16" tyres

[tekelili]

Hi,

Please could anyone tell me if 205/55/16 tyres will be ok on 16" alloys for my Mk3 GTI?

TIA

Rgds
Jon

[mysticblue_mk3]

From what I've read about mk3 wheel fitments, ideal tyre sizes to retain your correct rolling radius would be 205/40/16 or 205/45/16.

Standard 15" rims on a mk3 are generally fitted with 205/50/15 or 195/50/15 tyres (205/50/15 on my car), and you want to increase your rim size to 16", so you should really go for a lower profile tyre to compensate or your speedo will be out .

Are the rims off a mk4 by any chance? The rim/tyre size you state is common on mk4s, this information coming from ebay trawling experience, where there is an abundance of mk4 rims for sale .

205/55/16s sound a bit on the large side for a mk3 .

All said and done, if you really aren't sure ask your local tyre/exhaust centre for advice or contact your local VW dealer.

There are people on this forum that can tell you for certain which (205/45/16 or 205/40/16) is the best bet, so best wait for another couple of replies before you make up your mind.

Hope this helps .

Phil

[tekelili]

Thanks, Phil - nice 1 

Jon

[jte]

You need 215/40/16s or 205/45/16s

Have a look at this useful calculator

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalcold.html

The only 16" wheels fitted to mk3 as standard are bbs rxIIs on mk3 anniversarys and had 215/40/16 tyres.

[mysticblue_mk3]

Sorry my mistake, I meant to say 215/40/16 not 205/40/16 :embarassed:.

I had 215/40/16s on the rims on my old mk2, should have known better .