1962 BMW 3200 Tires

The 1962 BMW 3200 uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 6.50-15 and 670-15. Both are vintage numeric bias-ply sizes designed for 15-inch wheels, and the covered 3200 S & SC fitment uses these same sizes rather than a modern metric format.

That means the real fitment question is not simply year and model, but which wheel setup is actually on the car today. Many collector cars have seen wheel changes over time, so it is smart to confirm the installed wheel diameter and width before choosing between the two sizes or moving from a traditional bias-ply tire to a radial equivalent related to 670-15.

The tire sizes used on the 1962 BMW 3200 are built for a 15-inch rim diameter. Both 6.50-15 and 670-15 share that same wheel diameter, so the car’s tire fitment remains centered around a 15-inch setup rather than multiple rim diameters.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, however. Wheel width can affect which specific tire options are appropriate, especially within the available 670-15 product range and when considering a radial equivalent. A quick check of the wheel itself helps avoid choosing a tire that matches the diameter but is less suitable for the actual rim width or vehicle clearance.

Yes. The 1962 BMW 3200 S & SC uses the same primary tire sizes as the model coverage here: 6.50-15 and 670-15, both in bias-ply construction. That keeps sub-model fitment relatively straightforward compared with vehicles that split tire sizes by trim or package.

Even with shared fitment, tire selection can still vary depending on how the car is being restored or driven. One owner may want a blackwall bias-ply presentation, while another may prefer a whitewall style or may be evaluating the radial-equivalent options attached to 670-15. Checking the actual wheels remains important before making that final choice.

On the 1962 BMW 3200, 670-15 is a primary bias-ply tire size. The available products in this fitment are bias-ply tires, and the size itself follows the older numeric system used on many vintage vehicles before modern metric radial sizing became standard.

That matters because a 670-15 bias-ply preserves the traditional construction and look associated with the original-era fitment. Owners comparing it with a radial alternative should keep construction separate from size naming: a radial equivalent may be available, but it is still an alternative path that should be checked against wheel width, overall setup, and the intended use of the car.

Radial equivalents for 670-15 include 195R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P205/75R15 as a P-metric 75-series radial, P215/70R15 as a P-metric 70-series radial, and 670R15 as a bias-look radial equivalent. These options keep the same 15-inch wheel diameter while offering different sizing conventions and profile families.

Each option should be treated as an alternative, not an automatic substitute. The recommended rim-width range attached to these equivalents is 5 to 7 inches, and the car should still be checked for wheel compatibility, section-width differences, and clearance at the fender and steering components before changing from the original-style bias-ply construction.

Yes, a 670R15 bias-look radial is available as a radial equivalent for the original 670-15 size used on the 1962 BMW 3200. That makes it a useful option for owners who want a radial construction while keeping a more traditional visual presentation than a modern-looking metric tire.

A bias-look radial still needs the same careful fitment review as any other equivalent. The wheel diameter is only one part of the equation, and wheel width, tire dimensions, and body clearance all deserve a check before conversion. It can be a strong appearance-oriented alternative, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed interchange without verification.

Start with the basics: confirm that 670-15 is the size intended for the car’s current 15-inch wheels, then compare construction, sidewall treatment, and rim-width suitability among the available options. In this size, choices include several classic bias-ply series from multiple brands, along with both blackwall and whitewall presentations.

Selection usually comes down to how the BMW is being used and how it should look. A restoration-oriented car may call for a more traditional sidewall style, while a regularly driven car may lead the owner to compare radial-equivalent paths separately. It also helps to review load figures and rim-width details rather than picking only by brand name.

For the 1962 BMW 3200, the available 670-15 product range includes blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Those choices create a noticeably different visual effect, especially on a formal early-1960s BMW where tire presentation can influence the entire stance and character of the car.

The right sidewall style depends on the appearance goal rather than a one-style-fits-all rule. Blackwalls tend to give a more restrained and sporting look, while narrow and wide whitewalls move the car toward a more decorative period-style presentation. If originality matters closely, compare the finished look with marque-specific historical references before settling on one treatment.

The 670-15 size for a 1962 BMW 3200 is available from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Excelsior, Avon, Goodyear, and STA. Those brands appear across several classic bias-ply series, giving the buyer more than one path for sidewall style, rim-width suitability, and overall presentation.

Brand choice is best treated as one part of a broader comparison, not the only decision. It helps to narrow the field by the desired look first, then compare the tire series, rim-width specs, and any stated load information that fits the intended use of the car. That approach keeps the selection focused on fitment and appearance together.

A period-style starting point for a 1962 BMW 3200 is one of its original-format bias-ply sizes, either 6.50-15 or 670-15 on a 15-inch rim. Within 670-15, the available range offers several classic bias-ply series and multiple sidewall treatments, which makes it easier to tailor the finished look to the car’s restoration direction.

The best choice depends on whether the goal is understated touring character or a more decorative early-1960s presentation. Because period-style and factory-original are not always the same thing, owners pursuing exact historical accuracy should compare the tire appearance with marque literature, period photography, or club guidance before committing to a specific brand or whitewall width.

Tire construction changes more than ride and handling feel; it also changes how a restored 1962 BMW 3200 looks. A bias-ply tire preserves the original-era sizing language and traditional profile associated with vintage fitment, while a radial alternative can shift the visual character even when it keeps the same 15-inch wheel diameter.

That difference becomes especially noticeable on a formal 1960s BMW with visible sidewall and a refined body shape. Owners aiming for a restoration-oriented presentation often start with the correct vintage size and then choose the sidewall style carefully. Those who prefer radial construction may want to consider a bias-look radial to retain a more traditional appearance.

Yes. A 1962 BMW 3200 may have the correct model-year tire size range on paper, but aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension work, or body changes can all affect what actually fits the car. Even a correct 15-inch diameter does not guarantee that every tire choice will suit the current setup.

That is why it helps to inspect the car as it sits before selecting between 6.50-15, 670-15, or a radial equivalent tied to 670-15. Wheel width, steering clearance, fender space, and the tire’s actual intended position on the car all deserve attention, especially if the BMW has been restored, lowered, or updated over time.

Before road use, inspect the wheel condition, confirm the tire size matches the 15-inch rim setup, and check that each tire is seated properly and inflated appropriately for its application. It also makes sense to look for adequate clearance at the fenders, suspension components, and steering range once the tires are mounted.

A collector car deserves a broader inspection than tires alone. Brake function, wheel fastener security, alignment condition, and the age and condition of other suspension parts can all influence how the BMW feels on new tires. A short, careful initial drive is a good way to confirm there is no rubbing, vibration, or unusual steering behavior.

670-15 tires on a collector 1962 BMW 3200 should be checked regularly for air loss, tread wear, cracking, bulges, and cuts, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low-mileage vintage cars often age tires by time and storage conditions rather than by tread wear alone, so condition matters as much as mileage.

Proper storage helps extend tire life and preserve appearance. Keeping the BMW away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone sources is a smart practice, and periodic pressure checks are important during storage as well as before road use. Occasional inspections of wheel balance and alignment can also help protect both the tires and the car’s road manners.