The 1961 BMW 700 sits at an important point in BMW’s early postwar story, blending compact dimensions with the light, nimble character that made the 700 memorable among small European coupes and specialty variants. For owners today, tire choice is less about chasing modern oversize substitutes and more about staying faithful to the car’s 12-inch wheel fitment and its original-style bias-ply sizing. The 1961 BMW 700 uses 5.60-12, 520-12, and 5.50-12 bias-ply tires depending on configuration. That leaves room to weigh traditional blackwall or wide whitewall presentation, and in one case a modern radial equivalent. The right choice starts with the exact sub-model and the look and road use you want from the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1961 BMW 700
The 1961 BMW 700 uses three primary tire sizes, all in bias-ply construction on 12-inch rims. Because these sizes vary by sub-model, the first step is confirming whether the car is an LS Coupe or a Sport & Cabrio, then matching the tire size to the wheel setup and the type of appearance or driving character you want to preserve.
The 5.60-12 size uses a vintage numeric bias-ply format in which the first number represents nominal section width in inches and the final number identifies a 12-inch rim. On a 1961 BMW 700, this is a traditional small-car bias-ply fitment that suits owners trying to keep the car’s original-style proportions and feel. It appears as one of the applicable sizes across more than one sub-model, making it an important reference point when comparing wheel and vehicle setup. This size is worth close attention when maintaining a period-style presentation on the correct 12-inch wheels.
The 520-12 code is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.20 indicating nominal section width and 12 indicating rim diameter in inches. For the 1961 BMW 700, it represents a narrower traditional fitment and is also the one size here with clearly defined modern radial equivalents for buyers considering an alternative sizing format. Available products in this size include BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles. It is a useful size to evaluate carefully if appearance choice and radial-equivalent planning both matter to your car.
The 5.50-12 designation is another vintage numeric bias-ply size, pairing a nominal 5.50-inch section width with a 12-inch rim. On the 1961 BMW 700, this size belongs to a specific sub-model fitment rather than serving as a universal choice across every version. Its practical role is preserving the proper small-diameter, bias-ply tire character expected on a compact early-1960s BMW. Buyers considering this size should confirm the exact sub-model and existing wheel setup first, especially if the car has seen wheel changes, restoration work, or long-term collector use.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1961 BMW 700 because the covered versions do not all use the same tire-size combination. Before selecting a tire, confirm whether the car is an LS Coupe or a Sport & Cabrio so the correct 12-inch bias-ply size can be matched to the vehicle.
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1961 BMW 700 LS Coupe
The 1961 BMW 700 LS Coupe uses two applicable 12-inch bias-ply sizes, making wheel and existing fitment confirmation especially important before replacement. Tire selection here often comes down to preserving the car’s traditional stance while deciding whether a period-style blackwall, whitewall, or radial-equivalent path best suits the setup.
The 1961 BMW 700 Sport & Cabrio uses a different two-size combination within the same 12-inch bias-ply family. That means the owner should verify the current wheel and tire size on the car first, then choose the replacement tire that best matches restoration goals and the intended road use.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1961 BMW 700
For the original 520-12 tire size, two radial-equivalent options are available. 125R12 is the Euro-metric 80-series radial equivalent, and P125/75R12 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent. These give the 1961 BMW 700 two modern sizing conventions to consider while staying in the same general fitment family. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies, and any conversion should still be checked against the car’s wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance.
Modern Radial Equivalents
125R12
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (520-12)
P125/75R12
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (520-12)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-5 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1961 BMW 700 Tires for Sale
Current 520-12 choices center on BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires, with both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments available. That makes the product grid most useful for buyers comparing appearance, load specification, and wheel compatibility within the correct 12-inch bias-ply format.
Common 1961 BMW 700 tire questions usually come down to sub-model size differences, 12-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial alternatives, and how to choose a tire that suits both the car’s appearance and road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1961 BMW 700?
The 1961 BMW 700 uses three primary bias-ply tire sizes: 5.60-12, 520-12, and 5.50-12. All three are 12-inch fitments, but they do not apply the same way across every covered version of the car, so the exact sub-model matters before choosing a replacement tire.
The practical first step is confirming whether the car is an LS Coupe or a Sport & Cabrio, then checking which size is already mounted on the vehicle’s wheels. That matters even more on a collector BMW that may have had wheel changes, restoration work, or previous tire substitutions during its life.
What size rim does a 1961 BMW 700 use?
The tire sizes used on the 1961 BMW 700 are all built for a 12-inch rim diameter. That includes 5.60-12, 520-12, and 5.50-12, so the wheel diameter portion of the fitment remains consistent even though the applicable tire widths vary by sub-model.
Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, especially on older small-displacement cars. Wheel width should also be checked before changing sizes or considering a radial equivalent, and it is smart to confirm that the wheels on the car are still the intended 12-inch setup rather than a later replacement.
Why does the 1961 BMW 700 have more than one tire size?
More than one tire size appears on the 1961 BMW 700 because the covered sub-models do not share the exact same tire-size combination. The LS Coupe uses 5.60-12 and 520-12, while the Sport & Cabrio uses 5.50-12 and 5.60-12, all in bias-ply construction.
That means tire selection starts with identifying the exact version of the car rather than assuming every 1961 BMW 700 uses the same size. It also helps to inspect the wheels and existing tires already on the car, since many older collector vehicles have been changed over the years.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 520-12 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1961 BMW 700?
