Hey guys, I've all but decided to switch to 15" wheels on my DD urban warrior/canyon carver Cooper. Since the search function turned up zero results for " 15" " even though I used it in a thread title three days ago (Seriously, NAM, fix the f***ing search feature.) I would like to see who's running 15's, what they look like, and what size tires you've got!

Thanks!

 

If you want to search the forum, you're often better off using Google like this: http://www.google.com/search?q=site:...le%3A15+wheels A search for 15 probably wouldn't turn up as there's usually a minimum search term length (like 4 or 5 characters), 15 is just too short. This maybe the thread you're looking for: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...15-wheels.html

Here's a picture of our previous R50 on the standard 15" wheels, with the OEM tires (seem to be 175/65-15).

 

Searching is good. Been discussed many times before.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...15-wheels.html

For your 2006 R 50 (stock suspension?)

Stock 15" wheels are 15x5.5" offset +45mm

Or you can use wider wheels like 15x6 to 15x8" but you need to adjust offsets so the position of the wheels doesn't result in rubbing. The wider the wheel the more it can weigh and usually the more it might cost depending on wheel materials and construction.

When you search in Tirerack.com you can select for 15" diameter wheels.

The biggest advantage of 15" wheels is you can use tires with a taller side profile which helps to soften the ride for daily driving. The more narrow wheels help to reduce rolling resistance and increase mpg to a point. 15" narrow tires tend to handle light snow better for all season driving. Tire selection is better for different classes of tires from Summer to All season but there are no run flat tires in this diameter.

Common 15" tire sizes-
Stock 175/65-15 fits rims 5-6" wide, 24" tire diameter, Limited selection (example General Altimax HP (Grand Touring All Season tire) $76 each 440 treadwear)

185/65-15 fits rims 5-6.5" wide, 24.5" tire diameter (example Goodyear Assurance Comfortred Touring (Grand Touring All Season tire) $104 each 740 treadwear)
195/60-15 fits rims 5-7" wide, 24.2" tire diameter (example Continental ProContact with Eco plus (Standard Touring All season tire) $82 each 600 treadwear, Michelin Primacy MXV4 V speed rated (Grand Touring All Season) $113 each 620 treadwear
205/55-15 fits rims 5.5-7.5" wide, 23.9" tire diameter (lots of choices)

In general All Season tires will work for street use and last much longer than summer tires, you can use them in all seasons except for deep snow or just drive slowly.

While you can use tires that have slightly lower sidewall profile than I listed just make sure you keep load rating similar to or greater than stock or about 82-84 or higher. Lower profile can reduce overall tire diameter which increases wheel gap with stock suspension and lowers ground clearance (not good in snow).

 

Thanks for posting that thread, I'll have a look through it! I am familiar with the search function, but honestly, it isn't very functional. I generally use Google, but I wanted to search within the tires/wheels board. Anyway, good points. I've been in touch with Alex @ TireRack and I'm looking at the following wheels:

Enkei PF01 15x8 et35 13.0 lbs $234
Kosei K1 TS 15x7 et38 11.4 lbs $134
OZ Ultraleggera 15x7 et37 12 lbs $205

And 205/50/15, weighing the options. Alex suggested a few: Bridgestone Potenza RE-11, Z1 Star Specs, Advan Neova AD08, or Toyo Proxes R1R.

I'm leaning towards the RE11's, because it gets wet here.

 

15x7" wheels are very usable.

205/50-15 tires are good for track and autocross but not so good for street driving.

205/50-15 fits wheels 5.5-7.5" wide but tire diameter is only 23.1" vs 24.4" OEM. You can still go on the street but you're about 1.5" lower on the tire height which increases wheel gap and decreases road clearance. There will also be some speedo and odometer error.

For the money Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec is a good value.
Alternatively you can also consider the same tire in closeout size-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Z1SS&tab=Specs
$108 each 195/55-15 tire diameter 23.5" and it's 2 lbs lighter each

 

Interesting, thanks for the info! Would 205/50/15 ride any rougher than the 205/50/16 I'm currently running? I'm on ST coilovers so I can always adjust the height to eliminate any unwanted wheel gap. I'm not too worried about speedo error. It's wrong anyway, and I generally go with "flow of traffic" in traffic, and "as quickly as I feel is safe" everywhere else.

 

205/50-15 or 16 still has the same side profile height and if the tire sizes are available in the same tire then it should not make much difference.

205/50-15 would allow for a lower center of gravity for slightly better handling on turns and the 15" wheel is likely lighter than a comparable 16" wheel.