The 1979 BMW 733i arrived during BMW’s first-generation 7 Series era, when the brand was defining its full-size sedan around high-speed touring, restrained luxury, and precise road manners. That balance matters when choosing tires, because this car uses radial fitments and can be found with either a 205/70R14 modern metric radial or a 220/55R390 millimetric radial. Those two paths create very different buying decisions, from conventional 14-inch fitment choices to the distinctive Michelin TRX route. Getting the right tire for a 1979 BMW 733i starts with confirming which wheel system is on the car, then choosing the sidewall style, series, and appearance that suit its condition and intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1979 BMW 733i
The 1979 BMW 733i uses two primary tire sizes, and the right choice depends on which wheel system is on the car. The Base model can use either 205/70R14 or 220/55R390, so the first step is confirming whether the car has conventional 14-inch wheels or millimetric TRX wheels before selecting a tire.
The 205/70R14 size uses a metric format: 205 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 14 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1979 BMW 733i, this is the conventional radial fitment using a 14-inch wheel. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, redline, dual-redline, and raised white letter styles from Maxxis, BFGoodrich, and Michelin across series such as Classic Whitewall MA-1, Radial T/A, Silvertown Radial, and XWX. This size suits owners who want broad selection within a standard inch-based wheel format.
The 220/55R390 size is a metric radial format in which 220 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 390 identifies a millimetric rim diameter rather than a 14-inch wheel. For the 1979 BMW 733i, this size points to a TRX-style wheel setup and should be matched carefully to the correct wheel system. The available product choice here is a Michelin TRX-B blackwall radial. This size matters most for owners preserving or maintaining a car that still retains its millimetric wheel package.
Fitment is straightforward at the sub-model level because the 1979 BMW 733i Base is the covered configuration, but tire choice still varies by wheel system. Checking the exact wheel setup matters because the Base model can use either a conventional 14-inch radial or a millimetric TRX radial.
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1979 BMW 733i Base
The 1979 BMW 733i Base uses radial tires and may be equipped with either 205/70R14 or 220/55R390 depending on the wheels fitted to the car. That makes wheel confirmation the key step before choosing between broader 14-inch tire options or maintaining the Michelin TRX-style millimetric setup.
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 1979 BMW 733i Tires for Sale
Available 1979 BMW 733i tire choices center on 205/70R14 and 220/55R390 radial fitments, with offerings from Maxxis, BFGoodrich, and Michelin. Buyers can compare series, sidewall styles, and wheel compatibility, from traditional whitewall or redline looks to blackwall and raised white letter options.
Common 1979 BMW 733i tire questions usually come down to size identification, wheel-system confirmation, radial fitment differences, appearance choices, and what to inspect before regular road use. These answers focus on the practical decisions owners face with this exact model.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1979 BMW 733i?
A 1979 BMW 733i uses either 205/70R14 or 220/55R390, and both are radial tire sizes. The key difference is the wheel system: 205/70R14 fits a conventional 14-inch rim, while 220/55R390 is a millimetric size used with TRX-style wheels.
Choosing between them starts with the wheels actually on the car, not just the model name. Many cars have had wheels changed over time, so it is smart to confirm the rim markings and current tire size before ordering. Once the wheel system is confirmed, the decision shifts to sidewall appearance, brand, and tire series.
What size rim does a 1979 BMW 733i use?
The 1979 BMW 733i can use two different rim systems depending on tire size. A 205/70R14 tire mounts on a 14-inch wheel, while a 220/55R390 tire mounts on a 390 millimeter wheel used for the Michelin TRX-style setup.
That distinction is important because a 390 millimeter wheel is not the same as a 14-inch wheel, even if the sizes seem close at a glance. Checking the wheel itself is the safest next step, especially on a collector sedan that may have changed hands or been modified. Tire selection only makes sense after rim type is confirmed.
Does the 1979 BMW 733i Base use the same tire size?
The 1979 BMW 733i Base can use either of the two primary radial sizes tied to this model: 205/70R14 or 220/55R390. It does not point to one universal size without first knowing whether the car has standard 14-inch wheels or millimetric TRX wheels.
That means the Base designation alone is not enough to choose a tire. Looking at the current wheels and the size molded into the existing tires will usually answer the question quickly. After that, owners can decide whether they want a traditional blackwall, whitewall, redline, or another period-style presentation where available.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 205/70R14 tire for a 1979 BMW 733i?
