1970 BMW sat at an interesting point in the marque’s rise from compact sport sedans to more upscale and performance-oriented cars. The lineup ranged from the tidy 1600 and 2002 to the larger 1800, 2000, and six-cylinder 2800, so tire sizing was not uniform across the year. Seven distinct sizes appear across seven model groups, with some models offering a choice between bias-ply and radial construction while others use sizes specific to a narrower part of the range. Before choosing a tire for 1970 BMW, the first step is confirming the exact model, then deciding whether originality or more modern radial road manners is the priority.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1970 BMW
Seven tire sizes are used across 1970 BMW vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full range. The real choice depends first on identifying the correct model and rim diameter, then understanding whether your BMW uses a period-style bias-ply size, a radial size, or offers both paths within the same model family. Sorting that out before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the tire to the car and the way you use it.
Year(s): 1970|Fit(s): & 1600, 1800, 2000|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
165R14 is a metric radial with a nominal 165-millimeter section width that fits a 14-inch wheel, with the unstated profile conventionally treated as an 80-series type. This size is available from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein in blackwall form, and tubeless marking varies by product; H-rated versions appear here with a 130 mph ceiling. On 1970 BMW models that use it, this size suits owners who want a radial tire with a road-friendly feel while staying appropriate to the era.
Year(s): 1970|Fit(s): 1500 & 1600, 1800|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14-in rim
6.00-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.00 denotes the nominal section width and 14 denotes the wheel diameter. This size is specific to the 1970 BMW 1500 & 1600 and 1800 rather than the full BMW range for the year. It is the size to consider when maintaining a more traditional bias-ply fitment character on those particular sedans.
Year(s): 1970|Fit(s): 1600, 2002|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
165R13 is a metric radial with a 165-millimeter nominal section width for a 13-inch wheel, following the older Euro-metric convention where no aspect ratio is stated. Michelin and Dunlop offer this size in blackwall form, tubeless marking varies by product, and H-rated versions are present with a 130 mph ceiling. This size is specific to the 1970 BMW 1600 and 2002, making it a natural choice for owners who want a radial tire on the smaller-wheel BMW sedans and coupes.
Year(s): 1970|Fit(s): 1600, 2002|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
600-13 is a numeric bias-ply size whose 6.00 designation refers to nominal section width and whose 13 identifies the wheel diameter. BFGoodrich offers it with either a wide whitewall or narrow whitewall, and load capacity reaches 1,010 pounds at 32 psi. This size is specific to the 1970 BMW 1600 and 2002, and it best serves owners pursuing a more period-oriented appearance than a later-style radial blackwall provides.
Year(s): 1970|Fit(s): 2000|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14-in rim
6.45-14 is a numeric bias-ply size with a nominal 6.45-inch section width on a 14-inch wheel. This size is specific to the 1970 BMW 2000 rather than shared across other BMW models in the lineup. It is the more traditional bias-ply path for a 2000 owner who is aiming for an earlier-style fitment character.
Year(s): 1970|Fit(s): 2000, 2800|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
175R14 is a Euro-metric radial with a nominal 175-millimeter section width that mounts on a 14-inch wheel. Michelin and Vredestein offer this size in blackwall form, tubeless marking varies by product, H-rated versions carry a 130 mph ceiling, and load capacity reaches 1,235 pounds at 51 psi on applicable products. This radial size serves the 1970 BMW 2000 and 2800 and makes sense for drivers who want a wider-era radial choice within those model families.
Year(s): 1970|Fit(s): 2000|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
695-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.95 represents nominal section width and 14 identifies the wheel diameter. This BMW 2000-only size is available from BFGoodrich and US Royal in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and dual-redline styles, with load capacity at 1,230 pounds at 32 psi. It is the strongest visual restoration choice for a 1970 BMW 2000 owner who wants period sidewall styling options within a bias-ply construction.
Year(s): 1970|Fit(s): 2800|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14-in rim
DR70-14 is an alphanumeric radial size, with the lettered prefix and 70-series profile indicating a lower-profile radial format on a 14-inch wheel. This size is specific to the 1970 BMW 2800 and is not shared across the rest of the BMW range for the year. It appeals to owners of the larger six-cylinder car who want a radial fitment that reflects the period move toward broader, lower-profile touring tires.
Seven 1970 BMW model groups are covered here, from compact sedans and coupes to larger executive cars. Tire size changes across the range, and several models can use either a bias-ply or a radial depending on how the car was equipped or how closely you want to follow a period-style fitment path. Select your model below to narrow the field to the sizes and tire types that apply to that specific 1970 BMW.
