Where to buy 205/55R15

[ehrawn]

Moving on from my 14" bottlecaps and was all set to buy Vredestein's Sprint+, but their only listed dealer in the US is TireRack and they've stopped carrying the size. What other "Classic Look" tire exists for the OEM 15" wheel and where can I buy them?

[Maybe Magpie]

I've had the same predicament and honestly, there isn't much. I have, however, discovered that if you don't mind a chunkier, meatier look (which I prefer over rubber bands) there's plenty of posts that talk about running 225/50/15 without rubbing or the like (example here). When I move up to 15"s I intend to do the same or similar, I've seen talk of 225/60/15 and 225/45/15, as well as similar. As far as classic look there's some Pirellis meant for like Ferraris and Porsches that are 1.5-2 grand a set (Pirelli Cinturato P7 (Collezione), Pirelli P Zero System (Collezione) Asymmetrico) but for 14"s Michelin offers the MXV-3 now which is period-looking with modern compounds. Those are also a bit pricey but not as bad as the Pirellis. They don't offer it in 15" yet unfortunately, as far as I'm aware though I'd jump on those if they did. Discount Tire still offers Altimax RT45s in 215/60/15 and similar and those are relatively classic looking and a good all-season if you're not set on summer performance. I think Maxxis' summer isn't half-bad either? They're a well-respected bike tire manufacturer. No hands-on with those myself though.

[digger]

205/50/15 might have better options

[ehrawn]

there's plenty of posts that talk about running 225/50/15 without rubbing or the like

225 seems like a good option on 7” wide wheel, but that Pirelli also seems to be unobtanium (and pricy). Hoping to stick as close to 24” diameter as possible.

[Maybe Magpie]

205/50/15 might have better options

It does, but OP (like myself) seems to be not fond of the thinner sidewall on those. They always look off to me, I prefer meatier over thinner.

225 seems like a good option on 7” wide wheel, but that Pirelli also seems to be unobtanium (and pricy). Hoping to stick as close to 24” diameter as possible.

There's plenty of other options if you don't need it to look classic, Advans and such are still available in chunkier fitments. The Pirellis definitely are real expensive, but I imagine if you called Tire Rack you could pre-order a set or something? Might be worth asking Michelin if they're ever gonna make the MXV-3s in 15". Maxxis does seem to have some offerings in 15"s, though they're either modern and tracky or touring/not sport summers. General's Altimax RT45 isn't half bad for an allseason either as said but you kind of are limited if you want summer-only-performance-tire-that-looks-old-school-and-is-15", sadly.

[2mAn]

I'm running a 205/50/15 and its great... Lots of options

[ehrawn]

I'm running a 205/50/15 and its great... Lots of options

Photos?

[2mAn]

Photos?

Wheels are 15x7 et 20

[Maybe Magpie]

Wheels are 15x7 et 20

Those always look too small in the wheelwell for me, even dropped.

I saw this pic somewhere on here a while back and saved it, it's apparently 205/60/15x8 dropped with no rubbing (forgive the shitass watermark):

[reelizmpro]

I ran 225/50/15 on 15x7 and it was much better than the 205/55/15 they replaced. I'd say that's the best bet these days given availability.

[Maybe Magpie]

It looks good, too. I linked the original upload in my first reply but just for posterity's sake, 225/50/15 ET25:

[2mAn]

Yea its not the most ideal size when it comes to 'the look' but my cars about performance and balance with the M20 motor so Im good with it. Might try a 225/50 next, but even with the 205 I have plenty of tire for 193whp

[Maybe Magpie]

True true, I just think that if you can have more contact patch without hassle you might as well.

[nando]

I have been worried about this for a while - the stock IX size is 205/55/R15, but almost nothing else uses that size. Even several years ago, there was almost nothing. I picked up some discontinued Kumhos, which have been really good actually - but they've been out of production for years now, and there's nothing else equivalent. I could go bigger or smaller (done both). I'll wait until they dry rot I guess..

[reelizmpro]

Simon, if you find a brand of 225/50/15 that runs narrow with rounded shoulders, it won't look too beefy if that's what you're concerned about. For me, the price/availability made it an easy choice. I had the same issue with the 16x7.5 weaves I had on my M3. Correct tire was 225/45/16 which cost an arm and the leg with only like 1 or 2 manufacturers. 225/50 was available but I hated how it looked. It's not surprising they are phasing out certain sizes as they become more and more uncommon.