Start with the fact that 205/70R14 is the conventional 14-inch radial fitment for the 1979 BMW 733i. Within that size, the real choices are brand, sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility, with options from Maxxis, BFGoodrich, and Michelin.
Appearance often drives the final decision on a classic BMW sedan. A blackwall Michelin XWX creates a different look than a narrow whitewall Maxxis or BFGoodrich redline, dual-redline, or raised white letter option. It is also worth comparing the wheel-width range on the product you are considering so the tire matches the wheel already on the car.
What sidewall styles are available for 1979 BMW 733i tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1979 BMW 733i vary by tire size and series. In 205/70R14, available styles include narrow whitewall, raised white letter, redline, dual-redline, and blackwall. In 220/55R390, the available Michelin TRX-B option is a blackwall radial.
That range lets owners shape the car’s visual character without changing the basic fitment size. A blackwall tends to keep the look restrained and European, while whitewall or redline treatments create a more deliberate vintage presentation. The best choice depends on whether the goal is understated touring style, period flavor, or a restoration-oriented appearance.
What brands offer tires for the 1979 BMW 733i?
Tires for the 1979 BMW 733i are available from Maxxis, BFGoodrich, and Michelin. The 205/70R14 size has the broadest selection across multiple series, while the 220/55R390 millimetric fitment is represented by Michelin TRX-B.
Brand choice should be considered alongside the exact size and wheel type rather than in isolation. A 14-inch car opens the door to several visual styles and series, while a TRX-equipped car follows a much narrower path. Matching the tire to the wheel system and the car’s intended appearance usually narrows the decision more effectively than brand alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1979 BMW 733i?
A period-style choice for a 1979 BMW 733i starts with using the correct primary size for the wheels on the car. That means either 205/70R14 on a conventional 14-inch wheel or 220/55R390 on a millimetric TRX wheel, both in radial construction.
After the size is settled, appearance becomes the main filter. Blackwall tires usually preserve the more restrained European sedan look, while whitewall or redline options create a different visual statement on a 205/70R14 setup. Owners pursuing exact restoration standards should compare their car against marque references, historical photos, and vehicle-specific documentation before finalizing a sidewall style.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1979 BMW 733i restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1979 BMW 733i restoration because the car can present very differently depending on whether it retains a standard 14-inch wheel setup or a millimetric TRX arrangement. Using the proper size for the wheel system keeps the stance, wheel relationship, and overall presentation coherent.
Fitment also affects how believable the finished restoration feels to an informed enthusiast. A tire that suits the wheel and era of the car will usually look more natural than one chosen only for convenience. Before making changes, confirm the wheel type, tire size, and desired restoration direction so the final result supports the car rather than distracting from it.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1979 BMW 733i?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1979 BMW 733i even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or bodywork differences can change the space available for steering movement, fender clearance, and proper wheel-to-tire matching.
That matters especially on a car that may have been updated over the years. A 205/70R14 setup still needs the right wheel width, and a TRX-equipped car still needs the proper millimetric wheel. Checking wheel dimensions, current ride height, and visible clearance before installation helps avoid surprises once the car is back on the road.
What should I inspect before driving a 1979 BMW 733i on new tires?
Before driving a 1979 BMW 733i on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall mounting condition, then confirm the tires match the wheel system on the car. The size on the tire should agree with the rim type, whether that is 205/70R14 on a 14-inch wheel or 220/55R390 on a TRX wheel.
A broader road-use check is smart on any low-mileage collector sedan. Look for proper inflation, secure lug hardware, even seating at the rim, and enough clearance through steering travel. It also helps to inspect suspension and brake components at the same time, since a fresh set of tires often highlights problems that older tires may have masked.
How should 205/70R14 tires on a collector 1979 BMW 733i be maintained?
205/70R14 tires on a collector 1979 BMW 733i should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age as well as tread wear. Even a car that is driven sparingly can develop sidewall cracking, flat spotting, air loss, or weather-related deterioration over time.
Storage conditions make a real difference on an older touring sedan. Keeping the car away from prolonged sun exposure, heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires between drives. It is also wise to inspect them before longer outings, since collector vehicles often spend enough time parked that condition changes are easy to miss.
