Tires for a 1974 BMW 2002tii

[JC74tii]

I am in the processing of buying. some tires for a 1974 BMW 2002tii. I was advised that 195/50/15 would fit, however will they rub on the fender well.  Additionally, will 195/50/15 fit for the front and 205/50/15 on the back.  What type of effect will this have?  Thanks

[visionaut]

The fit depends on the wheels and their offset, and secondly your suspension.  What’s you wheel size? What suspension?

 

15x7 et 25-28 wheels should work with the 195/50s on stock or mildly lowered suspension without rubbing, based on the reports of many here. But there might be some variation since we’re dealing with 50 y/o vehicles.

 

205s might need a fender roll.. or increased negative camber.

Most do not run staggered wheel/tire setups on 02s, sticking with a square setup for neutral handling. A wider rear will induce some understeer into it.

 

 

[1936spyder]

I have a ‘74 tii as well with 15 x 6 ET 33 rims. I run the aforementioned tire size and have no rubbing issues. My car also has the typical suspension upgrades: Bilstein HD’s, H&R sport springs and 22/19mm sway bars.

 

The ET of your rims would be much more of a determining or limiting factor. Also, how is your car set up suspension wise?

[Gordon]

195/50-15 is the correct tire size for a 15" wheel on a 2002.  +1 on the comments that the correct offset is critical to tires not rubbing on your 2002. Lots of 15"4X100 wheels out there, most have a  high offset for a FWD car.  For a 15X7 wheel fitment on a 2002, you want an offset of ET 22-28 with ET 25 being ideal. Recommend you spend some time in this thread to learn more. 

 

[Mikesmalaga72]

IMHO...I would get stock wheels and simplify with a close to stock tire like a set of 185 70 13 Pirellis, etc to keep things a lil simpler. 

[Gordon]

These 15X7 wheels with 195/50-15 tiresare currently on my tii.  I alternate wheels (and steering wheels) frequently.

15X7 Amil ET25 wheels(made in Belgium)

 

15X7 MSW ET26 wheels

 

 

Edited May 7, 2023 by Gordon