tyres

[david troughton]

I have just acquired a set of 205GTI pepperpot alloys to put on my 16TGSmeteor (5.5J).
would someone be able to give a definitive answer as to the size of tyre I should put on. Comfort is paramount (second to safety).
Many thanks
David

[rutter123]

I have the same SL201 205gti 1.6 speedlines on mine with 165/70/14's, I suspect there are a few options on sizing but too low on the profile would make the ride a little harsh, that's why I went with stock size for a t/d.

[white exec]

70 is probably the best choice for ride comfort, as the tyres are very much the suspension's first line of bump absorption.
The suspension was designed around Michelin's supple-wall tyres (MXV, Primacy...) and the current Michelin Energy Saver+ have the same characteristic.

I have a set of new ones (165/70 14) on the 19D, and - even with correct spheres and sphere pressures - have found the ride a tad nobbly on concrete surfaces with the tyres at the listed 2.1bar. Dropping to 1.9bar all round got rid of most of the harshness, and have now dropped to 1.8bar - as low as I want to go. Ride comfort has improved noticeably, and the tyres don't seem to show any signs/appearance of under-inflation.

Realise that tyre brand - like engine oil - is a very much a personal choice.

[hilarystone]

If you are using your BX the whole year round I would recommend using Michelin Cross Climate Plus tyres in the UK where much of the year is wet and cold. And I would go for the 70 cross section if your priority is comfort. My priority has always been handling and I use 195 55 15s on my BXs…
PS It was good to meet you yesterday when I delivered the wheels…

[jamescarruthers]

If we are drifting over to brands: I had Michelin Cross Climates on the C70 and they were very good and have a very attractive pattern. Also, I recently put Uniroyal Rain Sports on my wife’s Mini and they were absolutely superb in the wet last week when I rung it’s little neck while very late for an important appointment!

205 pepper pots look ace on a BX, nice one!

[Tim Leech]

You can fit 185/60 14 easily

[David]

I'd have to agree with what's already been said really. There are many sizes & brands that you can fit on a BX, it just depends on how you want it to hold on the road & absorb bumps.

If you want optimal comfort & safety, then I'd go for either 165/70/14 or 175/65/14 tyres, depending on how they look on the wheels. The 165/70/14's might look a little stretched on 5.5J wheels. Sure, you can fit 185/60/14 tyres or even 195/60/14's too, but you'll compromise in comfort and expense, as they'll have a smaller sidewall to absorb bumps & the latter aren't a common size therefore are more expensive too.

I’ve got 175/65/14 tyres on my BX; on 5.5J wheels, and they look fine, so that’s probably a good starting point.

As for the make, I'd go for the Michelin cross climate tyres too; they're soft and they grip well, so you'll have both safety and comfort. The only down side that I've heard about the cross climate's is that they need to be replaced when they get to 3mm as they just don't grip anymore below that.

Hope that helps.

[rutter123]

195's can be a tight fit on the back and can foul the inner arches if Yr rear arm bearings are worn.
I tend to agree with David that the 165s look a little lost on the Peugeot rims and the 195s fill the arches a little too much.

[david troughton]

Thanks to you all. I have gone for 185 60 14. I was about to swop the wheels over but the existing (original) bolts didn't look like they were long enough. There didn't seem to be much bolt showing through the pepperpot wheel. Does anyone know how much of the bolt should be going into the wheel?

[rutter123]

You will need the correct bolts for the alloys they are a good half inch longer than stock steels bolts.
Available online about £20/25 a set of 16