Finally done with my run flats, got 40K loud miles out of them,looking forward to peace and quiet in the cabin.

The run flats are 195/55/R16 OEMs. My concern is winter (snow) safety so going all season, just wanted to know pros and cons of going up to 205/50/R16. Seems like better dry performance, worse snow performance - is that about right, anything else?

Thanks

 

Yes - tire selection.
For some reason (popular with other cars?), there are a LOT more tire choices in 205/55-16 size than OEM 195/55-16. Even when you find the same model available in both, the 205mm wide size is frequently cheaper.

The performance and speedometer differences between the two are practically negligible. Thus for the reasons stated above, I always ended up buying either 205/55-16 or 225/50-16 (summer autoX) tires for my MCS.

If you have a garage, you should seriously consider getting a second set of 16" wheels (can be had for ~$200) and running a dedicated set of winter tires in IN. I am on 195/55R-16 Blizzak WS80's, and loving the winter in NY/NJ.

a

 

I run 205-50-16 summer tires, that size works well on my MINI. In winter I run a 185-65-15 snow tire. All seasons are a compromise at best.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone

 

I run 205/50/16 summer and 185/65/15 winter tires also.


Unfortunately, there are no longer as many great summer tires in
205/50/16 as there used to be, but there are plenty of good choices
in 205/55/16, which although a little taller, a little heavier, and a
little softer in response, are still a viable option.

 

Just looking at options, I found a set of BFG 195vr55 x15s that are pretty reasonable. Is this a reasonable option for an R50 with stock wheels or is it too much

Al

 

195/55/15 is a little short (23.44 in).
Did you mean 195/55/16, which is a stock size?
Which BFGs?

 

BFG g-force super sport A/S 195/55r15


These are 15's which is what my stock wheels are.

Al

 

For the R50 stock wheels are 15x5.5" tires are 175/65-15.

195/55-15 is not tall enough for OEM fit, your wheel gap would be rather large.

195/60-15 is a better choice and there are a selection of summer and all season tires in that size. Note that the sidewall is tall for more comfort. Otherwise you can also use 205/55-15 on a stock 15" wheel.

 

Thanks that was exactly info i was looking for.

Al

QUOTE=minihune;4032410]For the R50 stock wheels are 15x5.5" tires are 175/65-15.

195/55-15 is not tall enough for OEM fit, your wheel gap would be rather large.

195/60-15 is a better choice and there are a selection of summer and all season tires in that size. Note that the sidewall is tall for more comfort. Otherwise you can also use 205/55-15 on a stock 15" wheel.[/QUOTE]