1962 BMW sat at an interesting crossroads, with the rear-engine 700 carrying the brand’s small-car momentum while the larger 2600 and 3200 sedans represented BMW’s more upscale ambitions. That spread means tire fitment is not a one-size-fits-all question across the year. Three model lines use seven distinct sizes overall, with the big sedans centered on 15-inch fitments and the compact 700 using 12-inch sizes, while the 2600 also introduces a radial-versus-bias choice that changes the driving character as much as the appearance. Before choosing a tire for a 1962 BMW, confirm the exact model first, then decide whether originality or more modern road manners matters more for your car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1962 BMW
Seven tire sizes appear across 1962 BMW models, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full range. The first decision is identifying whether you have a 700, 2600, or 3200, because rim diameter changes between 12-inch and 15-inch applications; after that, the 2600 owner also has a construction choice between radial and bias-ply. Understanding those distinctions before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the right car and use.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): 2600|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
185R15 is a euro-metric radial size with a 185-millimeter section width, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim diameter. This size is available from Coker Classic and Michelin in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline form, and products in this size are tubeless while speed ratings vary by product, including H up to 130 mph and V up to 149 mph. On a 1962 BMW 2600, this size suits owners who want a period-appropriate radial fitment with a more modern road feel than a bias-ply alternative.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): 2600|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
640-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.40 denotes the nominal section width and 15 denotes the rim diameter, and on 1962 BMW applications it is specific to the 2600 rather than universal across the make. This size comes from BFGoodrich and Firestone with wide whitewall and narrow whitewall choices, and load figures in this size reach 1190 pounds at 32 psi on some products. For a 1962 BMW 2600 owner focused on a more traditional early-1960s look and bias-ply driving character, 640-15 is the era-correct direction to consider.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): 3200|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in rim
6.50-15 is a numeric bias-ply size with a nominal 6.50-inch section width and a 15-inch rim diameter. This 1962 BMW 3200 fitment uses bias-ply construction, but no product range is present here to add sidewall, load, or speed variation details. For a 3200 owner, this size belongs in the restoration-oriented bias-ply side of the decision and should be confirmed against the actual wheel before moving forward.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): 3200|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
670-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.70 identifies the nominal section width and 15 identifies the rim diameter, and this size is specific to the 1962 BMW 3200. It is available from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire in blackwall and wide whitewall form, with load capacities reaching 1550 pounds at 32 psi on some products. For a 3200 owner seeking a traditional large-sedan stance and period-correct bias-ply appearance, 670-15 is the more fully covered choice within this model line.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): 700|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 12 in rim
5.60-12 is a numeric bias-ply size with a nominal 5.60-inch section width and a 12-inch rim diameter. This size is one of the small-wheel fitments used on the 1962 BMW 700, but no product range appears here to expand on sidewall style, tube status, or load details. For a BMW 700 owner, it belongs to the original-style compact bias-ply family and should be matched carefully to the wheel already on the car.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): 700|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 12 in
520-12 is a numeric bias-ply size where 5.20 denotes the nominal section width and 12 denotes the rim diameter, and it applies specifically to the 1962 BMW 700. BFGoodrich offers this size in blackwall and wide whitewall versions, with load capacity reaching 694 pounds at 30 psi on some products. For a 700 owner, 520-12 is the compact-car bias-ply option to consider when preserving a small-displacement early-1960s appearance.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): 700|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 12 in rim
5.50-12 is a numeric bias-ply size with a nominal 5.50-inch section width and a 12-inch rim diameter. This is another 1962 BMW 700-specific small-wheel fitment, though no product range appears here to add sidewall or specification variation. For a BMW 700 owner comparing 12-inch options, 5.50-12 remains part of the original-style bias-ply group and is best chosen only after confirming the exact wheel and fitment history of the car.
Three BMW model lines are covered for 1962, and they do not all use the same tire sizes. The practical takeaway is simple: year and make alone are not enough here, because the compact 700 and the larger 2600 and 3200 sit on different rim diameters and different size families. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tire options that apply to that specific 1962 BMW.
