Also Written As: 15570R19, 155 70R19, 155-70R19, 1557019, 155 70 19
The 155/70R19 tire is a modern radial size associated with passenger car use in the modern radial era. Its narrow section width, 70-series profile, and 19-inch wheel fitment make it a specialized size where overall diameter, section width, and wheel compatibility matter just as much as the basic size code. For many drivers, the appeal of this size is maintaining the intended proportions, ride balance, and everyday drivability that come with the original dimensions. Before choosing one, confirm load requirements, wheel width compatibility, actual tire-to-suspension and tire-to-fender clearance, and whether your wheel-and-tire combination is normally set up as tubeless.
The 155/70R19 measures 155 mm wide, carries a 70 aspect ratio, has an approximate 4.27-inch sidewall height, stands about 27.54 inches tall overall, and fits a 19.0-inch rim.
Section Width: 155 mm (6.10 in) — This is the dimension to check first against fender lips, suspension components, and brake clearance.
Aspect Ratio: 70 — A higher number means a taller, rounder sidewall; a lower number means a lower, wider profile.
Sidewall Height: 4.27 in (108.5 mm) — Sidewall height determines how much cushioning the tire provides and how the profile fills the wheel opening.
Overall Diameter: 27.54 in (699.5 mm) — This determines ride height, wheel-opening fill, and speedometer accuracy — and is the first number to compare when evaluating any substitute size.
Rim Diameter: 19.0 in (482.6 mm) — This must match exactly — 155/70R19 cannot be mounted on any other rim diameter regardless of how other dimensions compare.
Circumference: 86.52 in (2197.6 mm) — Use this to compare how a substitute size will affect speedometer calibration.
Revolutions Per Mile: 732.3 — A meaningfully different value from a substitute size will alter speedometer and odometer readings.
Construction: Radial — Construction type affects ride feel, sidewall flex, handling behavior, and period-correctness for restoration.
Vehicles That Use 155/70R19
The 155/70R19 appears on BMW i3 applications from 2014 through 2021, which places it firmly in a modern passenger-car context rather than a traditional collector fitment. Use that vehicle list as a starting point, not a blanket fitment answer, because wheel specifications, load needs, and front-to-rear sizing strategies should still be checked before replacement.
Find answers to the most common questions about 155/70R19 tire sizing, fitment, compatibility, performance, maintenance, and replacement options.
Size Basics & Dimensions
What does 155/70R19 mean?
The 155/70R19 code gives you four key pieces of information. The 155 is the tire's section width in millimeters, the 70 is the aspect ratio, meaning the sidewall height is 70 percent of the width, the R means radial construction, and the 19 is the wheel diameter in inches.
Compared with older numeric or alphanumeric sizing, the 155/70R19 format tells you much more directly how wide and how tall the tire is meant to be. What it does not tell you by itself is whether every tire in that size shares the same load capability, speed rating, or wheel-width requirement, so those details still need to be checked on the actual tire you plan to use.
What size wheel does the 155/70R19 tire fit?
The 155/70R19 fits a 19.0-inch wheel, which is 482.6 millimeters at the bead seat. The bead seat is the part of the rim where the tire locks into place, so that diameter must match exactly.
A 19-inch tire cannot be safely mounted on an 18-inch or 20-inch wheel even if the width seems close. Wheel width matters too, but that is a separate measurement from wheel diameter. When replacing the 155/70R19, confirm both the 19-inch diameter and the actual wheel width approved for the specific tire, because the tire's shape and clearance can change if the wheel is too narrow or too wide.
How wide is the 155/70R19 tire?
The 155/70R19 has a section width of 155 millimeters, which converts to about 6.10 inches. Section width is measured at the tire's widest point from sidewall to sidewall after inflation, not across the tread face.
Because section width includes the full sidewall bulge, it is usually the dimension that matters most when checking strut clearance, inner fender space, and body clearance. Tread width is normally narrower than section width, so buyers should not assume the visible tread tells the whole story. On a narrow modern size like the 155/70R19, even small wheel-width or offset changes can alter how much room the tire occupies.
What is the overall diameter of the 155/70R19 tire?
The 155/70R19 has an approximate overall diameter of 27.54 inches, or about 699.5 millimeters. Overall diameter is measured from the ground to the top of the tire straight through its center when mounted and inflated.
This number matters because it influences ride height, wheel-opening fill, and speedometer behavior. If you compare the 155/70R19 with another size, overall diameter is one of the first numbers to look at, especially if you want to preserve the original stance or avoid changes in effective gearing. Even a size that shares the same 19-inch wheel diameter can sit noticeably taller or shorter overall.
How tall is the sidewall on the 155/70R19 tire?
The 155/70R19 has an approximate sidewall height of 4.27 inches, or 108.5 millimeters. That figure comes from taking 70 percent of the 155-millimeter section width, which is how the aspect ratio portion of the size works.
Sidewall height helps determine how the tire looks and feels in use. A taller sidewall generally adds more visual cushion and more compliance over rough surfaces, while a shorter one tends to sharpen the look and reduce sidewall flex. With the 155/70R19, the 70-series profile gives a moderate sidewall that is important to preserve if you are trying to maintain the intended proportions of the vehicle.
