Tire Size Advice, please!

[LadyJustin]

HI!
I have an '84 318i and an '89 325is and both could use new tires. Since they're both 14" rims, can I get tires that would work on either? (I hope so, because right now I trade tires back and forth between the two cars). AND what would be a good size and brand? What ranges will fit? I know what is recomended as standard, but I'd like opinions on what works the best! Sometimes tire dealers have good sales on tires that I think might work because the sizes are "close", but I want to be sure. Thanks!

 

[AZRobert]

The original size is 195-65HR14, I went up to 205-60HR14 (NITTO 460), on the recommendation of our former BMWCCA chapter president who works in the wholesale div for Discount tire. I've used this tire at driving school, and on a few 'spirited' drives, and it has worked great.
I've thought about going to 215-60HR14, but was told that this may rub during hard cornering.

 

[rjp325i]

My old 1985 318i (bought new) had 195-60HR14 tires as standard. Later years like my 1989 325i had 195-65VR14 as original equipment. The 205-60-14 size is a recommended upgrade for both models particularly the later 6 cyl models. The larger 205 size will not affect the speedometer accuracy to any large degree on your 1984. It will be within acceptable limits. If you want to upgrade further you can go to the orig equipment E30 M3 size of 205-55VR15. You cannot use orig M3 rims tho because they are 5 bolt instead of your 4 bolt. You would need aftermarket wheels. This upgrade is recommended if you want to track the car as well as maintain good ride quality. V rated tires were orig equipment on my 1989 325i but have been hard to find in 14 inch size recently due to the popularity of larger wheel sizes. Your choice of brand may be limited if you want 14 inch and a V rating. However for street driving H rated tires will suffice. The 1989 325i did not have a top speed limiter hence the factory installed V rated tire. 1990 and later had a top speed limiter and came with H rated tires.