MB W169 A150 tyres: 195/55/R16 vs 205/55/R16

[harisman]

Hi everyone!
I am considering to replace the tyres in my 2007 W169 A150.
I am currently on 195/55/16 on alloy MB rims, but the price difference between them and 205/55/16 ones is quite significant (~30% less).
Therefore I am thinking of it.
Comparison of dimensions here: Tire Size Calculator

I know more or less the pros/cons to go for wider tyres, but the question is whether they will fit without problem, both regarding the rim (6Jx16 ET46 rim) but most importantly regarding the from axle.
My tyre-guy says that the rim is ok, but is afraid that they will hit at the edges of the steering travel of the from axle.
Any experiences from owners?

Thanks

 

[mattkh]

There is a sticker on the B-pillar or inside the fuel filler cover showing the air pressure for the tyres.
Please put up a picture of that sticker. Thanks.

 

[rifiki]

Change all 4 to 205 55 16. ABS/TPM may throw a wobbly if you have a combination of 195 and 205 tyres.

 

[harisman]

There is a sticker on the B-pillar or inside the fuel filler cover showing the air pressure for the tyres.
Please put up a picture of that sticker. Thanks.

I will as soon as possible.
If you mean the range of tyres that were originally fitted from factory in the W169s, see below.

The dimension in question is not included, and despite the fact that also wider tyres were fitted, 205/55/16 is 3mm larger in diameter (629 vs 632, half in the radius) than the larger one.

Tire Size Calculator

Free calculator to find the dimensions of a tire based on its code. It also helps in choosing alternative tire sizes based on rim size or comparing two tires.

www.calculator.net

Therefore I doubt whether they will fit and not hit the sidewall towards the engine (there are some pipes running the outer side of the sidewalls - tyre side)........

 

[AnthonyUK]

Therefore I doubt whether they will fit and not hit the sidewall towards the engine (there are some pipes running the outer side of the sidewalls - tyre side)........

The tyre will be 1cm wider so 5mm inner/outer. Surely they are not that close to rubbing are they?
Is a 5mm spacer an option if it is that close?

 

[JBell]

What brands are you looking at?

These are good

https://www.camskill.co.uk/m62b0s460p185902/Uniroyal_Tyres_Car_Uniroyal_RainSport_5_-_195_55_R16_87H_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_C_Wet_Grip%3A_A_NoiseClass%3A_B_Noise%3A_71dB

 

[JBell]

Hi everyone!
I am considering to replace the tyres in my 2007 W169 A150.
I am currently on 195/55/16 on alloy MB rims, but the price difference between them and 205/55/16 ones is quite significant (~30% less).
Therefore I am thinking of it.
Comparison of dimensions here: Tire Size Calculator

I know more or less the pros/cons to go for wider tyres, but the question is whether they will fit without problem, both regarding the rim (6Jx16 ET46 rim) but most importantly regarding the from axle.
My tyre-guy says that the rim is ok, but is afraid that they will hit at the edges of the steering travel of the from axle.
Any experiences from owners?

Thanks

You should really go for a 205/50 R16, it is a closer match to what you have on there now. 205 is the max width on a 6" wide rim

 

[harisman]

There is a sticker on the B-pillar or inside the fuel filler cover showing the air pressure for the tyres.
Please put up a picture of that sticker. Thanks.

Here is the sticker

 

[harisman]

The tyre will be 1cm wider so 5mm inner/outer. Surely they are not that close to rubbing are they?
Is a 5mm spacer an option if it is that close?

Given the fact that W169 were fitted with even wider tyres from the factory (up to 215), I am thinking the width at a larger radius (+1,5 mm in the radius from the largest one - originally fitted) might be the problem.
Spacers are not an option for me. I would prefer to remain totally stock (factory settings).

Anyhow all these are my estimations/concerns, therefore I am asking whether there is somebody who has actually done it and has experience on it.
For instance I am reading in forums that it is a common practice from BMW 1 serie owners and seems to work with no problems according to experiences.
On the contrary, regarding W169s I haven't found a clear answer, only questions etc......

 

[harisman]

What brands are you looking at?

These are good

https://www.camskill.co.uk/m62b0s460p185902/Uniroyal_Tyres_Car_Uniroyal_RainSport_5_-_195_55_R16_87H_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_C_Wet_Grip%3A_A_NoiseClass%3A_B_Noise%3A_71dB

I thinking the new Hankook Ventus Prime 4 or Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2.
In both brands, the price difference is +30% between the dimensions in question.

 

[harisman]

You should really go for a 205/50 R16, it is a closer match to what you have on there now. 205 is the max width on a 6" wide rim

I am not so sure regarding 205/50 R16......
Comparison 195/55 R16 vs 205/55 R16: https://www.calculator.net/tire-siz...205&car2=55&cws2=16&ctype=2&x=60&y=27#compare (1,77% difference)
Comparison 195/55 R16 vs 205/50 R16: https://www.calculator.net/tire-siz...205&car2=50&cws2=16&ctype=2&x=51&y=27#compare (1,53% difference)
Quite similar in both cases, the tacho reading will be more accurate to actual speed in the 205/55 R16 case (compensation of the tacho inaccuracy), on the contrary in 205/50 R16 case, the speed reading fault will be increased......

 

[LostKiwi]

One thing to bear in mind is that if you fit non-standard tyre sizes you must inform your insurance company as it's a change from the vehicles original specification.

Failing to do so could void your insurance.

 

[mioba]

One thing to bear in mind is that if you fit non-standard tyre sizes you must inform your insurance company as it's a change from the vehicles original specification.

Failing to do so could void your insurance.

Indeed it will - easy for them to say non specced car caused an accident.

 

[JBell]

I am not so sure regarding 205/50 R16......
Comparison 195/55 R16 vs 205/55 R16: https://www.calculator.net/tire-siz...205&car2=55&cws2=16&ctype=2&x=60&y=27#compare (1,77% difference)
Comparison 195/55 R16 vs 205/50 R16: https://www.calculator.net/tire-siz...205&car2=50&cws2=16&ctype=2&x=51&y=27#compare (1,53% difference)
Quite similar in both cases, the tacho reading will be more accurate to actual speed in the 205/55 R16 case (compensation of the tacho inaccuracy), on the contrary in 205/50 R16 case, the speed reading fault will be increased......

Rule of thumb when increasing the width is to drop the profile to maintain the rolling radius