Build

  9. #9
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    I'm experiencing the same thing looking for snow tires in 15" wheel sizes.
    2000 528i sport
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  10. #10
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    I cannot believe the cost it is absolutely insane and finding used wheels for the car in my area that aren't overpriced is so hard. The aftermarket wheels are insane as well my new found BMW hobby is becoming quite expensive.
    1998 BMW 528i My First Build

  11. #11
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    Tire rack has 225/60 15 kumhos for 69 a pop.


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  12. #12
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    Thanks for taking a look for me.

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