Brakes Wheels 2nd Gen Tires Most liked posts in thread: Which is more important: tire size or type?

  1. Squirlz

    Squirlz New Member

    May 4, 2009
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    #2 Squirlz, May 24, 2009
    205-50 would be a better size than those. I don't know much about all seasons so I'm no help there.
     
  2. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    May 4, 2009
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    #3 BlimeyCabrio, May 24, 2009
    The extra 10mm of width will benefit your cornering WAY more than the extra 5.5mm of sidewall will hurt it, IMHO.

    But, yes, going to 205/50 is even better...
     
  3. filet0fish

    filet0fish New Member

    May 23, 2009
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    #4 filet0fish, May 24, 2009
    My concern with 205/50 is that the speedometer error would be in the opposite direction as the 205/55. The 55's error (-1.75%) should offset the built in error (3%, right?). The 50 would be +1.5, so I'd be off by almost 5%. Although, I think that padding has saved me from a ticket or two :aureola:

    215/50 would keep the same diameter, sidewall and speedometer, but there are even fewer options in that size.

    That makes sense. I gotta make sure I can keep up on the Blue Ridge Parkway tour and safely make it down the dragon to the start in Cherokee.
     
  4. Squirlz

    Squirlz New Member

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    #5 Squirlz, May 24, 2009
    At relaxed highway cruising I see 77-78 on my speedometer and my GPS reads 75-76. You get used to it. There are so many more options available in a 205/50. Plus IMHO it looks better and gives you that much more bear repellent.
     
  5. filet0fish

    filet0fish New Member

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    #6 filet0fish, May 25, 2009
    Interesting. Am I getting my speedometer offsets backwards? Right now I see around 78/79 when I'm going 75 with stock everything.

    Do you have any suggestions in 205/50? It looks like mostly summer tires in that size, which I'm not totally against, but i would prefer all season.
     
  6. BThayer23

    BThayer23 Well-Known Member

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    #7 BThayer23, Jun 20, 2009
    I had my speedometer calibrated in defense of a speeding ticket back when my 06 was six months old. On stock wheels and tires, the speedo was 6mph off. I've heard that German cars tend to be a couple mph conservative, so I wouldn't worry too much about the accuracy of the speedometer.

    Plus, depending on local laws and precedents, you can dodge a speeding ticket if your speedo's off! :D
     
  7. putterfarm

    putterfarm New Member

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    #8 putterfarm, Jun 21, 2009
    Look at Yokohama S-4s. I've seen them and they are good. My next set will be 215/45 and my "03 "S" runs about 56mph when reading 60. :cool:. This way I know I'm not speeding :D. Just check your speedo against someone with a GPS and let it be:cornut:.
    Mark