The 1964 BMW 700 belongs to the small-displacement, rear-engine chapter that helped define BMW’s postwar identity, and today it remains an appealing collector car for owners who appreciate compact European engineering and distinctive period styling. Tire choice matters more than the car’s modest size might suggest, because this model uses 12-inch bias-ply fitments in several closely related numeric sizes. That means the real decision is often confirming the exact sub-model and then choosing between a traditional blackwall presentation or a more decorative wide whitewall where available. For a restoration-minded owner, appearance, wheel compatibility, and the possibility of a modern radial equivalent all deserve a careful look before replacement.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1964 BMW 700
The 1964 BMW 700 uses three primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model. All three are bias-ply sizes for a 12-inch rim, so the first step is confirming whether the car is an LS Coupe or a Sport & Cabrio, then matching the tire to the wheel setup and the kind of period-style appearance you want to preserve.
The 5.60-12 size is a vintage numeric bias-ply designation in which the leading number represents the tire’s nominal section width in inches and the final number identifies a 12-inch wheel. As a bias-ply fitment, it suits the traditional construction style associated with the 1964 BMW 700 and its compact, period-correct tire profile. This size appears across more than one covered sub-model, making it an important reference point when a car has retained its original wheel diameter. It is worth checking the exact sub-model and the wheels currently on the car before settling on this fitment.
The 520-12 size is a vintage numeric bias-ply format, with 5.20 indicating the tire’s nominal section width and 12 indicating the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1964 BMW 700, it represents one of the narrower bias-ply fitments and keeps the car in a distinctly period-style sizing convention. Available 520-12 products include BFGoodrich options in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, with both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. This size also has modern radial equivalents, so it is especially relevant for owners comparing original-style construction with a more modern tire format.
The 5.50-12 code follows the same vintage numeric bias-ply system, with a nominal section width of 5.50 inches paired with a 12-inch rim. Its role on the 1964 BMW 700 is specific to certain sub-model coverage rather than the entire model line, so it should not be treated as a universal fitment. As a bias-ply size, it remains aligned with a traditional collector-car approach that keeps the vehicle in an era-appropriate construction type. This is a useful size to evaluate when the goal is maintaining the original 12-inch wheel format while matching the tire choice to the exact car configuration.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1964 BMW 700 because the covered versions do not all use the same tire-size combination. Before choosing a tire, confirm whether the car is an LS Coupe or a Sport & Cabrio and then verify that the wheels on the car still match the intended 12-inch bias-ply setup.
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1964 BMW 700 LS Coupe
The 1964 BMW 700 LS Coupe uses two covered bias-ply sizes, centered around the 12-inch wheel format shared across this page. That makes tire selection less about wheel diameter and more about confirming which of the two period-style sizes belongs on the car and whether a radial equivalent is part of the plan for a 520-12 setup.
The 1964 BMW 700 Sport & Cabrio also stays within 12-inch bias-ply fitment, but its covered size pairing differs from the LS Coupe. Tire choice should focus on matching the exact sub-model and wheel setup, then deciding whether the goal is a traditional restoration-oriented look or a practical alternative within the correct vintage sizing family.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1964 BMW 700
For the original 520-12 tire size, two radial-equivalent options are available. 125R12 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, and P125/75R12 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent. These give the 1964 BMW 700 two modern sizing conventions to compare against the original bias-ply format rather than a single replacement path. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to this equivalent grouping, and wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should still be checked before making the change.
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 1964 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. That gives a 1964 BMW 700 owner a straightforward comparison between traditional appearance options within the same vintage bias-ply size.
These 1964 BMW 700 tire FAQs focus on the size differences between sub-models, the meaning of vintage 12-inch bias-ply fitments, available radial equivalents for 520-12, and the checks that matter before road use on a collector car.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1964 BMW 700?
A 1964 BMW 700 uses one of three primary bias-ply tire sizes: 5.60-12, 520-12, or 5.50-12. The correct choice depends on the exact sub-model, with the LS Coupe covered by 5.60-12 and 520-12, while the Sport & Cabrio is covered by 5.50-12 and 5.60-12.
That makes sub-model identification the first step before choosing a tire. Since all of these sizes use a 12-inch rim, the next checks are whether the car still has the intended wheel setup and whether the goal is to stay with a traditional bias-ply appearance or explore a radial equivalent where one is available.
What size rim does a 1964 BMW 700 use?
The covered tire fitments for the 1964 BMW 700 all use a 12-inch rim diameter. That applies across the 5.60-12, 520-12, and 5.50-12 sizes, so wheel diameter stays consistent even though the tire sizes vary by sub-model.
A shared rim diameter does not automatically mean every covered size is appropriate for every car. It is still important to confirm the exact sub-model, check the wheel width on the car, and make sure the vehicle has not been changed to a different wheel package at some point in its life.
Why does the 1964 BMW 700 have more than one tire size?
The 1964 BMW 700 has more than one tire size because the covered sub-models do not use the same fitment combination. 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.
The overlap around 5.60-12 can make the page look simpler than it is, but the differences still matter when replacing tires on a specific car. Matching the tire to the exact sub-model and current wheel setup helps avoid choosing a size that belongs to another version of the BMW 700 family.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 520-12 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1964 BMW 700?
