205 60s instead of 225 55s?

[PovertySpec]

My E220 CDi has 225 55 16 95V tyres all round.

Dunlop SP Sport Bluresponse 225/55 R16 95 V (67db) cost around £94 to £96 delivered.

Dunlop SP Sport Bluresponse 205/60 R16 95 V (67db) cost around £56.00 delivered.

Tyre Size Calculator site [link] confirms a -0.31% change in overall diameter (-2mm) which is negligible.

Is this the no-brainer it appears to be?

Purpose of the exercise is that my front tyres are worn almost to the limit and the rear
tyres, although fairly, new are cheap Chinese tyres and they are very, very noisy.

 

[nick7nick7]

not really sure what your asking here, but....the 225 relates to the tyre width, so by down grading to 205, you are reducing your cars contact with the road. It is quite important that your car stays on the ground!
you may find it cheaper to change to a more commen size of tyre. i had 16's on my old car. i changed to a 18" rim and low profiles and it worked out at under 200 for a full set of cheap nasty tyres versus 350 for a set on the 16" rims.
always stick to a brand name (unless your flogging the car pronto) its false economy otherwise.

 

[mersum1es]

I've 205/60/16 winter tyres in my W210, they are less sensitive to grooves but also feels more 'flabby' in tight curves.

You meant 205 in front and 225 in rear, or all same around?

I also have 215/55/16 Dunlop Bluresp. in my W211, and I've been happy with them. Much more comfortable and economical than previous 245/45/17 Pirelli.

Narrow tyre is better in water (and snow of course).

 

[PovertySpec]

I've 205/60/16 winter tyres in my W210, they are less sensitive to grooves but also feels more 'flabby' in tight curves.

You meant 205 in front and 225 in rear, or all same around?

I also have 215/55/16 Dunlop Bluresp. in my W211, and I've been happy with them. Much more comfortable and economical than previous 245/45/17 Pirelli.

Narrow tyre is better in water (and snow of course).

Same all round, 205's front and rear. (99% sure the rears are also 225 not 235/245 .. will re-check)

I'm not too worried about flabbyness, my E class has elegance springs so it's a bit wallowy anyway. I like it like that.

Inexpensive, lower rolling resistance and a much quieter ride is what I'm after.

 

[jberks]

Not sure what view your insurance co would have if you fit narrower. Agreed it will make difference but technically it's a modification.

 

[MBDevotee]

Not sure what view your insurance co would have if you fit narrower. Agreed it will make difference but technically it's a modification.

Ask them - should be fine

 

[PovertySpec]

Ask them - should be fine

I did, no problem according to the drone on the phone.

I asked 'what about the loss adjuster'? What will they say in the event of an accident?

The what?

The loss adjuster .. Blank

Drone had to go and ask a grown up who will investigate and get back to me in due course.

Shouldn't be a problem.