S70 T5 -- softer ride? tires?

[850oldschool]

I just went from my summer wheels (16" with Goodyear Eagle GT's) to my winter wheels (15" with Michelin X-ice) and the ride is *dramatically* more comfortable.

The rubber of a summer tire or an all season tire which is biased toward the "summer performance" end of the all season spectrum is formulated to stay firm and deliver grip in the heat, which means it gets rock hard in colder temperatures. Tires also get harder with age, though high quality tires like Michelins age far better than cheap ones.

[850 LPT]

so when I buy 15" wheels is that all I need to know? are they also sold by width? were there ever Volvo 15" wheels that would be a nice match for the T5 wheels?

Most if not all P80 15" rims are 6.5" wide. And there are a ton of choices, maybe you can take a look here and see what you like:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=91824

Even P2 15" rims fit well on these cars. I have Saurus wheels on my 850 now and I like them on that car. But they don't do it for me on my 05' V70

In the end Craigslist is your friend, as Matt suggested.

Dirk

[erikv11]

Buy 15" Volvo wheels with tires off Craigslist. Press the Easy Button on this.

+10,000, this is very easy. They will clear your brakes just fine, I ran 15" on my T5-R for several years until I could pick up some original 16" wheels.

I see you are in the midwest. I have spare 15" Cetus wheels you could have for very cheap, if you happen to be anywhere near central Iowa. I know, the midwest is big, so likely you're not, but I throw it out there. And Cetus wheels are not my first choice for a T5 except for snow tires, but again I just throw it out there.

Edit: here is an 850 with Cetus wheels: viewtopic.php?t=90391

[Clemens]

The big 302 mm brakes will not clear the 15 inch rims. But they are rare. If you have them, buy new smaller discs and sell the adapter brackets. That should get you rolling.

[matthew1]

I got a set of S60 wheels with tires for my 850 in 2012. “Eurus” wheels I spotted in a Craigslist ad. The rubber was fine. Nothing special in terms of brand or wear. I’m pretty sure I paid $300.

The ride didn’t change because the size was the same — 16 inch wheels.

[MoVolvos]

I just went from my summer wheels (16" with Goodyear Eagle GT's) to my winter wheels (15" with Michelin X-ice) and the ride is *dramatically* more comfortable.

I no longer own this 98 T5. It was purchased with the T5 rims and old tires. Happened to see those 2001 V70 wheel on Craigslist for $300 with Bridgestone's that had at most 2K miles. The young guy purchased larger rims and tires for his V70.

Those rode on new Gabriel Quick Struts up front and Gabriel rear shocks. The ride was exceptional but it did howl when pushed on and off the freeway ramps. Didn't buy it for speed so enjoyed the sleeper kind of look. Not sure I would like the 16" ride? Didn't care for it with the older 16" tires. Night and day difference.
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[mar601]

One final question --
Were 15" wheels pretty common on the nonT5 S70? (Or perhaps, easy to find?) And do I need to look into whether they will fit om my 98 T5 or will they be good to go as is? -- thanks much

[mar601]

and I ask that because at Tirerack they show 15" available for the S70.

[mar601]

oh nevermind -- I see many other posts I didn't see.

[MoVolvos]

One final question --
Were 15" wheels pretty common on the nonT5 S70? (Or perhaps, easy to find?) And do I need to look into whether they will fit om my 98 T5 or will they be good to go as is? -- thanks much

You have lots to choose from for the 850.
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http://volvo-wheels.com/category/volvo-model/