Hello,

For many years I ran propely sized staggered snow tires on my '00 (205/55/16, 225/50/16). Due to the lack of available options though, a few years back I went with a 205/55/16, 215/55/16 setup (Michelin xice3). The rear tire was ~1.8% larger than stock.

I need to replace my rears only. Think I should repeat the larger size or just run 205/55s all around? I'm in CT and we get a good amount of snow.

Thanks

 

Up

 

Your not racing on snow tires so I would go with the taller tires. And just for the hell of it I would see if the taller 215/55-16 snow tire would fit up front without rubbing. That will give you a little more height up front to clear the crap on the road in winter.

I have a '06 and run 235/45-17 up front(stock wheels) and they don't rub on the fenders at all.

ROD

 

I agree with trying to see if the taller tires would fit up front as well. I get a ton of snow where I live and I'm always worried about damaging the lip on my bmw in deep snow (never know where that chunk of ice will be) so I went with a slightly taller square setup and haven't had any problems. The extra ride height is nice in winter and doesn't really affect handling to a noticeable point (almost never driving fast enough for that anyway in the snow).

 

I went with the 215/55s again in the rear. Not swapping out the front because the current tires have life left. Thanks for chiming in.

 

When your front snow tires do wear out see if the 215/55-16 will fit and not rub on the fenders. 215/55-16 is just about 1/10" (or less) shorter than the 235/45-17 tires I run up front on my '06 S and I have never had them rub on the fenders and I take my S on some rough back roads. Most of the roads I drive are back roads, I like the out of the way roads to drive.

ROD