How many revolutions per mile does the 155/70R19 tire turn?
The 155/70R19 turns about 732.3 revolutions per mile. That figure is based on its approximate 86.52-inch circumference and describes how many complete rotations the tire makes over one mile of travel.
Revolutions per mile are useful when comparing replacement sizes because a meaningful change will affect speedometer and odometer readings. A tire with a higher number turns more times per mile, while a lower number turns fewer times. If you are considering an alternate size in place of the 155/70R19, compare both overall diameter and revolutions per mile to understand how closely it matches the original rolling dimensions.
Tire Compatibility & Fitment
Will the 155/70R19 fit any vehicle that uses a 19-inch wheel?
No. Sharing a 19-inch wheel diameter does not make every 19-inch tire interchangeable. The 155/70R19 also carries a specific section width and sidewall proportion, so width, overall diameter, clearance, and load requirements all have to line up with the vehicle and wheel being used.
Many fitment problems come from assuming rim diameter is the only critical number. On the 155/70R19, buyers should compare wheel width, wheel offset, suspension clearance, and the space around the fender opening before treating it as a substitute for another 19-inch size. If the vehicle originally used a different width or profile, the visual stance and rolling dimensions can change even when the wheel diameter stays the same.
Is the 155/70R19 an original-size replacement or just a comparison size?
The 155/70R19 is best treated as an exact size designation first and a comparison point second. If your vehicle was engineered around the 155/70R19, staying with that size is usually the clearest way to preserve intended diameter, width, and general driving balance.
When buyers use the 155/70R19 as a reference against another size, they should compare overall diameter, section width, and wheel specifications instead of relying on the numbers to look close. For a judged restoration, radial construction may improve drivability, but authenticity standards can still differ depending on the vehicle and event. Original documentation and the actual wheel setup remain the deciding factors.
What fitment checks matter most before using the 155/70R19?
The most important checks are wheel diameter, approved wheel width for the tire you choose, section-width clearance, overall tire height, and load requirements. The 155/70R19 must go on a 19-inch wheel, and the tire's actual sidewall bulge and outside diameter need to clear suspension parts and bodywork.
Start by confirming the vehicle's original placard or documented tire specification, then measure the current wheel and inspect available clearance at full steering lock and full suspension travel. Vehicles that use narrow specialty sizes can be especially sensitive to wheel offset and front-to-rear fitment differences. If anything about the wheel or prior tire setup is uncertain, a qualified tire professional can help verify the full wheel-and-tire combination before installation.
Performance & Driving Experience
How does the 155/70R19 drive compared with lower-profile 19-inch tires?
The 155/70R19 uses a relatively tall sidewall for a 19-inch wheel, so it will generally feel different from lower-profile 19-inch sizes. Its approximate 4.27-inch sidewall gives more visual and physical cushion than a short-sidewall 19-inch fitment, while its narrow 155-millimeter section width keeps the footprint shape and steering response in a different range than wider alternatives.
Driving feel is shaped by more than size alone. Suspension condition, alignment, inflation, tire age, and the exact tire design all influence how the 155/70R19 responds in real use. Buyers trying to preserve the intended ride balance should be cautious about switching to a much shorter or wider substitute, because changes in sidewall height and section width can alter comfort, road feel, and how the vehicle tracks over uneven pavement.
What does radial construction mean for the 155/70R19 on modern roads?
Radial construction means the internal body cords run perpendicular to the direction of travel, which is the modern standard for passenger-car use. In the 155/70R19, that construction is associated with the everyday drivability most modern vehicles are designed around, including predictable road manners and the proportions expected from a modern metric radial size.
Road behavior still depends on the full vehicle setup. Worn shocks, poor alignment, damaged wheels, or an aging tire can make a properly sized 155/70R19 feel unsettled even when the construction type is correct. When replacing a worn set, matching construction across the axle and keeping overall dimensions close to original are practical ways to preserve the handling character the vehicle was built to use.
Can changing from the 155/70R19 to a different size affect stance and gearing?
Yes. The 155/70R19 has an approximate overall diameter of 27.54 inches and turns about 732.3 revolutions per mile, so a larger or smaller substitute will change more than appearance. A taller tire can raise the vehicle slightly and reduce engine revs for a given road speed, while a shorter tire does the opposite.
Section width matters too, because a wider replacement can change the tire's visual stance and create new clearance issues even if the diameter remains close. Buyers comparing alternate sizes should look at overall height, width, and revolutions per mile together rather than focusing on one number. On a size this specialized, small dimensional changes can produce noticeable differences in wheel-opening fill and speedometer behavior.
Tire Brands & Quality
What should buyers look for in a quality 155/70R19 tire?
A quality 155/70R19 should first match the vehicle's intended dimensions and service requirements. Size accuracy, consistent radial construction, proper wheel compatibility, and load capability that matches the vehicle matter more than cosmetic differences when evaluating whether a tire is suitable for regular use.
