Purchase'n Winter ties - size question
 

I've read a ton of threads on it, but couldn't find the answer.... I've always purchased Dunlop M3's for my cars over the winters, I love the way they handle and feel.

That said I Tire Rack only has them in: 205/45R16 (they have a $50 promotion running)

With the stock tire be'n 195/55R16 I wasn't sure how that would affect the fit/performance of the tire, and if it would fit.

They have the Dunlop Winter 3D's which I don't know much about and can't find much info on since they are new - they also come with run-flats which I was try'n to avoid. Anyone know anything about them?

Any advice if the 205/45R16 M3's would work with the stock 16'' wheel size (195/55R16)

In case you don't know what the numbers mean, the first number is tire width(as seen from the back of the car) in mm, the second is the sidewall height given as a percentage of the width, and the third number is the mounting (rim) diameter.

So for a 205/45R16:

Wheel width is 205mm
Sidewall height is 45% of 205mm. So 205*0.45=92.25mm.
And you should mount them on 16" rims.
The 'R' has to do with the construction and means they are radial.

I hope this helps. You can always call tirerack with questions. But here is a link to the info I gave.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=46

Rock on man - I've spent time learning everything but tire stuff, I always let my buddies tell me the sizes I need. Time to step it up a notch =)

It's the middle number that always throws me off for some reason

205/45/16 would be a little short in diameter. It would certainly fit, but
195/55/16 or 205/50/16 or even 205/55/16 would be a better fit.
Have you considered Michelin X-Ice Xi2 (205/50/16 or 195/55/16 with $70 off on 4),
lots of choices in 205/55/16 http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...er=16&x=56&y=9 .

My dad and I have always gone with Blizzak's for a winter tire. Not the best for high performance drives on dry roads, but they're snow killers.

And cristo is right, 205/55R16 may be a better fit. I run 205/45R17 on my 17's and you're an inch smaller...:lol:

I strongly recomend you buy a second set of rims. Trying to mount tires more than maybe 2 times on a rim is asking for trouble...you can get a cheap set of 15 alloys and they will fit unles you have a big break kit. Also the softer ride during the winter is better with frostheaves and pot holes. You other rims will also stay nice looking too!

I have Pirelli Winter p-210 Snowsports, 195-60r15 (H rating)mounted on a cheap set of 15" alloys (Primamax-Tuner). This size fits fine with no clearance issues with my standard S Brakes (GEN1, 2005 S) The size works well....within 1.5% of stock if I remember, and the 15" rims and tires saved a couple hundred bucks when I bought them. Also it makes the ride a bit softer (helps save the car (strut towers) and the driver) with those winter frost heaves and potholes!! This size is also pretty light and gives the car a playful/tossible feel if you will!! There are better snow-tires out there, but the price was right, and in the rain or on dry road these tires still ride/handle pretty well for a snow tire and are quiet! Width wise...for an S these tires do pretty good IMO.

I just picked up a set of Bridgestone LM-60 205/45R17 at Discount Tire...they matched Tire Racks price which was cool (Denver, CO)

I assume it's the Runflat model? I don't want to get that debate going again, I'm just curious if they make it without.

I'll prob be get'n a set soon enough as well.....

Ya correct Run-Flat....I am not a big fan of the Run-Flats...and dont run them in the Summer (Dunlop Direzza Star Spec). But winter I can deal with it. So far tire is performaning nicely in the dry and wet. No real snow sticking to the roads yet in Denver. But was a nice 17 degrees last Saturday and snowing.

Oh forgot to mention I am running these on the a stock set of 17" S-lites w/ a 5mm H&R spacer over a set of TSW MDM BBK brakes. Have about 1/8" clearance ;)