Lee ,
Just acquired a set of OEM 16 X 7.5 rims from 320E for an 87 300E. Based on your recomendation for the best handling option for this vehicle.
I have three questions.
1 - If 225/50/16 is your recomedation for optimum performance(i assume summer) , what size of winter tire would work well on same rim?
2 - I would like to use Blizzak, however same size tire is 8.6 inches wide and i am afraid i don't have room . Do I ?
3 - should i expect any changes in speedometer reading, ABS or any other significant factors by installing such tire/wheel combination.
Thanks. Len

You should be able to find a winter tire in the same size (225/50/16). Just put whatever winter tire you prefer on the rims (or get winter tires and put them on the OEM rims to make changing between winter/summer sets easier) Here in ATL it does not snow much so I have not had that much experience with dedicated winter tires. Your best bet is to read through the Tirerack reviews and talk to them for winter-tire recommendations. In truth I do not have enough first-hand experience to comment.

As long as you keep either OEM or 225/50/16 sizes there should be no speedo/odo differences. Winter tires probably have a more rounded shoulder than do performance tires so clearance should not be a problem. If you want a tire that can do both 'summer" and "winter" duties in one model then the Pilot XGT V4 or Pilot H4 are both great options. Though either of them will not match the handling top-guns on the skidpad, they will do a commendable job in the wet/dry and still handle most snow/slush duties as well. Either way a call to Tirerack's staff is probably in order for either a quick 2nd opinion or confirmation of what I've advised above.

Hope this helps...Lee