The 1998 Bentley Turbo R sits in the final era of Bentley’s hand-built, turbocharged saloons, combining traditional coachbuilt presence with the more assertive road manners that defined the Turbo R name. Buyers looking at one today are usually balancing collector sensibilities with the realities of maintaining a large, fast luxury car that still needs the right stance and road manners. Tire fitment matters because this exact model uses two different radial sizes depending on sub-model: 255/55R17 or 285/45R18. That makes wheel diameter and sub-model identification the first step before comparing tire options. Once that is settled, the focus shifts to maintaining the car’s intended proportions and confirming compatibility with the wheels actually on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1998 Bentley Turbo R
Two tire sizes apply to the 1998 Bentley Turbo R, and the correct choice depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. The standard LWB uses a 17-inch radial fitment, while the LWB Mulliner uses an 18-inch radial fitment. Before selecting a tire, confirm whether the car is an LWB or LWB Mulliner and verify that the wheels on the car still match the original rim diameter for that configuration.
255/55R17 is a metric radial size in which 255 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1998 Bentley Turbo R, this size belongs to the LWB configuration and reflects a modern touring-oriented fitment rather than an older bias-ply sizing system. Its dimensions keep the tire in the proper proportion for a substantial luxury sedan while remaining tied to a 17-inch wheel. This is the size to evaluate when the car retains its LWB wheel setup and the goal is to preserve the intended fitment profile.
285/45R18 is a metric radial size where 285 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 18 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1998 Bentley Turbo R, this size is associated with the LWB Mulliner and represents a distinctly different wheel and tire package from the 17-inch setup. The wider section and 18-inch rim make wheel confirmation especially important before replacement. This is the fitment to follow when the car is an LWB Mulliner and still carries the correct 18-inch wheels for that version.
Sub-model identification matters on the 1998 Bentley Turbo R because tire fitment is not shared across both versions. The LWB and LWB Mulliner use different radial sizes on different wheel diameters, so the correct tire choice starts with confirming the exact model designation and wheel setup.
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1998 Bentley Turbo R LWB
The 1998 Bentley Turbo R LWB uses the 255/55R17 radial fitment and should be matched to a 17-inch wheel. Tire selection here centers on staying with that metric radial size and confirming that the car has not been changed to a different wheel package over time.
The 1998 Bentley Turbo R LWB Mulliner uses the 285/45R18 radial fitment, making it distinct from the 17-inch LWB setup. That means replacement starts with verifying the 18-inch wheel package and then choosing a tire that preserves the intended dimensions and clearance for the Mulliner configuration.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions for the 1998 Bentley Turbo R usually come down to exact tire size, 17-inch versus 18-inch wheel fitment, sub-model differences between LWB and LWB Mulliner, and the checks worth making before putting a collector-era Bentley back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1998 Bentley Turbo R?
The 1998 Bentley Turbo R uses one of two radial tire sizes depending on sub-model: 255/55R17 or 285/45R18. The LWB uses 255/55R17, while the LWB Mulliner uses 285/45R18, so there is not one universal size for every 1998 Turbo R configuration.
The practical step is confirming the car’s exact sub-model and checking the wheel diameter currently on the vehicle before ordering tires. A Bentley of this era may have seen wheel changes over time, and the correct replacement should match the actual wheel size and leave proper clearance at the suspension and body.
What size rim does a 1998 Bentley Turbo R use?
Rim size depends on which 1998 Bentley Turbo R you have. The LWB uses a 17-inch wheel with 255/55R17 tires, while the LWB Mulliner uses an 18-inch wheel with 285/45R18 tires. Both are radial fitments, but they are tied to different wheel diameters.
Checking the wheel itself matters more than assuming all Turbo R models share the same setup. Measure or confirm the wheel marking before replacing tires, especially if the car has changed hands or has had aftermarket wheel work, because a 17-inch tire and an 18-inch tire are not interchangeable.
Do all 1998 Bentley Turbo R sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1998 Bentley Turbo R LWB uses 255/55R17, while the 1998 Bentley Turbo R LWB Mulliner uses 285/45R18. Both are modern metric radial sizes, but they belong to different sub-models and different wheel diameters.
That difference affects more than the tire label on the sidewall. It changes the wheel diameter that must be matched and influences how the car sits and clears the body and suspension, so the safest approach is to verify the exact sub-model and confirm the existing wheel package before choosing replacement tires.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1998 Bentley Turbo R?
