V70: Wheels/Brakes 16" Wheels

[Tony Rama]

I notice in the MY2011 handbook, under Wheel and Tyre sizes p308,

205/60R16 and 225/55R16 are alternatively listed for the D3 D5204T2.

Has anyone got comparison experience between running the original 225/50R17 and the 205/60R16?

I'm interested in any advantages of fuel economy and comfort from either.

[Tony Rama]

Would 16s be quieter?

[Kev0607]

I’m not about quietness, but they’ll be more comfortable.

I do find 16’s look a bit small on the V70’s & S80’s, but they’ll make the ride even more comfortable & I think they’re worth it for that alone over looks. The “business” editions of the newer V70’s have 16’s on.

I wish I put 16’s on mine. I went from 18’s that the previous owner fitted & I hated them. I found a set of 17” Spartes alloys (an original fitment option) in a breakers yard (bargain at £120 including tyres), bought them & got them refurbed.

I still have two of the tyres, but the other two weren’t great - I got two Michelin tyres to replace them. The comfort difference is like night & day, so I imagine 16’s will be even better.

[Tony Rama]

Thanks for the that Kev. I bought the car in August and all 4 x 17 tyres will need replacing soon so I have the opportunity to make a change. I was wondering about the comfort aspect. I previously had a SAAB 9000. The 16 AEROs were far more uncomfortable than the 15s, so what you say makes sense.

Does anyone know which Volvo models were fitted with 7Jx16x50? I would have to buy used.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Tony Rama

Thanks for the that Kev. I bought the car in August and all 4 x 17 tyres will need replacing soon so I have the opportunity to make a change. I was wondering about the comfort aspect. I previously had a SAAB 9000. The 16 AEROs were far more uncomfortable than the 15s, so what you say makes sense.

Does anyone know which Volvo models were fitted with 7Jx16x50? I would have to buy used.

V70 & S80 had (P3 shape).

The original fitment options to these cars were (actual names of the alloys);

“Hera”
“Oden”
“Agena”
“Naos”
“Creon”

All are 7Jx16 with a 50mm offset.

Recommended tyres are 205/60/R16 or 225/55 R16.

Have a look on Ebay, Facebook Marketplace or try Volvo breakers yards.

Before spending any money, I suggest you have a drive in a car similar to yours with 16” alloys to see what you think. Maybe a local garage or dealer has one in stock that you could have a little test run in?

[Tony Rama]

Thanks again Kev for the detailed information. Also the advice to try before buy.

[PEGE63]

Got 18 for summer and 16 for winter, latter much nicer and run them with 225/55

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Tony Rama

Thanks again Kev for the detailed information. Also the advice to try before buy.

You’re welcome.

If its comfort you’re looking for, then I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with 16’s. However, a new or used set of alloys won’t be exactly cheap & that’s why I suggest having a test drive before buying first. Then you’ll know for sure…

I’m not a fan of anything above 17” without air suspension. A big Range Rover for example could have 20”+ & they still waft along because of the air bags/suspension setup. Our P3 Volvo’s aren’t the same, so smaller alloys offer more comfort because there’s more of a sidewall on the tyres to absorb bumps. Newer Volvo’s have air suspension I believe as an option, but not your V70 or my S80 that we own now.

[Tony Rama]

I will try and find a car with 16s to test drive. I've got time to wait for some 16s to come along since there's about 6 months worth of tread left on the 17s.

[Tony Rama]

Originally Posted by PEGE63

Got 18 for summer and 16 for winter, latter much nicer and run them with 225/55

Thanks Peter. If I get the 16s I would go for the 205/60 since they should be slightly more cushioned. On an old SAAB I had, the 195/65 R15 were much more comfortable than the R16 low profile. I couldn't distinguish any advantage of the 16s handling wise with fastish road use. Maybe on a track, but I don't see myself doing track days with a diesel V70. My Roadster, maybe.