E9 16" tire recommendations

Gary Knox

Gary Knox

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I just purchased my third E9. I sold the second one in 1980! I now have a question about tires for the car.

I have a set of 16" X 7" et 11 Alpina style wheels that I want to use on the car. I'm not exactly sure what width/aspect ratio tires to use. If I remember correctly, 195/70 X 14 were the OE tires on these cars. I'd like to go to at least 205 width and perhaps 215 width. I want to keep the diamter of the tires within about 25.1 - 25.6 inches, and will use aspect ratio to hopefully achieve that. (car has a 3.5+ FI engine and 265/6 transmission).

So, I'd appreciate any and all comments and experiences from the experts on this forum.

cheers,
 
lots on this subject - suggest you use the search tab and find the many threads. the simple recommendation is 205/55-16. one of the preferred brands has been continental extreme dw. i believe conti has been introducing new models - no info on these.

as you will read - it is highly recommended to roll the fender lips and use neg camber plates with 16" on the fronts to prevent catching a fender lip - especially if you have CN lowering springs. there are dimensions given in some posts regarding the dimension to the underside of the fender lip from the ground. most people use 225/50-16 on the rear ... you should check to see if those fit on a 7" rim ... most people use 8" rear wheels - et-20+/-
 
Here's a sizing chart for OEM sizes and equivalents.

OEM tire Size: 195/70/14 – dia. 24.7”, 77.7” circ, rev / mile = 815
Substitutes: 205/60/15 – dia. 24.7”, 77.6” circ, rev / mile = 817
Substitutes: 225/55/15 – dia. 24.7”, 77.7” circ, rev / mile = 815
Substitutes: 205/55/16 – dia. 24.9”, 78.2” circ, rev / mile = 811
Substitutes: 225/50/16 – dia. 24.9” 78.1” circ, rev / mile = 811
Substitutes: 245/40/17 – dia. 24.7”, 77.6” circ, rev / mile = 816
 
You will love those tires. They're fantastic. And not just for the money either. You'd almost swear they weren't a Continental.
 
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