1962 BMW 2600
The 2600 was part of BMW’s New Class-era move toward refined, sporting sedans with a more modern European road feel than many earlier postwar cars. Its tires mount on 15-inch rims, and this model stands apart by supporting both a radial 185R15 option and a traditional 640-15 bias-ply alternative. That makes the 2600 the model where construction choice matters as much as size choice.
The 3200 represented BMW’s larger, more formal sedan tradition, aimed at buyers who wanted comfort and prestige with unmistakable German character. Its fitments stay in the 15-inch range and use bias-ply sizing rather than the radial-versus-bias split seen on the 2600. For 3200 owners, the main job is confirming which of the two 15-inch bias-ply sizes belongs on the car.
The BMW 700 was the company’s pivotal small car, a light rear-engine model that helped carry BMW into a stronger financial and engineering future. Its tires mount on 12-inch rims, setting it apart immediately from the larger BMW sedans of the same year. All three fitments for the 700 are bias-ply sizes, so the focus is on getting the correct compact-car size rather than choosing between construction types.
Seventeen products are available across four tire sizes for 1962 BMW vehicles. 185R15 includes 4 radial choices from Coker Classic and Michelin in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline; 640-15 has 4 bias-ply options from BFGoodrich and Firestone in narrow and wide whitewall; 670-15 offers 4 bias-ply choices from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire in blackwall and wide whitewall; 520-12 includes 2 bias-ply BFGoodrich tires in blackwall and wide whitewall. Confirm the exact size first, and note that speed ratings vary within 185R15 products.
These answers focus on the real 1962 BMW questions: how the 700, 2600, and 3200 split across different sizes, when the 2600’s radial-versus-bias choice matters, what sidewall styles exist, and how to care for collector tires on cars that may spend long periods parked.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1962 BMW vehicles?
1962 BMW vehicles use seven sizes across three model lines. The BMW 2600 uses 185R15 and 640-15, both on 15-inch rims; the BMW 3200 uses 6.50-15 and 670-15, also on 15-inch rims; and the BMW 700 uses 5.60-12, 520-12, and 5.50-12 on 12-inch rims. Where rim-width guidance appears, 185R15 products span roughly 4.5 to 6.5 inches, 640-15 products span 4.0 to 5.0 inches, 670-15 products span 4.5 to 6.0 inches, and 520-12 appears at 4 inches.
That means the first fitment question on a 1962 BMW is not brand or sidewall style but model identification. A 700 owner is in a completely different 12-inch category than a 2600 or 3200 owner, and even within the 15-inch BMW sedans the exact size family changes by model. Checking the sidewall on the current tires, measuring the wheel, and confirming against factory literature or marque-club references is the best way to settle the correct size before moving on to a product choice.
What does 185R15 mean on a 1962 BMW tire?
On a 1962 BMW, 185R15 is a euro-metric radial size. The 185 refers to a 185-millimeter section width, the R indicates radial construction, and the 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. In this year and make, 185R15 belongs to the BMW 2600 and not to the 3200 or 700. Products in this size include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline versions, and the available speed ratings include H and V depending on the tire.
For a 2600 owner, that code signals a very different tire family than the old-style numeric bias-ply sizes. It points you toward a radial layout that suits buyers who want a more modern road character while staying in an era-appropriate overall diameter class for a European sedan of the period. Before choosing among the available 185R15 options, compare your wheel width and decide whether a blackwall, whitewall, or redline look best matches the personality of your 1962 BMW 2600.
Do all 1962 BMW models use the same tire size?
No, 1962 BMW models do not share one tire size across the full range. The 2600 uses 185R15 or 640-15, the 3200 uses 6.50-15 or 670-15, and the 700 uses 5.60-12, 520-12, or 5.50-12. That split reflects the very different roles of the cars, from the compact rear-engine 700 to the larger BMW sedans. Rim diameter alone separates the 700 from the 2600 and 3200, so there is no practical overlap between those model lines.