Build quality also shows up in uniformity across a full set. Buyers should compare sidewall markings, date codes, construction type, and any stated service specifications so the tires work as a matched group. On a specialized modern metric size like the 155/70R19, consistency matters because small dimensional differences from one tire to another can influence tracking, ride feel, and clearance more than many people expect.
Does every 155/70R19 tire drive the same if the size code matches?
No. Matching the 155/70R19 size code means the tire shares the same basic width, profile, construction designation, and rim diameter, but it does not guarantee identical behavior from one tire to another. Internal design, load specification, tread pattern, compound, and approved wheel-width range can all affect how the tire feels in service.
Even when the fitment is correct, one 155/70R19 may respond differently in steering, ride quality, or road noise than another. Buyers replacing only one or two tires should pay close attention to keeping the set as uniform as possible. If preserving consistent handling matters, matching construction type and service characteristics across the axle is often just as important as matching the printed size itself.
Why does full-set consistency matter with the 155/70R19?
Full-set consistency matters because the 155/70R19 is a narrow, dimension-sensitive size where small differences can be noticeable. Variations in construction, wear level, or rolling diameter across the set can affect tracking, ride balance, and how evenly the vehicle responds from side to side.
Mixing tires in the same nominal size can also complicate clearance and handling if one model runs slightly wider or taller than another. For buyers replacing part of a set, compare the actual sidewall size markings, construction type, and remaining tread condition before assuming any 155/70R19 will behave the same. A matched set is usually the safer route for preserving predictable road manners and even wear.
Maintenance & Longevity
How often should the 155/70R19 be inspected on a regularly driven vehicle?
A 155/70R19 in regular service should be inspected routinely for uneven wear, cuts, bulges, punctures, cracking, and slow air loss. It is also wise to check the tire before longer trips or seasonal weather changes, because a problem that seems minor in the garage can become much more serious at road speed.
Inspection should include more than the tread face. Look at both sidewalls, the bead area, and the inner side if it is visible, since damage often starts where it is easy to miss. On modern passenger-car fitments, irregular wear can also point to alignment or suspension issues. Catching those problems early helps the 155/70R19 deliver more even wear and more predictable behavior over time.
Does the 155/70R19 normally use a tube?
The 155/70R19 is normally a tubeless fitment. Even so, tube use is a wheel-and-tire-system question rather than a size question, so the final answer depends on the exact wheel and the exact tire being installed.
Wheel condition, bead-seat design, and the tire manufacturer's construction details all matter before deciding whether a tube is appropriate. If the wheel is unusual, damaged, or from a specialized application, do not assume the size designation settles the question by itself. Confirm the setup against the actual tire and wheel combination so the 155/70R19 is assembled the way it was intended to be used.
How long can the 155/70R19 last if the vehicle is driven only occasionally?
A lightly used 155/70R19 can still age out before the tread is worn away. Time, heat, sunlight, ozone exposure, and long stationary periods all affect rubber, so low mileage alone does not mean the tire remains suitable for continued service.
Collector-style storage advice can still help even on a modern radial size. Keep the vehicle away from direct sunlight, electric motors, and moisture, and inspect the sidewalls closely for age cracking before putting it back into service. If the 155/70R19 has been sitting for extended periods, look for flat spotting and monitor ride quality during the first miles after returning the vehicle to regular use.
Safety & Regulations
When should the 155/70R19 be replaced even if it still has tread?
The 155/70R19 should be replaced when age, cracking, bulges, repeated air loss, impact damage, or uneven wear make the tire questionable, even if the tread depth still looks usable. Tread alone is not a complete measure of roadworthiness, especially on a tire that may have spent long periods parked or exposed to heat.
Before continued use, inspect the full tire rather than just the center of the tread. Sidewall condition, bead integrity, and any signs of internal damage matter just as much. If the 155/70R19 shows visible deterioration or has an uncertain service history, buyers should have it evaluated by a qualified tire professional instead of assuming remaining tread means the tire is still fit for normal road use.
Is the 155/70R19 automatically safe for any modern driving situation?
No. Correct size is only one part of the safety picture. A 155/70R19 still needs to match the vehicle's load requirements, wheel specifications, and intended use, and the tire itself must be in sound condition with current sidewall markings appropriate to the application.
Modern road use puts steady demands on tires through speed, heat, braking, and sustained distance. Buyers should confirm the actual tire's service specifications, inspect it before highway travel, and make sure the wheel-and-tire combination is assembled correctly. If there is any doubt about age, prior damage, or compatibility, having the 155/70R19 checked professionally is a sensible step before relying on it for longer trips.
What should buyers verify before taking the 155/70R19 on a long trip?
Before a long trip, verify that the 155/70R19 is free from cracking, cuts, bulges, punctures, and abnormal wear, and make sure there is no unexplained air loss. Check that the tire is the correct size for the vehicle and that the wheel diameter and overall installation are correct.
Long-distance driving is when small issues tend to become larger ones, so it helps to inspect the spare if one is carried and review the tire's current sidewall markings as well. On a specialized size like the 155/70R19, clearance should also be checked if the vehicle has had wheel, suspension, or alignment changes. A careful pre-trip inspection is one of the simplest ways to reduce avoidable tire-related problems.