1964 BMW 2600 Tires

The 1964 BMW 2600 is associated with two primary tire sizes: 185R15 in radial construction and 640-15 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes use a 15-inch rim, but they represent different fitment approaches rather than two interchangeable versions of the same tire.

The important next step is confirming how the car is currently set up. A 2600 wearing radial-compatible wheels may point you toward 185R15 choices, while a period-style bias-ply setup centers on 640-15. Wheel width, suspension condition, and body clearance should all be checked before changing size or construction.

The 1964 BMW 2600 uses a 15-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. That shared rim diameter applies to the 185R15 radial fitment and the 640-15 bias-ply fitment, so rim diameter itself is not the point of difference between the two options.

Diameter alone does not settle the choice, because wheel width still matters. The radial and bias-ply products in these sizes can call for different rim-width ranges, so the actual wheel on the car should be measured before a tire is selected. That becomes especially important if the wheels have been changed over the years.

The 1964 BMW 2600 Series is associated with the same two primary tire sizes used on this model line: 185R15 radial and 640-15 bias-ply. In that sense, fitment stays consistent at the sub-model level, with the main distinction being tire construction rather than a separate trim-specific size.

That consistency helps narrow the search, but it does not remove the need to inspect the actual car. A restored sedan on original-style narrow wheels may favor the bias-ply route, while a car already running radial-friendly wheels may be better matched to 185R15. The best choice depends on the wheel setup and intended presentation.

640-15 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1964 BMW 2600. It uses the older numeric sizing convention, and on this BMW it represents the traditional tire construction option rather than the radial fitment path, which is covered by 185R15.

That distinction matters because bias-ply and radial tires can ask different things of the wheel and can change the car’s visual character. Anyone keeping a period-style presentation may prefer the 640-15 route, while anyone considering a change in construction should also verify wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance before moving away from bias-ply.

Radial equivalents for 640-15 include 175R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R15 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P185/70R15 as a P-metric 70-series radial. Each of those sizes offers a different sizing convention and profile family while staying in the same general replacement conversation.

A 5-6 inch rim-width range is associated with those radial equivalents, which makes wheel measurement especially important before conversion. Even when a tire is considered an equivalent, the actual fit still depends on the wheel, the car’s available clearance, and the way the BMW is currently set up for road use.

The answer depends on how the 1964 BMW 2600 is equipped and what the owner wants from the car. The primary fitments support both paths: 640-15 bias-ply for a traditional presentation and 185R15 radial for a more modern radial-style setup on the same 15-inch wheel diameter.

A restoration-oriented car may lean toward bias-ply for its period look, while a driver-focused car may point toward radial construction. The decision should not be made by appearance alone, though. Wheel width, tire dimensions, and available clearance all deserve a careful check before moving from one construction type to the other.

Start with the correct primary size and construction for the way the car is set up: 185R15 for the radial path or 640-15 for the bias-ply path. From there, compare rim-width compatibility, sidewall style, tire series, and whether the goal is a more European radial look or a traditional vintage presentation.

The available products also differ in details such as load figures, weight, and brand lineup, so those specifications can help refine the choice once the size is settled. A careful buyer should also think about how the car is used, since occasional show use and regular road miles may point toward different priorities.

The 1964 BMW 2600 has a broad spread of sidewall choices across its two tire sizes. Depending on the size and tire series, available styles include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline, giving owners several ways to shape the car’s appearance without changing wheel diameter.

Sidewall style is often the easiest way to tune the look of a restored or driver-grade BMW. A blackwall usually gives the most understated presentation, while whitewall and redline options create a more deliberate period-style statement. The practical step is matching the desired sidewall to the correct size and construction before comparing brands.

Tires for the 1964 BMW 2600 are available from several brands, including Michelin, Avon, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Excelsior. The brand mix changes by size, with the 185R15 radial and 640-15 bias-ply categories each carrying their own product families and visual styles.

Brand choice should be part of a larger comparison rather than the only deciding factor. It helps to look at which series each brand offers in the correct size, along with sidewall treatment, wheel-width compatibility, and whether the car is being kept on a bias-ply or radial setup. That approach usually narrows the field quickly.

A period-style 1964 BMW 2600 often starts with the 640-15 bias-ply size, because that construction and size format give the car a distinctly vintage presentation. Within that fitment, blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options create different visual effects while staying within the traditional bias-ply path.

The right appearance choice depends on how closely the car is being restored and what visual statement suits it. Exact originality should be checked against marque references, period photography, or restoration records for the specific car. Even on a style-driven build, wheel width and fitment still need to be confirmed before final selection.

Tire construction changes more than road feel on a restored 1964 BMW 2600; it also changes the car’s visual character. A 640-15 bias-ply gives a more traditional vintage look, while a 185R15 radial presents a more modern European tire profile even though both use a 15-inch rim.

That difference is important on a restoration because the tires strongly influence the finished stance and overall impression of the car. Sidewall treatment adds another layer, with blackwall, whitewall, and redline options shaping the final look. Construction should be chosen with the restoration goal in mind rather than treated as a purely mechanical detail.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1964 BMW 2600 even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered suspension height, brake conversions, or bodywork differences can all change the available space around a 185R15 or 640-15 tire.

Any car that has been modified should be inspected carefully before a new tire is chosen. Clearance at the fender edge, inside sidewall area, and steering range all matter, and the actual wheel dimensions should be measured rather than assumed. That is especially important when moving between bias-ply and radial constructions.

Before driving a 1964 BMW 2600 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure each tire is seated properly, and check inflation pressure against the tire and vehicle requirements being used. A quick look at valve stems, lug hardware, and visible clearance around the suspension and body is also worthwhile.

The car itself deserves attention too, especially on a collector vehicle that may sit for long periods. Steering components, shocks, bushings, and alignment condition can all influence how the tires behave on the road. A careful short test drive is the best first step before committing the car to regular or longer-distance use.

Collector-car tires on a 1964 BMW 2600 should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, whether the car wears 185R15 radials or 640-15 bias-ply tires. Pressure should be checked routinely, because vehicles that are driven infrequently can still lose air over time while appearing fine at a glance.

Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage on an older BMW. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tire casing, and periodic movement can reduce flat-spotting during long storage. Any tire showing age-related deterioration should be evaluated before the car returns to the road.