1957 BMW 507 Tires

The 1957 BMW 507 uses two primary tire sizes: 175R16 in radial construction and 600-16 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are tied to the same 16-inch wheel diameter, so the size question is closely connected to the type of tire construction you want on the car.

That means the real decision is not just the number on the sidewall, but whether the BMW 507 should remain on a traditional bias-ply tire or move to a radial setup. Checking the actual wheels on the car is still important, especially on restored examples where replacement rims or past tire changes may have altered the current setup.

The 1957 BMW 507 uses a 16-inch rim with both of its primary tire fitments. The 175R16 radial and the 600-16 bias-ply are both built for the same nominal wheel diameter, which keeps rim diameter simple even though construction choices vary.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it helps to confirm wheel width as well before choosing a tire. That matters most when comparing among available 600-16 products, since some carry specific rim-width guidance and the car may no longer have the exact wheels it left with decades ago.

Yes. The 1957 BMW 507 Base uses the same two tire-size choices associated with this model: 175R16 in radial construction and 600-16 in bias-ply construction. There is no separate sub-model tire split to sort through here within the covered fitment.

That keeps the focus on selecting the right construction and presentation rather than chasing a trim-specific size. A buyer can move directly into comparing period-style bias-ply options, sidewall treatments, or a radial approach, while still confirming the actual wheel dimensions and vehicle condition before finalizing the choice.

On the 1957 BMW 507, 600-16 is the bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system, where the 600 refers to an approximate 6.00-inch nominal section width and the 16 identifies the wheel diameter in inches.

That makes 600-16 the traditional construction choice for owners who want a period-style look and feel. A buyer comparing it to the 175R16 radial should think about driving expectations, sidewall appearance, and wheel compatibility, since changing construction can affect how the car presents and how carefully wheel specifications need to be checked.

Both constructions are part of the fitment picture for the 1957 BMW 507, with 600-16 representing the bias-ply option and 175R16 representing the radial option. Bias-ply usually appeals to owners aiming for a more traditional presentation, while radial construction is often considered by drivers who want a different road-use experience.

The better choice depends on how the car will be used and what matters most visually. A restoration-oriented owner may stay with 600-16, while a road-use-focused owner may look at 175R16, but either path should include confirmation of wheel dimensions, tire clearance, and the overall condition of the suspension and steering components.

Start by confirming that the car’s wheels are the correct 16-inch diameter for the radial size being considered and that the wheel width is appropriate for the tire. The 1957 BMW 507 already has a radial fitment path in 175R16, but construction changes still deserve careful checking.

Look closely at wheel condition, steering clearance, suspension wear, and body clearance before making the switch. It also helps to verify what is actually on the car now, because long-restored collector cars sometimes carry replacement wheels or prior fitment changes that matter more than the original tire style when selecting a radial.

Start with the two correct size paths for the 1957 BMW 507: 600-16 bias-ply or 175R16 radial. After that, the main considerations are construction type, 16-inch wheel compatibility, how the car will be driven, and whether the goal is a traditional period-style look or a more modern radial setup.

Product selection becomes more detailed once the size and construction are settled. In 600-16, buyers can compare brands, tire series, sidewall style, rim-width guidance, and load figures where stated. That approach keeps the choice grounded in fitment first, then appearance and usage, rather than choosing by looks alone.

For the 1957 BMW 507, the available 600-16 bias-ply products include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall sidewall styles. Those choices can change the car’s visual character quite a bit, even when the tire size stays the same.

Blackwall usually keeps the presentation restrained and sporting, while whitewall treatments create a more formal or show-oriented look. Sidewall style should be chosen after size and construction are settled, and appearance-focused buyers should compare period photos, marque references, or restoration goals rather than assuming every available whitewall treatment suits every 507 equally well.

The 1957 BMW 507 has 600-16 tire options from several brands, including BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, Firestone, Ford Script, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Camac. Those options span multiple tire series and sidewall treatments within the same basic fitment size.

Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It is more useful to compare each tire by construction, sidewall style, series character, stated rim-width guidance, and whether the tire’s appearance fits the way the car is being restored or driven. That keeps the selection focused on suitability for the BMW 507 rather than name recognition alone.

A period-style 1957 BMW 507 usually starts with the 600-16 bias-ply size. That size preserves the traditional numeric format and gives the car a tire presentation that is more in keeping with its mid-1950s character than a modern-looking radial sidewall.

Within 600-16, the next decision is how formal or understated the car should look, since blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall choices are available. Buyers pursuing exact originality should compare their intended tire choice against marque-club references, restoration photos, or vehicle-specific history instead of assuming any one available sidewall treatment is correct for every 507.

Tire construction changes more than just driving feel on a restored 1957 BMW 507. A 600-16 bias-ply gives the car a more traditional sidewall shape and visual stance, while a 175R16 radial typically introduces a more modern tire look even though it keeps the same 16-inch rim diameter.

That difference matters on a car where wheel opening proportion and sidewall presentation are part of the design. Owners restoring for show, preservation, or a distinctly mid-century look often pay close attention to construction for that reason, while drivers who prioritize road use may accept a less traditional visual result in exchange for a radial setup.

Yes. A 1957 BMW 507 can be affected by wheel, suspension, or body changes just like any other collector car, even when the nominal tire size remains 175R16 or 600-16. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all change how much room the tire actually has.

That is why the current setup matters more than assumptions based on model year alone. Checking wheel diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, and fender clearance is especially important before changing construction or sidewall style, since an older restoration may no longer match the configuration a buyer expects from a stock BMW 507.

Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and the overall condition of the suspension and steering components on the 1957 BMW 507. The tires themselves should also be checked for correct mounting, proper inflation, and adequate clearance at full steering lock and normal ride height.

A collector car that spends long periods parked deserves extra attention, because age-related issues elsewhere on the car can affect how new tires behave. It is wise to look for brake drag, uneven ride height, loose front-end parts, and any signs that the body or wheel openings may contact the tire once the car is driven.

Tires on a collector 1957 BMW 507 should be inspected regularly for air loss, tread wear, sidewall cracking, bulges, and cuts, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Proper inflation and clean, dry storage conditions matter just as much on a lightly used roadster as they do on a frequently driven car.

Long periods of inactivity can age a tire without adding many miles, so time and storage conditions should be taken seriously. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and periodic checks of wheel condition and alignment can prevent a fresh set from developing avoidable wear problems.