Start with the exact sub-model and correct size: 255/55R17 for the LWB or 285/45R18 for the LWB Mulliner. Since both are radial metric fitments, the main decision is not bias-ply versus radial, but choosing a tire that matches the proper wheel diameter and preserves the intended proportions of the car.
After size is confirmed, compare details that affect fitment and use, such as the tire’s dimensions, load suitability, and how the car will be driven. A large Bentley benefits from a tire that matches the wheel correctly and maintains adequate clearance, especially if the vehicle has been modified or fitted with different wheels over the years.
How do I choose between the available 1998 Bentley Turbo R tire sizes?
The choice is made by configuration, not personal preference alone. A 1998 Bentley Turbo R LWB uses 255/55R17, and a 1998 Bentley Turbo R LWB Mulliner uses 285/45R18. Those sizes belong to different wheel diameters, so the car’s sub-model determines which size should be considered first.
Once the correct size is identified, focus on whether the wheels on the car still match that setup. Many collector cars have had wheel changes, and the right replacement tire should suit the actual rim diameter and leave proper room at the fenders, steering components, and suspension rather than relying only on model-year assumptions.
What rim-fitment details should I compare when choosing 1998 Bentley Turbo R tires?
The most important rim-fitment detail is wheel diameter. The 1998 Bentley Turbo R LWB uses a 17-inch setup with 255/55R17 tires, while the LWB Mulliner uses an 18-inch setup with 285/45R18 tires. Matching the tire to the correct wheel diameter is essential before any other comparison is made.
It also helps to confirm that the wheel on the car is the wheel the sub-model was meant to use. If the Bentley has non-original wheels, altered offsets, or suspension changes, compare the current setup carefully so the replacement tire maintains safe bead seating, proper clearance, and the intended overall presentation.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1998 Bentley Turbo R?
A period-style choice starts with using the correct size for the exact sub-model. On a 1998 Bentley Turbo R, that means 255/55R17 for the LWB or 285/45R18 for the LWB Mulliner. Because this is a late-classic luxury performance sedan, retaining the correct metric radial format helps preserve its intended late-1990s appearance.
Appearance on a car like this is shaped as much by the overall dimensions and wheel relationship as by the brand itself. For restoration-oriented work, confirm the car’s sub-model, wheel diameter, and present stance first, then compare tire choices that maintain the proper visual balance without assuming every surviving car still carries its original wheel package.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1998 Bentley Turbo R restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters because the 1998 Bentley Turbo R used two distinct radial sizes tied to two distinct sub-models. Using 255/55R17 on an LWB or 285/45R18 on an LWB Mulliner helps keep the restoration aligned with the proper wheel diameter and overall presentation for that version of the car.
Fitment also affects how convincingly the finished car sits on the road. Even when a Bentley is being restored more for touring than concours judging, the wrong wheel-and-tire combination can alter visual proportion and create clearance issues, so verify the actual wheels on the car and match the tire to that confirmed setup.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1998 Bentley Turbo R?
Yes. Wheel changes, suspension alterations, lowering, or body modifications can all affect tire fitment on a 1998 Bentley Turbo R, even when the tire size sounds close to the original. This matters especially here because the car already has two factory-style fitments tied to different wheel diameters and sub-models.
A Bentley that has aftermarket wheels should be checked for actual rim diameter and clearance before tire replacement. Steering sweep, fender room, and suspension travel all deserve attention, since a tire that matches the sub-model on paper may still need closer review if the car’s wheel or chassis setup has changed.
What should I inspect before driving a 1998 Bentley Turbo R on new tires?
Before driving a 1998 Bentley Turbo R on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm that the tire size matches the correct sub-model, and make sure inflation is set properly for the installed tires. It also makes sense to check alignment condition and look for any rubbing marks around the wheel wells or suspension.
A collector-era Bentley can spend long periods parked, so roadworthiness depends on more than fresh rubber alone. Examine brakes, steering components, and suspension condition, then recheck tire pressure and visual clearance after the first short drive to make sure the new tires are settling in without contact or unusual wear.
How often should tires on a 1998 Bentley Turbo R be inspected?
Tires on a 1998 Bentley Turbo R should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. Look over the tread and sidewalls for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of air loss, and include the spare if the car still carries one.
Collector vehicles can age their tires even when mileage stays low, so a visual check before each outing is a smart habit. A more thorough inspection at routine service intervals helps catch pressure loss, wheel damage, or developing clearance issues early, which is particularly important on a heavy luxury car with sub-model-specific tire fitment.
