55 series tires

Arfsnarfy · Post by **Arfsnarfy** » 02 Nov 2004, 17:31

It's time that I need new rubber. I have the stock 205/50/16 on my 95 850 turbo.
I see many tire companies say that another option is to use 205/55/16 tires.
Has anyone tried them? I sure don't want any rub issues after going to them.

Post by **matthew1** » 02 Nov 2004, 18:21

I have 16/205/55s and yes, they rub. 1997 850 T5 with turbofan wheels (like my avatar).

50s are hard to find.

I just don't turn the wheel all the way or when I do I back off just a couple degrees.

They only rub in tight, parking-lot type turns.

Arfsnarfy · Post by **Arfsnarfy** » 02 Nov 2004, 18:29

Thanks Matt, If the rub is only when turning the front wheels, I may be able to live with that. I was concerned about the suspension bottoming on them. Going to 55's sure opens up some options in more aggressive tires for the winter, not many good traction options in the 50 series.
Any big difference in speedo readings?

Post by **matthew1** » 02 Nov 2004, 20:54

No diff in speedo. I've checked vs. the freeway markers.

My 55s are ok enough that I'd get another set. Not ideal -- just good enough.

MJJ · Post by **MJJ** » 22 Nov 2004, 13:06

While we're on the subject of tires, does anyone have a favorite brand? We too need new rubber and are looking for some sedate, quiet, long lasting, mostly dry pavement tires.

BD · Post by BD » 22 Nov 2004, 14:37

I went to the 55 series and now back to the 50s. There is a 7% difference in speedometer readings (I did the math after arguing with a Maine Trooper)
I recommend the Potenza RE750. After MANY sets of tires, these are the best combination of life vs performance. There is essentially no noise.

94 850 T 175,000 miles

TAFinley · Post by **TAFinley** » 24 Nov 2004, 07:23

I had the 55's for about three years, but the brand I bought was horrible in rain and snow, so I replaced them about three months ago with Pirelli PZero Nero M&S tires, 50's. They've been great so far in rain (~3000 miles including a 1200 mile road trip), but I've not yet driven in snow.

Matthew is correct about the 55's rubbing when the wheel is turned all the way left or right.

I don't agree that the 50's are "hard to come by." I got my 50's from TireRack.com (they had a good selection) and it was quite a pleasant experience. TireRack has a list of cooperating installers and they offer shipping of the tires direct to the installer. One of the installers is just 2 miles from my home, so I had my tires shipped there. When the tires arrived, the installer called me, I took the car over, and in about 2 hours had them mounted and balanced and had a four-wheel alignment at a competetive price.

MJJ · Post by **MJJ** » 24 Nov 2004, 08:04

Thanks for the ideas. I had browsed TireRack.com and was impressed but didn't realize they worked with local shops. May go that route.

Mr. Norm · Post by **Mr. Norm** » 29 Nov 2004, 09:58

Yup, 55's will rub a very little bit in the front on full lock turns, only. 55's will ride better than 50's on potholed urban pavement. Michilen Pilot Sport A/S tires should make you happy. TireRack sez "best tire of their type we have ever tested". I like mine bunches.

Arfsnarfy · Post by **Arfsnarfy** » 10 Dec 2004, 14:45

Well, I solved all of my issues! I bought 15" wheels for the winter and will use the 16"wheels for summer. This allowed me to get some aggressive snow tires for the snow, and easily go back to the 50 series 16" tires for summer.
What a big difference in ride with the 185/65/15's! I lost quite a bit in the turns, but would rather have the traction in the snow.