The 1962 BMW 700 belongs to the small, innovative chapter of BMW history that helped define the brand’s path into modern compact cars. Light weight, rear-engine packaging, and crisp styling make the 700 especially appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate European microcar-era engineering with genuine collector interest. Tire selection matters here because the 1962 BMW 700 uses 12-inch bias-ply fitments, with 5.60-12, 520-12, and 5.50-12 appearing across the covered configurations. That creates a mix of traditional sizing and a narrower radial-equivalent path for 520-12, along with appearance choices such as blackwall or wide whitewall where available. The key is matching the exact sub-model and wheel setup before choosing a period-style bias-ply tire or evaluating a radial alternative.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1962 BMW 700
Three primary tire sizes appear on the 1962 BMW 700, and the correct choice depends on the exact sub-model. All three are bias-ply sizes for 12-inch rims, so the first step is confirming whether the car is an LS Coupe or a Sport & Cabrio and then checking which size is on the car now. Once that is settled, the decision becomes a matter of staying with the proper period-style size and reviewing the available tire presentation within that fitment.
The 5.60-12 designation is a vintage numeric bias-ply size, with the 5.60 referring to the nominal section width in inches and the 12 indicating a 12-inch wheel. On the 1962 BMW 700, this is one of the primary bias-ply fitments used across covered sub-models, so it belongs to the car’s original small-displacement, compact-era tire language. Its role is especially important when maintaining the intended look and wheel relationship of the vehicle. Before choosing it, confirm that the specific sub-model and current wheel setup match this size rather than one of the narrower alternatives.
The 520-12 size is another vintage numeric bias-ply format, with 5.20 representing a narrower nominal section width than a 5.60 size and 12 identifying the wheel diameter. For the 1962 BMW 700, it is used on certain configurations and also has the clearest modern radial-equivalent path, making it the most flexible size for buyers weighing traditional construction against a later-style alternative. Available products in this size include BFGoodrich offerings in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, with both blackwall and wide whitewall presentations. It is worth considering when the car calls for the narrower fitment and appearance matters as much as size accuracy.
The 5.50-12 marking follows the same vintage numeric bias-ply system, with a nominal 5.50-inch section width and a 12-inch rim diameter. On the 1962 BMW 700, this size appears on selected sub-model coverage and sits between the 5.20 and 5.60 widths in the family of period small-car bias-ply fitments. That makes it a meaningful distinction rather than a minor labeling difference, especially on a compact vehicle where tire proportions are visually obvious. The right reason to choose it is confirmed sub-model fitment and wheel compatibility, not simple closeness to another 12-inch size.
Tire fitment for the 1962 BMW 700 varies by sub-model, so identifying the exact version matters before choosing a tire. Both covered sub-models use 12-inch bias-ply sizing, but they do not share the same pair of applicable sizes.
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1962 BMW 700 LS Coupe
The 1962 BMW 700 LS Coupe uses 5.60-12 or 520-12 bias-ply tires, which means the decision centers on confirming the car’s existing wheel and fitment setup. That makes this sub-model the one most likely to involve a traditional bias-ply choice or, in the case of 520-12, a careful look at radial-equivalent alternatives.
The 1962 BMW 700 Sport & Cabrio uses 5.50-12 or 5.60-12 bias-ply tires, so selecting a tire starts with verifying which of those two sizes belongs on the specific car. For this sub-model, the focus is usually on maintaining the proper period-style fitment and proportions on a 12-inch wheel rather than shifting into a different construction.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1962 BMW 700
For the original 520-12 size, two radial-equivalent options are available. 125R12 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, while P125/75R12 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent. No 70-series radial or bias-look radial is associated with this size here. The main distinction is the sizing convention and profile family rather than a change in wheel diameter, and the recommended rim-width range is 4 to 5 inches. Any move from 520-12 to one of these radial equivalents should still be checked against the car’s wheel width, overall clearance, and actual setup.
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 1962 BMW 700 Tires for Sale
Available 520-12 choices center on BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires, with both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. That gives the product grid a clear appearance-based comparison within the same traditional bias-ply size.
These FAQs focus on 1962 BMW 700 tire sizing, sub-model fitment, 12-inch rim compatibility, 520-12 radial equivalents, period-style appearance choices, and the inspections that matter before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1962 BMW 700?
A 1962 BMW 700 uses 5.60-12, 520-12, or 5.50-12, depending on the sub-model. All three are bias-ply tire sizes for 12-inch rims. The LS Coupe is associated with 5.60-12 and 520-12, while the Sport & Cabrio is associated with 5.50-12 and 5.60-12.
That means the first step is identifying the exact sub-model and then confirming the wheels actually on the car. Many collector vehicles have had tire changes over the years, and closely related vintage sizes can look similar at a glance. Matching the car to the correct size matters more than simply choosing any 12-inch tire.
What size rim does a 1962 BMW 700 use?
The primary tire fitments for the 1962 BMW 700 are built around a 12-inch rim diameter. That applies to 5.60-12, 520-12, and 5.50-12, so wheel diameter is consistent even though the tire widths vary by sub-model and fitment choice.
The important detail is that matching rim diameter alone does not settle the full fitment question. Wheel width, the exact tire size intended for the sub-model, and the car’s present wheel setup should all be checked before mounting a replacement. That is especially helpful on a compact vintage BMW where small changes are easy to notice.
Do all 1962 BMW 700 sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1962 BMW 700 LS Coupe uses 5.60-12 or 520-12, while the 1962 BMW 700 Sport & Cabrio uses 5.50-12 or 5.60-12. The overlap is 5.60-12, but the narrower companion size differs between the two covered sub-models.