For buyers, that means year and make are only the starting point on a 1962 BMW search. You need the model before narrowing to the correct tire family, and on the larger cars you may also need to confirm whether the car is meant to stay with a traditional bias-ply presentation or move to a radial configuration where appropriate. If a car has been restored or modified over the years, always verify the actual wheel on the car rather than assuming it still carries its original fitment.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 185R15 or the 640-15 for my 1962 BMW?
For a 1962 BMW, that choice applies specifically to the 2600. The 185R15 is a radial on a 15-inch rim, while the 640-15 is a numeric bias-ply on the same rim diameter. The radial side offers blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline options, and some products carry H or V speed ratings; the bias-ply side centers on narrow and wide whitewall styling with a more traditional early-1960s construction. Both belong to the 2600, but they represent different approaches to how the car feels and presents.
A 2600 restored for period appearance usually points buyers toward the 640-15 bias-ply family, especially when the goal is an authentic early-1960s visual character. A 2600 that will see more regular road use often leads owners to consider 185R15 radials for a more contemporary driving experience without leaving the 15-inch platform. The right answer depends less on which tire is universally better and more on whether your 1962 BMW 2600 is being judged for originality, driven often, or expected to do both reasonably well.
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 BMW tires?
1962 BMW tires span several sidewall styles depending on size. The 185R15 used on the BMW 2600 appears in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline form. The 640-15 for the 2600 comes in wide whitewall and narrow whitewall versions, the 670-15 for the 3200 comes in blackwall and wide whitewall, and the 520-12 for the 700 appears in blackwall and wide whitewall. That gives owners room to tune the look of the car without changing the basic fitment family.
On a 1962 BMW, sidewall choice is often as much about character as strict fit. Blackwalls usually suit a more restrained European presentation, while whitewalls can lean more formal or more market-specific in appearance, especially on larger sedans. Redlines on 185R15 introduce a sportier custom flavor rather than a universal factory-correct answer for every BMW. If authenticity matters, compare your chosen sidewall style with period photos, sales literature, and the expectations of the show field or marque club you care about most.
What brands make tires for 1962 BMW vehicles?
1962 BMW tires are available from several brands, depending on size. The 185R15 used on the BMW 2600 comes from Coker Classic and Michelin. The 640-15 for the 2600 comes from BFGoodrich and Firestone, the 670-15 for the 3200 comes from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire, and the 520-12 for the 700 comes from BFGoodrich. Brand choice is therefore closely tied to model and size rather than to the year and make alone.
That matters because buyers often begin with a favorite brand name when they should begin with fitment. A Michelin radial option exists for the 2600, but that does not carry across to the 3200 or 700. Likewise, some bias-ply brands appear only in certain sedan or compact sizes. Once you know the exact size your 1962 BMW needs, compare brands by sidewall look, load information where available, and the overall visual tone you want the finished car to have.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1962 BMW tires require?
Rim-width guidance for 1962 BMW tires varies by size. For 185R15, products span roughly 4.5 to 6.5 inches, depending on the tire. For 640-15, the range runs from 4.0 to 5.0 inches. For 670-15, the range runs from 4.5 to 6.0 inches. For 520-12, the wheel width appears at 4 inches. Those figures are tied to the tire size, not to BMW as a whole.
The practical point is to verify the wheel on the car before assuming a tire will seat and perform as intended. A 15-inch BMW wheel still needs the right width for the chosen 15-inch tire, and a size that fits one wheel can be a poor match on another. If your 1962 BMW has replacement wheels, widened rims, or mixed components from an older restoration, measure the wheel directly and compare that measurement to the tire you are considering before committing.
Do 1962 BMW tires require inner tubes?
Tube requirements on 1962 BMW tires depend on the size and the individual tire. The 185R15 radial products for the BMW 2600 are tubeless, marked TL. The bias-ply products shown here for 640-15, 670-15, and 520-12 do not carry a uniform tube marker in the available size descriptions, so tube use should be confirmed against the tire’s sidewall marking and the wheel design before installation. On older European cars, wheel construction can matter just as much as the tire itself.
