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Hi all, I have a 315 E21 with 13 inch BBS wheels. I learned that the original tyre spec was 165/SR13.
What tyre spec and brand would you recommend? Is it worth staying period-correct or is it just better to upgrade to a modern equivalent like the 175/70 R13? Is the Michelin XAS a good choice?
Thanks in advance!

Hi, welcome here! Feel free to share some more info about you and your car in the owners gallery!

As for the tyres, also depends on the width of your wheels. On regular 5J steelies the recommendation is to fit 165 or 175, on 5,5J 175-185, on 6J 185-195, on 7J 195-205-215.

Recommended tyre sizes: 165R13, 185/70-13. 175/70-13 is slightly smaller in diameter which will lead to the speedometer exaggerating speed by 2,6% but that's acceptable in my opinion.

Recommended tyres:

175/70-13
Best option: Continental EcoContact 6
Affordable alternative: Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 K435

185/70-13
Best option: Michelin XDX-B, but bloody expensive
Affordable alternative: Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 K435

Michelin XAS are real classic looking tyres, but the result is that they may not be as good as modern designs, and pretty expensive. Recommended if you have an absolute low mileage minter though! Oh and a more affordable alternative in 185/70-13 could be Vredestein Sprint Classic.

Hi, thanks for the quick insight!

I was considering your recommendation (Continental 175/70 R13), but the shop warned me that switching from 165 to 175 could cause issues. In Portugal, the tyre size is specified in the vehicle’s registration documents and must be strictly followed, otherwise it can lead to problems with inspections or insurance.

The Hankook was the only option available here in 165/80 R13.

Cheers

Ah that's a pity, didn't know they were this strict in Portugal. Still, the Hankook tyres are not a bad alternative!

anche in Italia....solo misure scritte sul libretto di circolazione