The 1970 BMW 1600 sits in the compact sport-sedan tradition that helped define BMW’s reputation for responsive road manners and understated European character. Buyers looking after one today usually care as much about preserving that balanced feel and period appearance as they do about simple replacement fitment. This model is associated with two 13-inch tire paths: a 165R13 radial and a 600-13 bias-ply. That opens a meaningful choice between traditional bias-ply presentation and radial options from Michelin and Dunlop, while the bias-ply side includes whitewall treatments from BFGoodrich. The right direction depends on your car’s current wheel setup, restoration goals, and how you expect to drive it.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1970 BMW 1600
The 1970 BMW 1600 is associated with two primary tire sizes, both on 13-inch rims: 165R13 in radial construction and 600-13 in bias-ply construction. Since the covered sub-model uses both sizes, the key decision is not simply wheel diameter but whether the car is staying with a period-style bias-ply setup or moving forward with a radial fitment that matches the current wheel and driving goals.
165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size, with 165 indicating nominal section width in millimeters, R identifying radial construction, and 13 indicating a 13-inch rim. On a 1970 BMW 1600, this size reflects the more modern construction path associated with the car. Available choices include Michelin XAS-FF, Michelin XAS, and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet, all in blackwall form and centered on a traditional 80-series metric radial presentation. This size is worth considering when the car already runs radial-compatible wheels and the goal is to keep a European radial look on the road.
600-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 600 representing an approximate 6.00-inch nominal section width and 13 identifying the rim diameter. On the 1970 BMW 1600, this size serves buyers who want a more traditional bias-ply construction and a period-style visual character. BFGoodrich offers it in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall sidewall treatments. This size deserves a close look when appearance and vintage presentation matter most, provided the wheel width and overall vehicle setup suit a bias-ply tire.
Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1970 BMW 1600 /2 because both of the recognized tire sizes are associated with that sub-model. The important step is deciding which construction belongs on the car as it sits today, since radial and bias-ply choices create different selection paths even though both use 13-inch rims.
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1970 BMW 1600 /2
The 1970 BMW 1600 /2 is associated with both 165R13 radial and 600-13 bias-ply fitment on 13-inch rims. That gives the owner a clear choice between a more traditional bias-ply appearance and a radial setup that should still be checked against the car’s wheel width and overall configuration.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1970 BMW 1600
For the original 600-13 bias-ply size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 165R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P165/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, and P175/70R13 is the P-metric 70-series radial equivalent. These choices differ mainly by sizing convention and profile family rather than serving as identical substitutes. A 4- to 5-inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should be checked before changing from the original bias-ply fitment.
Modern Radial Equivalents
165R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (600-13)
P165/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (600-13)
P175/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (600-13)
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 1970 BMW 1600 Tires for Sale
Available 1970 BMW 1600 tire choices split clearly between 165R13 radial options from Michelin and Dunlop and 600-13 bias-ply options from BFGoodrich. Buyers can compare construction, tire series, blackwall versus whitewall presentation, and rim-width compatibility across the product grid.
Common 1970 BMW 1600 tire questions usually center on the two 13-inch fitment paths, radial versus bias-ply construction, modern radial equivalents for 600-13, and how appearance, wheel setup, and vehicle condition affect the final choice.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1970 BMW 1600?
The 1970 BMW 1600 is associated with two tire sizes: 165R13 in radial construction and 600-13 in bias-ply construction. Both use a 13-inch rim, but they represent different tire-building styles and different visual character on the car.
The practical decision is choosing the size that matches the car’s current wheel setup and your goals for use and appearance. A BMW 1600 kept close to a period-style presentation may stay with 600-13, while a car set up around radial driving manners may use 165R13 after confirming wheel width and overall fitment.
What size rim does a 1970 BMW 1600 use?
The tire sizes associated with the 1970 BMW 1600 both use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to the 165R13 radial fitment and the 600-13 bias-ply fitment, so the wheel diameter stays consistent even though the tire constructions differ.
Rim diameter is only the first check. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing the narrower bias-ply fitment with radial choices that may call for a different width range. A quick confirmation of the actual wheel size on the car is worthwhile, particularly if the BMW has been restored, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels over time.
What does 600-13 mean on a 1970 BMW 1600?
On a 1970 BMW 1600, 600-13 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 600 refers to an approximate 6.00-inch nominal section width, while 13 refers to the rim diameter in inches. It is an older sizing system that predates modern metric radial conventions.
That older format matters because it points to a different construction style and a different selection process than 165R13. If the car currently wears 600-13 tires, it is smart to confirm wheel width and decide whether preserving a traditional look is more important than moving to one of the radial-equivalent sizes available for this fitment.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 600-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1970 BMW 1600?
For the 1970 BMW 1600, 600-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system and is separate from the car’s 165R13 radial fitment, even though both sizes are built for 13-inch rims.
That distinction affects both appearance and fitment planning. A bias-ply choice such as 600-13 suits buyers seeking a more traditional presentation, while radial alternatives involve a different construction and should be checked for wheel-width suitability and overall compatibility with the car’s current setup before making the change.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 600-13?
