Curt Ingraham wrote the following on the BMW Digest:
Here are some tire sizes that might be used on a BMW 2002, listed in order of outside diameter:
(2) Diff.
(1) from Diameter stock
BMW 2002 Tire Size Index
Tire size index for Classic BMW Model 2002Size | Inches | % | Comments |
---|---|---|---|
195/55-14 | 22.4 | -1.3 | 3, 4, 5 |
175/70-13 | 22.6 | -0.4 | |
165R-13 | 22.7 | 0.0 | Stock'02 size (except 2002 Turbo) |
205/60-13 | 22.7 | 0.0 | 7 |
185/60-14 | 22.7 | 0.0 | |
195/50-15 | 22.7 | 0.0 | |
205/55-14 | 22.9 | +0.7 | 7 ? |
205/50-15 | 23.1 | +1.8 | 7 ? |
195/60-14 | 23.2 | +2.2 | Stock size for some E30 (3,8) |
185/70-13 | 23.2 | +2.2 | Stock size for 2002 Turbo |
175/80-13 | 24.0 | +5.7 | Rubbing likely |
195/65-14 | 24.0 | +5.7 | Stock size for some E30 (3, 4, 5, 6, 8 ) |
Notes:
- Diameter is approximate. It varies with tire manufacturer and model. It also decreases about 1.1 % from new tread (10/32 inch) to no tread (2/32 inch).
- Differential ratio is effectively reduced by this amount, e.g. with 195/65-14 tires the stock 3.64:1 ratio becomes 3.44:1. Speedometer reading is reduced by this amount, e.g. with 195/65-14 tires the speedo
reads 61.5 at 65 MPH. Speedo reading increases as tires wear (1). Speedo reading varies with normal manufacturing tolerances, typically -2/+5 % IMO. - Slight, occasional rubbing on front inner fender walls at full lock is common with these sizes.
- Slight, occasional rubbing on tie rod boots possible on tii.
- Slight, occasional rubbing on front fender lips is common.
- Slight, occasional rubbing on front apron is possible.
- Rolling, trimming, or stretching of fender lips is required for clearance.
- E30 (’84-’91 3-series) 14-inch alloy wheels fit ’02s well and are a common upgrade. If tires are included, try for 195/60 rather than 195/65. Replace steel wheel nuts with alloy wheel nuts.
- E21 320i wheels fit ’02s poorly because of their different offset.
Comments and corrections are encouraged.
Author: Curt Ingraham
I have seen 02 rolling on 16’s and 17’s with no turbo fenders.