currently I have 16inch bellos with 205/55/16 yokohama avs db2 on them. i purchased them all from tirerack. But i've noticed that the ride quality has suffered in terms of being more harsh and prone to jumpy ride due to the decrease in the height from the original factory 65 to 55.
Also due to the bent rims that i've experienced, i want to add the height of the tires so that there's more cushioning for the wheels in future when going over potholes etc.
the car is a 87 260E w124 body style.
my question is, if i want to change the tires on the same wheels to 215/60/16 would that be ok or would i run into problems from rubbing on the inner walls while making turns ? How about if I changed to 205/60/16 ? which option would be better ?
thnx.

__________________
Whether you think you can or cannot, Either way you're right!. by Henry Ford.

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html links to a good visual tire size calculator, where you key ijn your stock wheel and tire size, and then play with different new tire/wheel sizes until the pics and numbers match as closely as you want. That said, the 16" rim took away 1/2" of sidewall compared to stock, and it isn't coming back with those wheels.

It looks as if the closest to stock diameter in a 16" rim is 195/60 16, but still missing that 1/2" of sidewall 'cushion'. Much different in sizing will make the diameter too large and mess up your speedo readings.

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John

2003 Firemist Red/grey leather SL 500
2015 Palladium Silver/black mbtex GLK 350
1987 Smoke Silver/burgundy mbtex 300E Sportline (SOLD)

Click to see 87 300E

I'm running 205/60 16's on my 1995 E420 (W124 body style). I had planned on doing this for 6 months until the tires wore out (an e-bay special) when I'd move to the correct size tire.

I have only experienced the mildest of rubbing with a fully loaded car (4 adults) at highway speeds - bottoming only. Turns are OK - no rubbing.

If you're planning on only having yourself in the car - it would probably work. But if you routinely have more people in the car, or are dealing with very worn springs, you may want to stick with stock.

Tires vary quite a bit as well - there are probably tires in 16" sizes with more "give" than the tires you're using. This may help get a more cushy ride as well.

I find that the Michelin MXV4s I have provide a very smooth ride (but then again - I'm running larger than I should).

Hope this helps,
Troy
1995 E420 90k

I'm about to purchase a new set of tires. I have found out that the speedo correction would be minimal if i changed from 205/55/16 to 215/55/16.
I would like to know what would give me a more softer ride. I'm not so much gearing towards cornering/sporty ride.
215/55/16 or 195/60/16. ?
does the height make a difference in the softness or can i acheive the same softness with a wider tire ?
thnx.

__________________
Whether you think you can or cannot, Either way you're right!. by Henry Ford.