Radial equivalents for 600-13 include 165R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P175/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial. These are recognized alternatives to the original numeric bias-ply size rather than identical reproductions of it.
Each equivalent follows a different sizing convention, so the choice should go beyond the size code alone. The associated rim-width range is 4 to 5 inches, and it is sensible to compare wheel width, tire dimensions, and available clearance before selecting one for a 1970 BMW 1600 that began with 600-13 bias-ply fitment.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1970 BMW 1600?
Both directions are relevant for a 1970 BMW 1600 because the car is associated with 600-13 bias-ply and 165R13 radial fitment. Bias-ply tires support a more traditional vintage presentation, while radial tires follow a more modern construction style within the same 13-inch wheel diameter.
The right choice depends on how the BMW is equipped and what matters most to you. A restoration-oriented car may favor the look of the bias-ply size, while a road-driven car may lead you toward the radial path. Wheel width, current tire clearance, and the car’s actual wheel setup should all be confirmed before settling on either construction.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1970 BMW 1600?
Start with the two recognized fitment paths for the 1970 BMW 1600: 165R13 radial or 600-13 bias-ply. From there, the important factors are construction type, wheel compatibility, intended appearance, and whether the car is being kept close to a vintage look or prepared for more regular road use.
Product differences also matter once the size is settled. In this fitment, choices vary by brand, tire series, and sidewall treatment, with blackwall radials from Michelin and Dunlop and whitewall bias-ply options from BFGoodrich. Matching the tire to the car’s wheels and the owner’s presentation goals usually leads to the clearest decision.
What sidewall styles are available for 1970 BMW 1600 tires?
Sidewall style depends on which tire size and construction you choose for a 1970 BMW 1600. The available 165R13 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 600-13 bias-ply options are offered with wide whitewall or narrow whitewall sidewalls.
That gives the car very different visual outcomes. Blackwall radials keep a restrained European appearance, while the two whitewall bias-ply versions create a more stylized period presentation. Sidewall choice should follow the overall look of the car rather than the tire size alone, especially when the goal is a restoration-oriented finish.
What brands offer tires for the 1970 BMW 1600?
The 1970 BMW 1600 has available tire choices from Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 165R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich covers the 600-13 bias-ply fitment in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series.
Brand choice should be considered alongside the construction and appearance you want, since the brands are not all serving the same role here. A buyer comparing options is really choosing between radial and bias-ply paths first, then narrowing the decision by tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width suitability within that path.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1970 BMW 1600?
For a period-style 1970 BMW 1600, the 600-13 bias-ply size is the most traditional-looking starting point because it uses an older numeric format and is available with narrow or wide whitewall styling. The 165R13 radial path presents a more modern construction with a blackwall appearance.
The right answer depends on what kind of period impression you want the car to make. Some restorations favor traditional construction and sidewall presence, while others aim for a restrained European road look. When exact originality matters, it is wise to compare the tire choice against marque-specific historical references and the car’s actual restoration goals.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1970 BMW 1600?
Tire construction changes more than ride and handling on a restored 1970 BMW 1600; it also changes the car’s visual stance and character. A 600-13 bias-ply tire gives the car a more vintage presentation, while a 165R13 radial reads as a later, more modern road-going setup.
Sidewall style adds another layer to that decision. The radial offerings here are blackwall, while the bias-ply options bring narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments into the picture. Choosing between them is really about matching the tire’s visual language to the restoration theme instead of assuming one look suits every 1970 BMW 1600.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1970 BMW 1600?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1970 BMW 1600 even when the tire size itself is correct. Changes to wheel width, wheel offset, suspension height, spring condition, or body clearance can alter how either a 165R13 radial or 600-13 bias-ply sits and moves on the car.
That is why the actual setup deserves a careful check before choosing between the two fitment paths or moving to a radial equivalent for 600-13. Steering clearance, fender room, and the wheel dimensions currently on the car matter more than assumptions, especially on a vehicle that may have been updated over decades of ownership.
What should I inspect before driving a 1970 BMW 1600 on new tires?
Before driving a 1970 BMW 1600 on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct 13-inch diameter and suitable width, then check that the tires seat properly and hold pressure. It is also smart to look over valve stems, wheel condition, tread area, and sidewalls for any signs of damage after installation.
A short, careful road test is the best next step. Listen for rubbing, feel for any pull or vibration, and confirm steering clearance at full lock if the car has replacement wheels or suspension changes. On an older BMW, overall chassis condition can influence how new tires behave just as much as the tire size itself.
How should tires on a collector 1970 BMW 1600 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1970 BMW 1600 should be checked regularly for pressure loss, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven tread wear, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low-use vintage cars can age tires quietly, so condition matters as much as remaining tread depth.
Storage habits also play a role in longevity. Keeping the BMW away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber over time. A quick inspection before each drive and a more thorough review at routine service intervals can catch problems early, particularly on a car that spends long periods parked.
