In the many discussions and conversations about wheels and tires on NAM, many times I have seen the question from people looking to replace their 175/65/15 tires, as to what a 205/55/15 tire looks like on stock 5.5 inch spooler wheel. I took pictures and here they are. This is one of a couple of choices for 15 inch wheel and tire fans. The other obvious fit is a 195/60/15 as a close direct replacement. I like the wider look of the 205/55/15 and that the tire hangs over the lip a little. They are smooth and corner great. I hope that this helps those who are looking and considering.

 

Any issues putting 205x60x15s on factory OE rims. I have a 2006 Mini.

 

This is a taller tire which means that while at 65 mph on a stock 175/65/15 tire, the 205/60/15 is at 67mph. This may still be acceptable. This may also fill out the wheel wheel as well and help somewhat correct the speedo error your Mini. The 205/55/15 runs at 64.8 mph.

 

I'm going this afternoon to have a set of 205/55/15 Toyo Proxes 4s put on my R81 Imola/Holy rims. The Proxes are a "V" rated tire in 15" sizes (They become "W" rated in larger rim diameters.)

I'm hoping the extra sidewall necessary to support the wider tread surface doesn't translate into squishiness. I'm concerned it's going to be like driving on marshmallows like the Q rated General winter ties (185/60/15) I have on it now.

When I replaced the original-spec ContiProContacts with these Generals, most of the fun went away; no more off ramps at highway speed. i hope i get that back with the wider Toyos.

I'll report back....

 

When looking at wider 15" tire sizes, the number of different tire options might be a consideration. Of course, as long as the exact tire you want comes in the exact size you want, how many other tires come in that size is of little concern. Anyway, the number of tires in the wider 15" sizes offered at Tire Rack are as follows.

195/60/15 (24.2" diam.): 63 tires, but only one summer tire; a UHPS.
195/55/15 (23.5" diam.): 31 tires, including one Extreme Performance.
205/55/15 (23.9" diam.): only 6 tires; one is the Yoko S. Drive.
205/50/15 (23.1" diam.): 20 tires, including four Extreme Performance.

Selection doesn't improve any going even wider; there's only one tire in size 215/50/15 (23.5" diam.).

 

My most important concern is speedometer accuracy; I don't want the odometer to become inaccurate.

>>>>>>incorrect information based on wrong original tire size deleted<<<<<

The next deal breaker was speed rating; I want V or higher, so that really narrows the options.

I looked at Tire Rack and seriously considered going that route. But after figuring the cost of shipping and mounting, as well as the time waiting for delivery the appeal of it went out.

So I'm going local. I like instant gratification.

 

OE tire size is actually 175/65/15. Tire Rack shows only two tires available in 175/60/15.

 

Keep in mind that the car comes with speedo error. Typical of BMW's and its around 5%.

The speeds that I get using the tire calculator at Discount Tire are as follows versus stock 175/65/15 at 65:
195/60/15 = 65.69 mph
195/55/15 = 63.61 mph
205/55/15 = 64.79 mph
205/50/15 = 62.60 mph
185/55/15 = 62.49 mph
185/60/15 = 64.41 mph

Take the difference above and add it to your 5% error to get the actual mph that you are driving.

The closest fit is the 205/55/15 tires to maintain factory speedo mph.

 

Sorry everyone. I was off in my figures back in post 6. As was pointed out, I started with the incorrect stock tire size (I'd been looking at so many tires sizes!!) Anyway, thanks Mini Coop for getting the correct ones up.:
So last night, i had a pair of 205/55/15 Toyo Proxes 4s fitted. I've only driven 100 miles since, but my initial impression is that they feel heavier than even the General 185/60/15 winter tires I just had and considerably heavier than the stock ContiProContact. But they are smooth and quiet and very stable at speed and on ramps. I just have to get used to their bulbous looks; the tread is wider than the rim! The rim is 5.5 inches and the tread is 8.

The thing about the stock speedo error, at least in my 2003 R50, is that even though the speedo reads +5 mph around and over 50, the odometer is accurate as confirmed with my Nuvi GPS and simply knowing the distances of the roads I've been driving nearly every day for the past 25 years.

So in keeping the same tire diameter, I'm keeping the odometer accurate, which is what I want to do so that I, and the next owner, know how many miles are actually on the car.

 

I'm starting to like these tires. They are heavier, but roll very smoothly and are very stable at speed. I took a few pictures today with my phone. I'll take better ones when the light is better. But for now:

 

 

Last autumn's stock Contis:



..and now with the 205's...

 

They look great and I like the color combination overall. I too felt the same thing as you. A little slower at first then a feeling of stability and smoothness. It corners alot better too.

 

Thanks for the kind words. Yeh, they are really growing on me! The stance too.