1970 BMW 1600
The 1600 was one of the cars that helped define BMW’s sporty compact identity, with light weight and direct road feel that still appeal to enthusiasts. Its tire options mount on 13-inch wheels, and the choice centers on a radial 165R13 or a more traditional 600-13 bias-ply depending on how you want the car to present and drive.
The 1500 & 1600 sedans belong to BMW’s New Class family, the series that reshaped the company’s reputation in the 1960s and early 1970s. Their tire fitment centers on a 14-inch wheel with a 6.00-14 bias-ply size, making them distinct from the smaller 13-inch 1600 and 2002 applications.
The 1600 sedan offered the balanced, crisp-driving character that made BMW stand out in this era, even before the 2002 became the better-known icon. It uses 13-inch wheel fitments, with either 165R13 radial or 600-13 bias-ply sizing depending on the direction you take with the car.
The 1800 sat in the heart of BMW’s sporting sedan range, blending New Class agility with a little more displacement and presence than the smaller cars. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, and owners will typically choose between 165R14 radial fitment and 6.00-14 bias-ply fitment depending on the car’s intended presentation.
The BMW 2000 family carried the New Class concept into a more substantial and upscale part of the lineup, with a broader range of tire options than the smaller cars. Its fitments all mount on 14-inch wheels, spanning both radial and bias-ply choices that change the car’s look as much as its road feel.
By 1970, the 2002 had already become one of BMW’s defining enthusiast cars, known for compact dimensions, responsive handling, and an unusually sporting character for its class. Its tire sizes mount on 13-inch wheels, with 165R13 as the radial route and 600-13 as the more traditional bias-ply route.
The 2800 represented BMW’s move into a more refined six-cylinder grand touring market, with a larger chassis and a more upscale mission than the New Class cars. Its tires fit 14-inch wheels, and the choices here are radial only, spanning 175R14 and the lower-profile DR70-14 format.
22 products are available across seven tire sizes for 1970 BMW vehicles. 165R14 offers 3 radial blackwall choices from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein; 165R13 offers 3 radial blackwall choices from Michelin and Dunlop; 600-13 offers 2 bias-ply whitewall choices from BFGoodrich; 175R14 offers 3 radial blackwall choices from Michelin and Vredestein; 695-14 offers 11 bias-ply choices from BFGoodrich and US Royal in blackwall, whitewall, and dual-redline styles. Confirm your size first, then check tube markings and speed ratings where they vary by product.
These FAQs sort out the differences between radial and bias-ply choices, explain which 1970 BMW models share sizes and which do not, and cover setup, storage, and road-use details that matter on collector BMWs.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1970 BMW vehicles?
1970 BMW vehicles use seven tire sizes across the model range: 165R14, 6.00-14, 165R13, 600-13, 6.45-14, 175R14, and 695-14, plus the 2800-specific DR70-14 radial format. The BMW & 1600, 1800, and 2000 can use 165R14 in the applications where that size belongs, while the 1500 & 1600 and 1800 use 6.00-14. The 1600 and 2002 use either 165R13 or 600-13, the 2000 also uses 6.45-14, 175R14, and 695-14, and the 2800 uses 175R14 or DR70-14.
The practical takeaway is that year and make alone are not enough for 1970 BMW fitment. Some models use 13-inch tires, others use 14-inch tires, and several models have both bias-ply and radial paths. Rim width guidance is available for some sizes, including 165R14 at 4.0 to 6.0 inches depending on product, 165R13 at 4.50 to 6.00 inches, 600-13 at 4.00 to 4.50 inches, 175R14 at 4.5 to 6.0 inches, and 695-14 at 5.00 to 6.00 inches, so confirming the actual wheel before ordering is worth the extra step.
What does 165R13 mean on a 1970 BMW tire?
On a 1970 BMW, 165R13 is an older Euro-metric radial size. The 165 refers to the nominal section width in millimeters, the R indicates radial construction, and the 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. Because no aspect ratio is printed, this format is conventionally treated as an 80-series type. On 1970 BMW applications, 165R13 belongs to the 1600 and 2002.
That matters because 165R13 represents a smaller-wheel radial fitment than the 14-inch sizes used on larger BMWs in the same year. It is a blackwall radial category rather than a whitewall bias-ply category, so it changes the car’s look as well as its road feel. If you are choosing between 165R13 and 600-13 on a 1970 BMW 1600 or 2002, you are comparing radial construction against a period-style numeric bias-ply alternative on the same general vehicle family.
Do all 1970 BMW models use the same tire size?
No, 1970 BMW models do not all use the same tire size. The smaller 1600 and 2002 applications use 13-inch sizes, the 1500 & 1600 and 1800 center on 14-inch fitments, the 2000 spans several 14-inch bias-ply and radial sizes, and the 2800 uses 14-inch radial sizes including 175R14 and DR70-14. There is overlap within the lineup, but no single size carries across every model group.