For a buyer, the safest approach is to treat tube fitment as a tire-and-wheel system decision rather than a blanket rule for all 1962 BMW models. If your car retains original wheels, ask whether those wheels were intended for tubeless use and whether their condition still supports it. If the car has been restored or converted, inspect the wheel well, valve-stem hole, and bead area carefully. A marque specialist or experienced vintage tire installer can help settle the question before mounting.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1962 BMW when the tires are fitted?
A 1962 BMW should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing sources that can accelerate sidewall cracking. Keep the tires clean, maintain proper inflation, and move the car periodically so it does not sit on one contact patch for months at a time. That matters even more when a 1962 BMW wears bias-ply tires, because bias-ply construction is more prone to temporary flat-spotting during long static storage than a radial.
If the car will rest for an extended period, many collectors either roll it occasionally or support it in a way that reduces continuous load on the tires. The goal is not to hang the suspension unnaturally, but to avoid months of dead weight on one patch of rubber. A fitted car cover helps protect the body, but the tires benefit most from stable temperature, low UV exposure, and reduced ozone. Good storage habits preserve both appearance and drivability when the car returns to the road.
How long do tires on a 1962 BMW typically last?
On a 1962 BMW, tire life is usually judged more by age than by mileage. Collector cars often cover very few miles, yet the rubber still hardens and ages over time. A common rule is to evaluate vintage-car tires closely once they are around five to seven years old and to consider replacement as they approach ten years, even if tread depth still looks healthy. The DOT date code on the tire helps establish age, and visible cracking or persistent vibration can shorten that timeline.
That age-first approach matters because a lightly used 1962 BMW can appear roadworthy while the tires are already beyond their best years. A car stored indoors may age better than one kept outside, but storage alone does not stop the clock. If your BMW is driven at speed, carries passengers regularly, or has uncertain tire age, replacement becomes a maintenance decision rather than a cosmetic one. Keeping a written record of install dates makes future evaluation much easier.
How often should tires on a 1962 BMW be inspected?
Tires on a 1962 BMW should be inspected before every drive and again before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, embedded debris, and any sign that the tire is losing air between uses. Pressure should be checked when the tires are cold, and the spare should be inspected as well rather than forgotten in the trunk. On older cars, the tires can tell you a great deal about alignment, suspension wear, and storage conditions.
A pre-drive inspection becomes even more important when the car spends long stretches parked between outings. Rubber can age quietly, and a tire that looked acceptable last month can show fresh cracks or a new flat spot today. If your 1962 BMW uses a setup that involves tubes, include valve stems and any signs of slow leakage in the inspection routine. Five minutes in the garage is far easier than dealing with a roadside problem in a sixty-year-old collector car.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1962 BMW 2600?
For a 1962 BMW 2600, bias-ply construction is the historically expected starting point for factory-era fitment thinking, and 640-15 reflects that period-correct type directly. The presence of 185R15 radial coverage is useful for owners today, but a radial should be viewed as an alternate replacement path rather than the default assumption for originality on every example. Original-equipment branding can vary by market and delivery history, so the key authenticity markers are usually the correct size family, construction type, and an era-appropriate sidewall style.
If your 1962 BMW 2600 is being restored for shows, judges and knowledgeable marque enthusiasts are more likely to notice whether the car is on a radial instead of a bias-ply than whether the tread has a subtle difference. Whitewall width and overall presentation also matter, especially on a formal early-1960s sedan. For the final word on a specific chassis, market, or delivery destination, period BMW literature and model-specific club resources remain the best references before the car is finished.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1962 BMW?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1962 BMW because show judging and informed enthusiast scrutiny often extend beyond simple diameter. Size family, construction type, sidewall style, and the overall visual relationship between the tire and the car are all part of the presentation. A 700 wearing the wrong 12-inch size family, a 2600 shown on a modern-looking radial when originality is the goal, or an oversized whitewall where a more restrained look is expected can all stand out for the wrong reasons.
