What to expect?: s80 16" wheels on s70 with 15" wheels

[Swamy]

Hello Forum members,

Beg pardon if this topic has already been addressed. I was unable to find an answer and it's time to shop for winter tires for the Midwest fall. I have an opportunity to buy a used set of 16" rims from a S80 and get the corresponding Blizzaks from Costco or Tire-rack and have them mounted on these rims. Currently I run the OEM 15" rims with Yokohama and the ride couldn't be smoother. Would like to have a separate designated set of winter wheels and rims, of course.

what can I expect? what do I need to measure or check for fitment beyond simply the bolt pattern? Can someone please explain what "offset" refers to and how to determine this? Again these would be strictly for the winter tires. I realize 1" increased diameter will throw off speedo but beyond that I don't want adverse effects to my brand new front end.

Thanks very much, I hope you are all having a great Labour Day.

[igel513]

I'm assuming you're currently using 195x60x15 as I am. I tried using a 205x60x15 on rear wheels and tire would rub against wheel well when car bounces up and down. I'm not sure though if the coil spring stiffness had anything to do w/ it. I still have the orig. coil spring in the back and as they age they tend to be softer. Go to PepBoys and ask their tire people, they'll tell you if the tire you want to install is appropriate.

[Swamy]

Thanks for the info igel, you mentioned that you only switched the rears when you had the rubbing. Do you think that maybe it was due to the fact that you were running smaller wheels in the front? Perhaps if all 4 had been equal diameters it would have worked? If anyone else knows please chime in. I'd love to get my winter set sorted in the next 3 days.

[rmmagow]

Poke around Tire Rack. You should be able to pull the S80 wheel specs, offset etc. Then look up the S70, and setup a +1 to 16 inch. That'll get you the right size 16 inch rubber in the right aspect ratio so rubbing wouldn't be a problem. For winters you're better off with the 15 in steelies.

[Swamy]

Appreciate the tip rmmagow,

I have 15" steelies on my parts car which is currently my daily driver s70 n/a (295K) but I was looking to either sell or salvage it in pretty short order as my GLT is getting final paint today after stopping a drunk driver. I can't salvage or sell without wheels, but if I can get something used cheap and compatible and switch them out, that would be an ideal solution. Any ideas for 5 x 108 bolt pattern? where should I be looking? thanks much

[rmmagow]

S80 Wheel spec from Rack space (I picked a 2005)
Offset: 40mm Backspacing: 5.55" Bolt Pattern: 5-108
S70 16"
Offset: 40mm Backspacing: 5.55" Bolt Pattern: 5-108
Rec. Tire Size:205/50-16
Looks like a basic 16" S80 wheel should be fine. Put the 205/50-16 tire on it and there shouldn't be any rubbing.

[MoVolvos]

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98 S70 T5

A) 205/55/16 w/T5 Rims when purchased
B) 195/65/15 w/2001 V70 Rims currently

A) Rubbed inner fender liner even after brand new entire Strut Assembly (Strut, Springs, Spring Seat/Bearings and Boots). This could have been because the Alignment was slightly off. Stock 16's are supposed to be 205/50/16 but some came from the Factory with the 55 Series

B) No rubbing! Stock 15's are suppose to be 195/60 15. The Speedo is about +1 MPH with the 65 Series tires according to those Solar Digital Speed/Radar Monitors on our City Streets.

I found that some Manufacturers especially Michelin's are wider compared with other tires of the same size. This appears to be across the board and a trip to Costco's Tire center can verify this.

Besides offset look also for the Width of the Rims - 15x6.5 to 18x8.
Suspension, Alignment and Tire Specs will all play a factor on how well 16's work on your particular car.

Blessings,
BKM
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