That variation means the first buying question is always the exact model, not just 1970 BMW. A 2002 owner should not start by looking at 2000 or 2800 tire options simply because they are from the same year, and a 2000 owner has more size paths to sort through than most of the range. Once the model is confirmed, the next decision becomes simpler: choose the correct wheel diameter, then decide whether you want a radial tire, a bias-ply tire, or the sidewall styling that best fits the car’s intended look.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 165R13 or the 600-13 for my 1970 BMW?
If your 1970 BMW is a 1600 or 2002 that uses 13-inch tires, the choice between 165R13 and 600-13 is mainly a choice between radial and bias-ply construction. 165R13 is a blackwall radial format offered by Michelin and Dunlop, while 600-13 is a bias-ply BFGoodrich size available with narrow or wide whitewall styling. Both are 13-inch applications, but they reflect different eras of tire design and different visual outcomes on the car.
Choose 600-13 when originality of appearance and a period-correct bias-ply presentation matter most. Choose 165R13 when you want a radial interpretation that still fits the car’s era but feels more in step with later tire behavior on normal road use. The right answer depends less on the car’s year alone than on whether your 1970 BMW is being judged for authenticity, driven regularly, or built around a particular wheel-and-tire look.
What sidewall styles are available for 1970 BMW tires?
Sidewall style varies substantially across 1970 BMW tire sizes. The radial sizes 165R14, 165R13, and 175R14 are blackwall offerings, while the 600-13 bias-ply size comes in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall form. The 695-14 bias-ply size used on certain 1970 BMW 2000 applications has the widest visual range, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and dual-redline versions.
For a 1970 BMW, blackwall is usually the most natural visual fit for a sporting European sedan or coupe, especially on radial applications. Whitewalls or redlines become more about a chosen restoration theme than a default BMW look, particularly on the 2000 where multiple sidewall treatments exist in 695-14. If show presentation matters, confirm the exact sidewall style expected for your car’s market and restoration goal before settling on a tire merely because the size is correct.
What brands make tires for 1970 BMW vehicles?
1970 BMW tire coverage includes Pirelli, Michelin, Vredestein, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and US Royal. In 165R14, the choices are Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein; in 165R13, Michelin and Dunlop are present; in 175R14, Michelin and Vredestein are available. BFGoodrich covers 600-13 and also appears in 695-14, where US Royal joins it for bias-ply 14-inch fitments.
Brand choice often follows the kind of BMW you are building. Pirelli, Michelin, Vredestein, and Dunlop align naturally with the European radial side of the 1970 BMW story, while BFGoodrich and US Royal speak more to bias-ply replacement and sidewall-style variety in the U.S. collector market. Once the size is locked in, compare brands by construction, sidewall treatment, speed symbol where present, and rim-width compatibility rather than choosing only by name recognition.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1970 BMW tires require?
Rim width guidance for 1970 BMW tires depends on the size. 165R14 works with 4.0 to 6.0-inch rims depending on product, 165R13 uses 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims, 600-13 uses 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims, 175R14 uses 4.5 to 6.0-inch rims, and 695-14 uses 5.00 to 6.00-inch rims. Each of those ranges is size-specific, so they should not be transferred from one fitment to another.
That matters most on 1970 BMW models like the 2000, where several different 14-inch sizes exist but they do not all want the same wheel width. A tire may mount on the right diameter wheel yet still sit poorly if the wheel is too narrow or too wide for the casing shape. Measure the actual wheel, compare it against the intended tire size, and keep the tire-and-rim pairing within the stated range before making a final selection.
Do 1970 BMW tires require inner tubes?
Inner tube requirements on 1970 BMW tires vary by size and sometimes by product. Michelin examples in 165R14, 165R13, and 175R14 carry TL tubeless markings, while other products in those same sizes do not always state tube status the same way. The bias-ply 600-13 and 695-14 entries do not carry TL markings in the size notation shown here, so tube fitment should be confirmed against the specific tire and wheel combination you plan to use.
The important point is not to assume that every radial is tubeless in practice or that every older wheel should be treated the same. Wheel condition, wheel design, and the exact tire you choose all influence whether tube use is appropriate. Before finalizing a 1970 BMW setup, check the sidewall marking of the actual tire, inspect the wheel’s bead and valve area, and treat tube fitment as a product-and-wheel decision rather than a simple year-based rule.
Can the original 1970 BMW wheels be used with both tire sizes on the same model?
On many 1970 BMW applications, the answer is often yes when the two choices share the same wheel diameter, but only after checking wheel width. The 1600 and 2002 pair 165R13 with 600-13 on 13-inch wheels, the 1800 pairs 165R14 with 6.00-14 on 14-inch wheels, and the 2800 pairs 175R14 with DR70-14 on 14-inch wheels. Diameter compatibility alone does not guarantee that every wheel is ideal for every size.
