Hi Everyone. After a lot of searching the internet I can't find any definitive information about the maximum tire size you can put on a 1989 240 DL Sedan with no suspension modifications. I have a chance to buy four new 185/60 14's at a really low price. The gentleman bought the wrong tire size and wants to get rid of the tires. I plan on putting them on the 14" Scorpius wheels. I'm concerned they might be just a bit too wide. Help..

Thanks!

 

185 60 14 vs stock 185 70 14


185/60-14 185/70-14 Difference

Diameter inches (mm)22.74 (577.6)24.2 (614.6)1.46 (37) 6.4%

Width inches (mm)7.28 (185)7.28 (185)0 (0) 0%

Circum. inches (mm)71.44 (1814.58)76.02 (1930.82)4.58 (116.24) 6.4%

Sidewall Height inches (mm)4.37 (111)5.1 (129.5)0.73 (18.5) 16.7%

Revolutions per mile (km)886.89 (551.09)833.5 (517.91)-53.39 (-33.18) -6%


your speedometer reading will be off as well with the 185 60 14

 

wheel-size.com is a good resource for OEM rim size specs. Also you can use Tirerack.com to compare revs/mile between sizes. The Scorpius rims are OEM 5.5 x 14 rims so a 185 tire is appropriate. As noted the 60 vs 70 aspect ratio means the wall height is 60% of the tread width so the 185/60s are shorter but the same width. My two cents is take a pass - you can buy the correct tire size for about $50 each online. If anything I'd upgrade to 15 inch rims where you get a better selection of tires and leave the 14s for winter rims or stick with the stock tire size.

 

185/60 are *SMALLER* tires than 185/70

you want wheels that are very close to the same outer diameter (about 24.3") but a bit wider. 185/65R15 or 195/60R15 would fit that bill. 205/55R16 or 205/50R17 would be extreme. note each of these requires a different size rim. there's a very limited selection of 14" tires anymore

 

also, changing tire sizes, you should get your suspension realigned. There are different alignment numbers for a 740/940 with Hydra wheels than there are for ones with the normal wheels. mostly, its a touch less toe-in and closer to 0 camber.

I wouldn't change wheel sizes without also replacing all the wearable rubber components in a 20+ year old car.