That does not mean every show applies the same standards. Local events may reward cleanliness and overall quality, while marque-focused concours judging may pay close attention to details that casual viewers overlook. If your 1962 BMW is being built for formal judging, settle the exact size and sidewall treatment early in the restoration rather than treating tires as a last-minute purchase. BMW club judges, period photos, and sales brochures can help confirm what looks authentic for your particular model and market.
What tires were originally fitted to the 1962 BMW 700?
A 1962 BMW 700 belongs firmly in the bias-ply era, and its 12-inch fitments reflect that. The size family for this model includes 5.60-12, 520-12, and 5.50-12, all in bias-ply form, which suits the car’s compact early-1960s engineering and appearance. Original-equipment branding could vary, so the strongest authenticity cues are staying within the correct 12-inch bias-ply family and choosing a sidewall treatment that matches the way you want the car presented, whether restrained or more decorative.
Because the 700 is such a small, visually distinctive BMW, tire proportions are easy to notice. A tire that is too wide, too modern in profile, or simply the wrong size can alter the stance of the whole car more dramatically than on a larger sedan. If the car is being restored for originality, compare old photos, brochures, and club references to determine which of the period 12-inch sizes best matches your exact body style and market history before making the final choice.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1962 BMW tires safe for highway driving?
1962 BMW tires can be appropriate for highway driving when the correct size is chosen, the tires are in good condition, and the car itself is mechanically sound. Among the sizes with speed data, 185R15 radial products include H-rated versions up to 130 mph and V-rated versions up to 149 mph. The bias-ply sizes shown here do not carry speed-letter markings in the same way, so they should be approached with the expectations appropriate to vintage bias-ply construction. On a 1962 BMW, brakes, steering, suspension, and overall condition often limit comfortable cruising well before a modern radial’s speed ceiling does.
The real question is not whether a reproduction vintage tire can survive highway speeds in isolation, but whether the whole 1962 BMW is prepared for sustained road use. A healthy 2600 on fresh 185R15 radials will feel different from a 700 or 3200 on bias-ply tires, and the driving style should adapt accordingly. Before any fast or long trip, inspect the tires, confirm inflation, and think honestly about the car’s age, alignment, wheel condition, and braking system instead of focusing on the tire alone.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1962 BMW tires?
Inflation pressure on 1962 BMW tires should start with the factory recommendation for the exact model and size, then be checked against the tire maker’s own rated-pressure information where available. Some examples here include 185R15 at 1355 pounds at 35 psi, 640-15 at 1190 pounds at 32 psi on some products, 670-15 at up to 1550 pounds at 32 psi on some products, and 520-12 at 694 pounds at 30 psi on some products. Those figures are tire ratings, not universal BMW pressure settings.
That distinction matters because load-and-pressure ratings describe the tire’s capacity, while the car’s recommended pressure is about how the vehicle should ride and handle. A pressure suitable for one 1962 BMW size should not be transferred casually to another size or model. Use the owner’s manual or trusted marque reference for the car-side starting point, then fine-tune only within the tire maker’s limits. If the car has been modified, corner-weighted, or fitted with non-original wheels, get more specific guidance before settling on a final pressure.
What should I check before taking a 1962 BMW on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1962 BMW, inspect each tire for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, and any object embedded in the rubber. Check cold inflation pressure, make sure the spare is usable, and look closely at valve stems, especially on any setup that may involve tubes or older wheels. A quick visual check of the wheels themselves is worthwhile too, since rust, bent rims, or bead-seat issues can create trouble even when the tread still looks good.
Tires are only one part of the pre-drive routine on a sixty-plus-year-old BMW. Add brake function, fluid levels, wheel-bearing play, charging system health, and basic tool-and-spare readiness to the checklist before heading out. The farther you plan to drive, the more important it is to catch small issues in the garage rather than on the shoulder. A 1962 BMW rewards preparation, and a careful tire inspection is one of the simplest ways to make an older car feel calmer and more dependable on the road.