On the 1964 BMW 700, 520-12 is a primary bias-ply tire size. That size follows a vintage numeric bias-ply format and remains part of the traditional fitment approach for the LS Coupe coverage on this page.
Radial alternatives do exist for 520-12, but they are equivalents rather than the original primary construction. That distinction matters for owners trying to preserve period-style appearance and steering feel, and it also means wheel width, vehicle clearance, and overall setup should be checked carefully before moving away from bias-ply construction.
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 uses a P-metric 75-series format, giving two different modern sizing conventions tied to the same original bias-ply size.
A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to this equivalent grouping, which helps frame the wheel-compatibility side of the decision. It is still wise to compare the radial choice against the car’s current wheels and available clearance, especially on a small vehicle where modest dimensional differences can matter.
What should I check before converting my 1964 BMW 700 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming that the tire size being converted actually has a radial equivalent, as 520-12 does with 125R12 and P125/75R12. Then verify the wheel diameter, confirm that the wheel width falls within the 4 to 5 inch range tied to that equivalent grouping, and make sure the car still uses the intended 12-inch setup.
Conversion decisions on a compact collector car should also account for clearance at full steering lock, suspension condition, and the owner’s appearance goals. A radial equivalent can be a useful alternative, but it should be evaluated as a fitment change rather than treated as an automatic substitute for the original bias-ply tire.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 520-12 tire for a 1964 BMW 700?
Choosing a 520-12 tire for a 1964 BMW 700 starts with confirming that 520-12 is the right fitment for the specific car, since not every covered sub-model uses it. Once that is established, the main considerations are preserving the original bias-ply construction or comparing it with the available radial-equivalent sizes.
Within the bias-ply choices, sidewall appearance becomes a meaningful part of the decision because 520-12 is offered in both blackwall and wide whitewall form. Owners should also compare wheel compatibility and consider whether the goal is a cleaner driver-style presentation or a more decorative restoration-oriented look.
What sidewall styles are available for 1964 BMW 700 tires?
Among the available products tied to this fitment, 520-12 is offered with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Both are bias-ply BFGoodrich tires in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, so the sidewall choice changes the visual presentation more than the basic tire format.
That can make sidewall treatment one of the most visible decisions on a small, characterful car like the BMW 700. Blackwall usually suits a simpler, understated look, while a wide whitewall creates a more decorative period-style appearance, so the right choice depends on how the car is being restored or presented.
What brands offer tires for the 1964 BMW 700?
The available products for this 1964 BMW 700 fitment are from BFGoodrich. The current 520-12 selections are part of the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, which keeps the product assortment focused on a traditional bias-ply presentation rather than a broad mix of brands and constructions.
Because the brand choice is narrow here, the more useful comparison is usually between sidewall styles and whether 520-12 is the right size for the car in the first place. Owners of cars using a different covered size should confirm sub-model fitment before using the 520-12 product selection as their guide.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1964 BMW 700?
A period-style 1964 BMW 700 starts with the correct bias-ply tire size for the exact sub-model, not simply any 12-inch tire that looks similar. That means verifying whether the car belongs with 5.60-12, 520-12, or 5.50-12 and staying within the vintage numeric bias-ply format when traditional presentation is the goal.
Once the size is settled, appearance choices become more specific. A blackwall 520-12 keeps the look restrained, while a wide whitewall gives the small BMW a more stylized period flavor, but exact restoration standards can vary, so owners pursuing strict originality should compare their car against marque references and historical documentation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1964 BMW 700 restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1964 BMW 700 restoration because tire size, construction, and sidewall treatment all influence how the car sits and how authentic it appears. With several closely related 12-inch bias-ply sizes involved across the model range, using the wrong one can shift the look away from the intended sub-model presentation.
The practical side matters just as much as the visual side. A careful restoration should match the tire to the specific version of the car, confirm the wheel setup actually on the vehicle, and treat radial equivalents as optional alternatives rather than assuming they preserve the same appearance as the original bias-ply fitment.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1964 BMW 700?
Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1964 BMW 700 even though the original covered sizes all share a 12-inch rim diameter. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension adjustments, or body modifications can influence how a vintage bias-ply size or a radial equivalent sits in the car’s limited available space.
That is why a modified car should be measured rather than assumed to follow stock fitment. Even a correctly named tire size still needs to be checked against the actual wheel dimensions, steering clearance, and fender space on the vehicle as it exists today, not only as it may have left the factory.
What should I inspect before driving a 1964 BMW 700 on new tires?
Before driving a 1964 BMW 700 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and general condition, then verify that the tires are mounted in the intended size for the sub-model. It also helps to check inflation, look for any contact issues at the fenders or suspension, and make sure the car tracks and steers freely.
A collector car deserves a broader pre-drive check as well. Pay attention to old wheel hardware, aging suspension components, and any signs that the car has sat for long periods, since those conditions can affect how even a properly fitted new tire behaves once the BMW is back on the road.
How should 520-12 tires on a collector 1964 BMW 700 be maintained?
520-12 tires on a collector 1964 BMW 700 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and attention to age even when tread wear looks minimal. Bias-ply collector tires often spend long periods parked, so sidewall cracking, flat spotting, bulges, cuts, and slow air loss deserve close monitoring.
Storage conditions also matter on a low-use car. Keeping the BMW away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires, and occasional inspection of wheel condition and valve stems is just as important as checking the tread itself before heading out for local drives or events.