On the 1961 BMW 700, 520-12 is a primary bias-ply tire size. That makes it part of the car’s traditional small-format vintage fitment rather than a modern radial designation, even though radial equivalents are available in related 12-inch sizes for owners considering a different construction.
Staying with a bias-ply keeps the car in its original-style sizing language and appearance family, while a radial alternative changes both construction and size format. Before making that change, check wheel width, overall wheel condition, and the space available around suspension and bodywork on the specific car.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 520-12?
Radial equivalents for 520-12 include 125R12 and P125/75R12. The 125R12 is a Euro-metric 80-series radial equivalent, while P125/75R12 is a P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, giving the 1961 BMW 700 two distinct modern sizing formats tied to the same original bias-ply reference.
A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to those radial alternatives, which is an important checkpoint before any conversion. Even when the size relationship is established, wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance around the car should still be verified rather than assumed.
What should I check before converting my 1961 BMW 700 from bias-ply to radial tires?
The key checks are wheel diameter, wheel width, the exact original tire size on the car, and whether the radial option matches the intended fitment family. For a 520-12 application, the recognized radial alternatives are 125R12 and P125/75R12, with a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches.
A conversion should also account for the car’s current condition and setup. Steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension wear, and any aftermarket wheel changes can affect whether a radial alternative is sensible for that particular BMW, even when the equivalent size is a reasonable comparison point.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 520-12 tire for a 1961 BMW 700?
Start with the fact that 520-12 is a bias-ply fitment for specific 1961 BMW 700 applications on a 12-inch rim. From there, the most useful comparison points are sidewall style, whether the car is being kept in a period-style presentation, and whether a bias-ply tire or a radial equivalent better suits the intended use.
Available 520-12 options also differ in details such as rim-width specification and load figure where stated. A restoration-oriented owner may focus on traditional appearance, while a driver-focused owner may spend more time comparing the original size with 125R12 or P125/75R12 after checking wheel compatibility.
What sidewall styles are available for 1961 BMW 700 tires?
In 520-12, the available sidewall styles include blackwall and wide whitewall. Both are bias-ply options in the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line, so the sidewall decision is mostly about the visual character you want the 1961 BMW 700 to carry rather than a change in basic construction.
A blackwall usually keeps the presentation simple and understated, while a wide whitewall gives the car a more pronounced period-style accent. The right choice depends on how the BMW is restored, how it is driven, and whether the owner wants the tires to blend in or stand out visually.
What brands offer tires for the 1961 BMW 700?
The available 520-12 products for the 1961 BMW 700 are from BFGoodrich. Those options fall under the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series and cover more than one sidewall style, giving buyers a choice in how the tire looks while staying within a traditional bias-ply vintage tire family.
Brand comparison is less of a wide field here than fitment and presentation choice within the correct size. It is more important to confirm that the selected tire matches the sub-model, wheel diameter, and intended appearance than to chase brand variety for its own sake.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1961 BMW 700?
A period-style 1961 BMW 700 starts with the correct 12-inch bias-ply size for the exact sub-model, which may be 5.60-12, 520-12, or 5.50-12. Keeping the car in its original-style numeric bias-ply format usually preserves the visual proportions and vintage character that suit an early-1960s BMW best.
After the size is confirmed, the appearance choice becomes more specific. A blackwall keeps the presentation restrained, while a wide whitewall creates a more decorative period look where available. Buyers seeking exact originality should also compare their car against marque literature or restoration records before finalizing the style.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1961 BMW 700 restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1961 BMW 700 restoration because the car’s small scale makes tire proportion especially visible. Using the proper 12-inch bias-ply size for the exact sub-model helps maintain the stance, wheel-fill, and traditional look expected from an early BMW 700.
Fitment also affects how authentic the finished car appears to knowledgeable enthusiasts. Even when a radial equivalent is being considered for road use, the owner should still compare wheel width, size format, and overall presentation so the tire choice supports the restoration rather than distracting from it.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1961 BMW 700?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1961 BMW 700 even when the tire size itself is appropriate for the car. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all influence how a 12-inch tire sits and clears the vehicle.
That is why the size printed on the sidewall should not be the only checkpoint. A modified car should be inspected for steering clearance, fender clearance, and wheel compatibility before a replacement tire is chosen, especially if the owner is moving between original-style bias-ply sizing and a radial equivalent.
What should I inspect before driving a 1961 BMW 700 on new tires?
Before driving a 1961 BMW 700 on new tires, inspect wheel condition, valve stems, tire pressure, and basic clearance at the front and rear. It is also wise to confirm that the mounted tire size matches the car’s sub-model fitment and that the wheels are the intended 12-inch diameter.
A short collector-car shakedown should include watching for rubbing during turning and checking that the car tracks normally once the tires are installed. Older suspension components, long-term storage, and prior wheel changes can all influence how a newly mounted vintage-size tire behaves on the road.
How should 520-12 tires on a collector 1961 BMW 700 be maintained?
520-12 tires on a collector 1961 BMW 700 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Because vintage cars are often driven infrequently, it is important to look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of air loss before each meaningful outing.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a lightly used BMW. Keeping the car away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires over time, and periodic inspections remain important even when the tread still looks serviceable.
