Losing 17" Alpinas for 15" rims. Need tire advice.

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JimEPage
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Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2019 6:37 pm
Location: Edmonton

Losing 17" Alpinas for 15" rims. Need tire advice.

Post by JimEPage »

I know, I know, I'm going the WRONG WAY!
Basically, I got a set of 15" style 5 rims for a good deal and I want to make a bit of money. I don't plan on keeping my Shark for too much longer, so I thought I'd lose the Alpinas and make some $$.
My question is: What is a good tire and size to put on 15" rims for this car? I have looked everywhere for a definitive answer for this.
I know most people favour the 16" and 17" rims.
I came across a site that says the stock for a 1988 is 215/60/15.
Please advise which 15" tire AND size that you would go for, giving the best all around "stock" ride.
Thanks for the help.
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tschultz
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Re: Losing 17" Alpinas for 15" rims. Need tire advice.

Post by tschultz »

Use this to see the difference in tire size and wheel offset: https://www.rimsntires.com/specspro.jsp

Copied from member Chris Wright:
The size of the original rims and tires that came from the factory:

..................................... Rim Width x Diameter - Offset or "ET" (mm) - Tire Size
Stock wheels ('76 to '81) ............ 6" or 6.5" x 14" - ET22 with a 195/70 -14" tire that has a diameter of 24.74"
Stock wheels ('82 on) ................ 6" or 6.5" x 14" - ET22 with a 205/70 -14" tire that has a diameter of 25.30"
TRX (165mm x 390mm) ............... 6.5" x 15-3/8" - ET22 with a 220/55-390 tire that has a diameter of 24.88"
TRX (195mm x 415mm) ............... 7.6" x 16-3/8" - ET19 with a 240/45-415 tire that has a diameter of 24.84"

The typical replacement rim is

7" or 7.5" x 16" - ET20 or less with a 225/50-16 tire that has a diameter of 24.85"
7.5" or 8" x 17" - ET20 or less with a 235/45-17 tire that has a diameter of 25.32"
205/60/15 (24.7") will be a good choice.
215/60 or 195/65 would be my next choice for 15's.
http://www.Drive4Corners.com
Image
'79 635CSi Revival
'80 635CSi
'83 633CSi Callaway Turbo continued as 1988 535is Turbo
SOLD: '81 635CSi/A
JimEPage
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Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2019 6:37 pm
Location: Edmonton

Re: Losing 17" Alpinas for 15" rims. Need tire advice.

Post by JimEPage »

Hey, thanks for the response.
Why would you prefer 205 over 215? I don't plan to ever winter drive this, in case you were thinking snow, etc.
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sharkfan
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Re: Losing 17" Alpinas for 15" rims. Need tire advice.

Post by sharkfan »

I've been using 225/60x15's for the last few years on my 635CSi and they drive really well.
2001 Alpina B10 V8 Touring (1 of 12 rhd)
1997 Alpina B12 5.7 L (1 of 2 rhd)
1995 Alpina B10 4.6 Touring (1 of 1 rhd)
1985 BMW M635CSi (1 of 524 rhd)
1982 BMW 635CSiA (1 of 100's left from the 1000's made and still valiantly fighting against a rusty grave)
JimEPage
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Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2019 6:37 pm
Location: Edmonton

Re: Losing 17" Alpinas for 15" rims. Need tire advice.

Post by JimEPage »

Which brand/model are you running?
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sharkfan
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Re: Losing 17" Alpinas for 15" rims. Need tire advice.

Post by sharkfan »

Uniroyal I think.
2001 Alpina B10 V8 Touring (1 of 12 rhd)
1997 Alpina B12 5.7 L (1 of 2 rhd)
1995 Alpina B10 4.6 Touring (1 of 1 rhd)
1985 BMW M635CSi (1 of 524 rhd)
1982 BMW 635CSiA (1 of 100's left from the 1000's made and still valiantly fighting against a rusty grave)
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tschultz
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Location: Colorado
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Re: Losing 17" Alpinas for 15" rims. Need tire advice.

Post by tschultz »

For a 7" wheel, 205 is preferred as it is a slightly narrower tire on the width of the wheel. That will give you better steering feel and slightly better response than a 225 on a 7" wide wheel.
215 could work as well, but Alpina/Hartge preference was 225/50/16 on 8" and 205/55/16 on 7"

I use 225 on 8" wide wheels.
http://www.Drive4Corners.com
Image
'79 635CSi Revival
'80 635CSi
'83 633CSi Callaway Turbo continued as 1988 535is Turbo
SOLD: '81 635CSi/A
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