1966 BMW 3200 Tires

The 1966 BMW 3200 uses two primary tire sizes: 6.50-15 and 670-15. Both are vintage numeric bias-ply sizes designed for 15-inch rims, and both are associated with the covered 3200 S & SC fitment.

That means the first step is not choosing between different wheel diameters, but confirming which of the two period-style sizes is appropriate for the car’s present wheel setup and restoration goals. If the car has been modified over the years, measure the actual wheel diameter and review the current tire clearance before choosing between the available bias-ply options or moving from 670-15 to a radial equivalent.

The 1966 BMW 3200 uses a 15-inch rim with its primary tire fitments. Both 6.50-15 and 670-15 are 15-inch tire sizes, so rim diameter stays consistent across the covered fitment.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a vintage BMW. Wheel width still matters, especially if the car has replacement wheels or if a radial equivalent for 670-15 is under consideration. Verifying the actual wheel dimensions on the car helps prevent mismatches in tire profile, bead seating, and fender or steering clearance once the new tires are mounted.

The covered 1966 BMW 3200 S & SC sub-model fitment uses the same two tire sizes: 6.50-15 and 670-15. Both are bias-ply sizes for 15-inch rims, so there is no split by rim diameter among those covered versions.

That consistency makes selection easier, but it does not remove the need to inspect the actual car. Many collector vehicles have seen wheel changes, suspension work, or long-term storage, and those factors can influence what tire makes the most sense today. Once the existing wheel setup is confirmed, the decision usually comes down to preferred appearance, bias-ply authenticity of feel, and whether a 670-15 radial equivalent is worth considering.

For the 1966 BMW 3200, 670-15 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system and belongs to the car’s vintage 15-inch fitment rather than a modern radial format.

That matters because a bias-ply 670-15 preserves the traditional construction style and period presentation of the car. A radial can still be considered through the equivalent-size route, but it should not be treated as the same thing as the original bias-ply specification. Wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should all be reviewed before making that change, especially on a car that may no longer be on its original wheels.

Radial equivalents for 670-15 include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15. Those choices cover an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, a 70-series P-metric radial, and a bias-look radial format.

Each option gives the 1966 BMW 3200 owner a slightly different path, whether the priority is conventional metric sizing or a more traditional-looking radial. The recommended rim-width range for these equivalents is 5 to 7 inches. Before converting, compare the wheel width actually on the car and check body, suspension, and steering clearances rather than assuming every 15-inch alternative will suit the same setup.

A 670R15 bias-look radial can be considered as a radial equivalent for the 670-15 fitment on a 1966 BMW 3200. It is separate from the original bias-ply construction, but it offers a radial option with a more traditional visual character.

That makes it appealing for owners who want to soften the visual change that often comes with modern radial sizing. It still needs the same careful fitment review as any other equivalent tire size, including wheel-width confirmation and clearance checks. On a restoration-oriented car, a bias-look radial can be a useful middle ground between period-style appearance and a move away from bias-ply construction.

Start with the basics: confirm that 670-15 is the size you want to run on the car, then compare construction, sidewall style, brand, tire series, rim-width specification, and load details where they are stated. On this BMW, 670-15 is available in a broad range of classic bias-ply offerings.

The right choice depends on how the car will be presented and driven. A blackwall gives a restrained traditional look, while narrow and wide whitewalls create a different visual statement. Some products also differ in rim-width guidance and load figures, so it helps to match the tire not only to appearance goals but also to the actual wheel on the car and the kind of road use expected.

For the 1966 BMW 3200 in 670-15, available sidewall styles include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. Those choices appear across several classic bias-ply product lines, giving the car a noticeably different presentation without changing the basic tire size.

Sidewall style is one of the most visible choices on a vintage sedan, so it should be selected with the car’s overall character in mind. A blackwall usually keeps the look understated, while whitewalls add more period flair. Owners chasing a restoration-oriented appearance should compare period photos, marque references, and the car’s trim level before deciding which sidewall treatment best suits the finished result.

The 670-15 fitment for the 1966 BMW 3200 is available from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Excelsior, Avon, Goodyear, and STA. Those brands appear across multiple classic bias-ply series and sidewall treatments.

Brand choice should be viewed as part of a larger comparison rather than the only decision. The more useful questions are whether the tire has the right sidewall look, whether its rim-width guidance matches the wheel on the car, and whether its overall character suits a restoration-focused sedan or a driver that may see more road miles. Comparing the full specification is more valuable than choosing by name alone.

A period-style approach for a 1966 BMW 3200 starts with its primary bias-ply fitments, 6.50-15 or 670-15, on 15-inch rims. Staying with bias-ply construction preserves the vintage sizing language and the traditional visual relationship between tire and wheel.

From there, the decision becomes one of presentation and intended use. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options can all change the car’s personality, and several classic tire series are available in 670-15. When exact originality matters, period photography, factory literature, and model-specific club guidance are worth consulting before selecting a sidewall treatment or brand for a restoration-focused car.

Tire construction changes more than ride character on a restored 1966 BMW 3200; it also changes how the car looks at a glance. A bias-ply tire keeps the presentation tied to the era, while a modern radial equivalent can introduce a more contemporary visual impression even when the rim diameter remains the same.

That difference matters most on a formal European sedan where wheel-and-tire proportion is part of the car’s stance. A 670R15 bias-look radial can be useful when the goal is to retain a more traditional appearance while considering radial construction. Owners focused on authenticity usually evaluate construction and sidewall style together rather than treating them as separate decisions.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1966 BMW 3200 even when the tire size itself appears correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, lowered suspension, or body and brake updates can all change how a 6.50-15 or 670-15 setup sits in the car.

That is especially important when considering a radial equivalent for 670-15, since the alternative may interact differently with the wheel and the available clearance. A quick measurement of the actual wheel diameter and width, followed by a visual check at full steering lock and normal ride height, is a sensible step before mounting new tires on any collector car with an uncertain modification history.

Before driving a 1966 BMW 3200 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, verify that the rim size matches the chosen tire, and confirm proper inflation after mounting. It also helps to check that lug hardware, valve stems, and the spare tire setup are in serviceable condition.

Once the car is on the ground, look for even clearance at the fenders and through the steering range, then take a short drive and recheck air pressure. A collector sedan that has spent long periods parked should also have its suspension, steering components, and wheel bearings looked over. Fresh tires perform best when the surrounding chassis condition is equally sound.

670-15 tires on a collector 1966 BMW 3200 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and periodic review of how the car sits after storage. Low-use vintage cars often age their tires by time and environment as much as by mileage.

Storage conditions make a real difference, especially for a car that may spend long stretches indoors. Keeping the BMW away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, excess heat, and ozone sources helps protect the sidewalls. It is also wise to inspect tires before any longer drive rather than assuming they are ready simply because tread looks good, since age-related deterioration is easy to miss on collector vehicles.