1979 BMW 320i & 320iA Tires

The 1979 BMW 320i & 320iA uses a 185/70R13 radial tire. That is the primary fitment for this application, and it matches a 13-inch rim. The covered Base sub-model uses the same tire size, so buyers are not sorting between multiple primary sizes for this vehicle.

Once the size is confirmed, the next step is choosing the type of 185/70R13 tire that suits the car. Some owners want a blackwall radial that matches the BMW’s late-1970s sport-sedan character, while others may prefer a redline or wide whitewall for a different period-style presentation. Wheel width and overall vehicle setup should still be checked before final selection.

The primary tire fitment for the 1979 BMW 320i & 320iA is built around a 13-inch rim diameter. That matches the 185/70R13 size code, where the final number indicates the wheel diameter the tire is designed to mount on. This is the rim diameter to confirm first when replacing tires.

Diameter alone is not the whole story, especially on older cars that may have seen wheel changes over the years. A 13-inch wheel still needs a tire whose approved rim-width range matches the actual wheel on the car. Verifying both diameter and width helps avoid poor bead seating, unwanted tire shape changes, or clearance issues once the tire is mounted.

Yes. The 1979 BMW 320i & 320iA Base uses the same 185/70R13 radial tire size as the rest of this application. That means there is no separate primary size to sort out for the Base configuration, which simplifies the fitment decision considerably.

Even with shared fitment, it still helps to confirm the actual wheels and overall condition of the car before ordering tires. Many surviving E21 BMWs have been modified with aftermarket wheels or suspension changes, and those changes can affect clearance and tire choice. On an unmodified car, the main decision becomes tire style, series, and intended use rather than size.

Start with the correct size and construction: 185/70R13 radial. From there, compare the tire’s intended character, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility. This size is offered in several different radial series, so the choice is less about basic fitment and more about how you want the BMW to look and be used.

A blackwall tire usually suits a more understated late-1970s European presentation, while redline or wide whitewall options can shift the visual tone significantly. It also helps to compare load figures where they are stated and to confirm that the tire’s approved wheel-width range matches the wheels actually on the car. Those details shape the final choice more than size alone.

The available 185/70R13 tires for the 1979 BMW 320i & 320iA include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Blackwall choices are the most common in this size, while BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial options add redline and 2-inch whitewall treatments for owners who want a different visual presentation.

Sidewall style changes the car’s appearance much more than many buyers expect, especially on a compact, cleanly styled car like an E21 BMW. A blackwall generally keeps the look restrained and more European in feel, while a redline or wide whitewall makes a stronger visual statement. The right choice depends on whether the goal is restrained originality-inspired style or something more personalized.

185/70R13 tires for the 1979 BMW 320i & 320iA are available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. Those brands cover several different tire series in the correct size, giving owners a useful mix of traditional-looking options and more performance-oriented classic radial offerings.

Brand choice should be considered alongside sidewall style, series, rim-width range, and how the car will be driven. Some buyers are looking for a traditional period-style look, while others want a sportier visual tone with a blackwall radial. Comparing the details within each 185/70R13 offering is more useful than choosing by brand name alone.

A period-style choice for a 1979 BMW 320i & 320iA starts with the correct 185/70R13 radial size. From there, the most restoration-oriented direction usually comes from selecting a tire series and sidewall treatment that suit the car’s late-1970s character rather than changing the size or moving to a different visual era.

Blackwall radials often align naturally with the restrained look many owners want for an E21 BMW, while redline or wide whitewall choices create a more customized presentation. If exact originality matters, the final appearance decision should be checked against marque-specific historical references or survivor-car evidence. The correct size is the foundation; the sidewall treatment sets the tone.

For this application, construction is straightforward because the primary fitment is already radial. That means the restoration appearance question is less about choosing between bias-ply and radial construction, and more about selecting the radial tire series and sidewall style that best suit the look of a 1979 BMW 320i & 320iA.

A blackwall radial typically gives the car a cleaner, more European late-1970s presentation, while redline or wide whitewall tires create a much stronger visual accent. Construction does not need to be changed to influence appearance here; the correct-size radial already fits the vehicle’s era. Most owners will get the result they want by focusing on style and proportion instead.

Yes. Even though the primary tire size is 185/70R13, modifications can change whether a given tire choice works well on the car. Aftermarket wheels may alter width or offset, and suspension changes can affect fender, steering, or inner-clearance relationships that were not a concern with the original setup.

A modified 1979 BMW 320i & 320iA should be checked carefully before ordering tires, especially if it sits lower than stock or uses non-original wheels. Confirm the actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and available clearance at full steering lock and full suspension travel. Those measurements matter just as much as the size stamped on the sidewall.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the tires are mounted in the correct size, and make sure inflation is set appropriately for the tire and vehicle setup. It is also wise to check for rubbing at the fenders, suspension, and steering components once the tires are installed.

A short, careful test drive helps reveal issues that may not appear while the car is parked. Pay attention to air retention, steering feel, vibration, and any sign of contact under turning or compression. Older collector vehicles also benefit from checking alignment, wheel hardware, and brake condition at the same time, since fresh tires often expose other deferred maintenance.

Collector-car tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and protection from long-term storage hazards. On a 1979 BMW 320i & 320iA, the 185/70R13 tires should be inspected for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, especially if the car is driven only occasionally.

Storage conditions make a real difference on older enthusiast cars. Keeping the BMW away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition over time. It also helps to move the car periodically, keep the alignment in good order, and inspect tires before any longer drive rather than assuming low mileage means they are road-ready.