That overlap can make fitment seem simpler than it really is, especially when looking at an older car that may already be wearing replacement tires. The safest approach is to identify the sub-model first and then verify the current wheel and tire combination before choosing a replacement. That keeps the selection tied to the car instead of relying on guesswork.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 520-12 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1962 BMW 700?
For the 1962 BMW 700, 520-12 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the vintage numeric sizing system, with a nominal 5.20-inch section width and a 12-inch rim diameter. In this application, it belongs to the same period-style bias-ply fitment family as the other covered 12-inch sizes.
That matters because a buyer deciding on 520-12 is really choosing whether to retain the traditional construction or evaluate a radial equivalent in the same general fitment range. The wheel diameter remains 12 inches, but wheel width, clearance, and the specific sub-model should still be confirmed before making any construction change.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 520-12?
Radial equivalents for 520-12 include 125R12 and P125/75R12. The 125R12 option is a Euro-metric 80-series style radial, while P125/75R12 is a P-metric 75-series radial. No 70-series radial or bias-look radial equivalent is associated with 520-12 here.
Those options give a buyer two different radial sizing formats to compare while staying on a 12-inch rim. The recommended rim-width range for these equivalents is 4 to 5 inches, which makes wheel confirmation especially important. Overall dimensions and vehicle clearance should also be checked before treating either size as an alternative to the original bias-ply fitment.
What should I check before converting my 1962 BMW 700 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming that the car actually uses the 520-12 fitment, since that is the size with stated radial equivalents. Then verify the wheel diameter, wheel width, and the radial size being considered, such as 125R12 or P125/75R12, rather than assuming any 12-inch radial will serve the same role.
A careful conversion also means checking fender and suspension clearance, the condition of steering and suspension components, and the actual setup of the car if it has been modified over time. The recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is a useful guide, but it should be paired with a real inspection of the wheels and available space.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 520-12 tire for a 1962 BMW 700?
The main factors are whether 520-12 is the correct fitment for the specific sub-model, whether the goal is to stay with bias-ply construction, and what appearance is preferred. In 520-12, available BFGoodrich choices include the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series in blackwall and wide whitewall versions.
That makes 520-12 selection less about finding a different size and more about matching the tire to the car’s presentation and wheel setup. A restoration-oriented car may favor one sidewall treatment, while a road-driven example may also prompt a look at the radial-equivalent path. The right starting point is always confirmed fitment, not style alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 BMW 700 tires?
For the 1962 BMW 700, the available 520-12 product choices include blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Both are offered within the same BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, so the main difference is visual presentation rather than a change in construction type or wheel diameter.
That gives buyers a straightforward appearance decision once the correct size is confirmed. A blackwall usually keeps the look understated and utilitarian, while a wide whitewall creates a more decorative period-style presence. Neither sidewall treatment should be assumed correct for every 700, so appearance goals and the car’s overall restoration direction should guide the choice.
What brands offer tires for the 1962 BMW 700?
BFGoodrich is represented in the available 520-12 fitment for the 1962 BMW 700. The offered products are part of the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line and include both blackwall and wide whitewall versions, which gives some appearance flexibility within a traditional bias-ply tire format.
Brand choice matters most after the correct size has been established for the sub-model. On a small collector car like the 700, the visible sidewall treatment and the tire’s period-style presentation often influence the final decision as much as the brand name itself. Wheel compatibility and intended use should still be checked before settling on a specific tire.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1962 BMW 700?
A period-style starting point for a 1962 BMW 700 is the correct primary bias-ply size for the specific sub-model: 5.60-12, 520-12, or 5.50-12. Keeping the original type of construction preserves the vintage sizing character and visual relationship between the tire and the car’s compact 12-inch wheel setup.
Once the correct fitment is confirmed, appearance becomes the next filter. In 520-12, blackwall and wide whitewall choices create noticeably different presentations. For an exact restoration, the final decision should also be checked against period photos, marque-club guidance, or other vehicle-specific references so the tire complements the car rather than simply fitting the wheel.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1962 BMW 700 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1962 BMW 700 restoration because the car’s proportions are small and the tire is a highly visible part of its stance. Choosing among 5.60-12, 520-12, and 5.50-12 is not a minor detail when those sizes are tied to specific sub-model coverage.
The practical effect is both visual and mechanical. A tire that belongs to the right fitment family helps preserve the intended look of the wheel opening and keeps the restoration grounded in the car’s period character. Before finalizing a tire, confirm the sub-model, wheel size, and current setup so the restoration does not drift away from the correct proportions.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1962 BMW 700?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 BMW 700 even when the tire size itself appears correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body alterations can all influence how a 5.60-12, 520-12, or 5.50-12 tire sits and clears the car.
That is especially important on a small vintage BMW because there is less visual and physical margin than on a larger car. A modified example should be checked for steering clearance, fender clearance, and wheel dimensions before a replacement tire is chosen. The car may still use a stock-looking size, but the surrounding setup can change the fitment result.
What should I inspect before driving a 1962 BMW 700 on new tires?
Before driving a 1962 BMW 700 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm that the mounted size matches the car’s intended fitment, and check inflation, valve stems, and lug hardware. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components on a collector car that may have seen intermittent use.
A short initial test drive should be used to listen for rubbing, vibration, or any unusual steering feel. After that, recheck air pressure and inspect the tires for contact marks or uneven seating. That early follow-up is useful on a rear-engine vintage car where old components, prior repairs, or changed wheel setups can affect how the new tires behave.
How should 520-12 tires on a collector 1962 BMW 700 be maintained?
A 520-12 tire on a collector 1962 BMW 700 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and periodic checks for air loss during storage. Because collector cars are often driven infrequently, condition matters as much as tread depth.
Storage habits also play a large role. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the sidewalls over time. Before each driving season or longer outing, inspect both the tires and the wheels carefully and confirm that the car still has the same fitment it was last driven on.