The 2000 is the best example of why width confirmation matters. It uses several 14-inch sizes, yet 165R14, 175R14, and 695-14 do not all share the same rim-width range. If you are keeping original wheels on a 1970 BMW and considering an alternate tire size within the same model family, confirm both diameter and wheel width before assuming the swap is straightforward.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1970 BMW when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1970 BMW should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone sources that accelerate sidewall aging. Clean, dry floors are better than damp concrete, and tire pressures should be checked before the car is parked for a long period. Bias-ply tires tend to flat-spot more readily during long static storage, while all vintage-style tires benefit from being kept in a cool, stable environment.
If the car will sit for months, move it periodically or place it on stands to reduce load on one contact patch. That is especially useful if your 1970 BMW wears bias-ply tires such as 600-13 or 695-14, since those constructions can take a temporary set more noticeably than radials. A fitted spare should be stored with the same care, because an aged or cracked spare is of limited value when you actually need it.
How long do tires on a 1970 BMW typically last?
On a 1970 BMW, tire life is usually determined more by age than by mileage. Collector cars often cover few miles, yet rubber still hardens, sidewalls still weather, and internal materials still age over time. A sensible rule is to begin evaluating tires closely around five to seven years of service and to treat roughly ten years from the DOT date code as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration, even if tread depth still looks strong.
That age-based approach matters because many vintage BMWs spend long periods parked, and low annual mileage can disguise tire deterioration. A radial that looks clean or a bias-ply that still has deep tread may still be old enough to compromise confidence on the road. When inspecting a 1970 BMW, use the date code along with visible condition, ride behavior, and pressure retention to decide whether the tire is still suitable for continued use.
How often should tires on a 1970 BMW be inspected?
Tires on a 1970 BMW should be inspected before every drive and given a closer review before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, unusual wear, lodged debris, and any sign that the tread is separating from the casing. Pressure should be verified cold, and if your BMW uses a tube-type setup, the valve stems and slow-loss pattern deserve special attention as part of that inspection.
Older cars can spend weeks or months between drives, which makes regular inspection more important than on a modern daily driver. A short local run may hide a developing problem that becomes serious once heat builds up on a longer trip. Building a walk-around tire check into every 1970 BMW outing is one of the simplest ways to catch aging, underinflation, or storage-related issues before they spoil the drive.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1970 BMW 2002?
A 1970 BMW 2002 would have belonged to the era when bias-ply and radial fitments overlapped depending on market, equipment, and replacement history, but radial adoption was already well established in European cars by then. For the 2002, the relevant sizes are 165R13 radial and 600-13 bias-ply. That means either construction can be part of an authentic period conversation, but the exact answer for a particular car may depend on when and where it was sold and how it was specified.
For a high-level restoration, treat size and construction as the first authenticity checkpoints, then verify sidewall style and market-specific expectations with BMW marque specialists or period literature. A blackwall radial will usually align with the BMW sporting image of the era, while a whitewall bias-ply presents a different visual statement. If your 1970 BMW 2002 is headed for formal judging, confirm what the event expects before choosing between the two size paths.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1970 BMW?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1970 BMW because judges and informed enthusiasts notice the size, the construction type, and the sidewall style. A 165R13 radial blackwall sends a different message than a 600-13 whitewall, just as a 695-14 dual redline creates a very different appearance than a blackwall radial on a BMW 2000. Even when two sizes can fit the same model family, one may look more appropriate than the other for a given restoration goal.
The standard is usually not just whether the tire fits the wheel, but whether it suits the period, market, and class in which the car is being shown. A 1970 BMW judged for originality may lose points if it wears a construction type or sidewall treatment that clashes with the car’s intended presentation. Before finalizing a concours setup, compare your tire choice against factory literature, period photos, and event-specific rules rather than relying only on broad era assumptions.
What is the difference between Michelin XAS and Vredestein Sprint Classic for the 1970 BMW?
For a 1970 BMW in 165R14 or 175R14, Michelin XAS and Vredestein Sprint Classic are both radial blackwall choices, but they are not identical in specification details. In 165R14, Michelin XAS carries a 4.50 to 6.00-inch rim width range and weighs 20 pounds, while Vredestein Sprint Classic spans 4.0 to 5.5 inches, weighs 16 pounds, and carries a max load figure of 1,102 pounds at 51 psi. In 175R14, Michelin XAS again spans 4.50 to 6.00 inches, while Vredestein Sprint Classic spans 4.5 to 6.0 inches and carries a 1,235-pound max load at 51 psi.
Those differences matter when you are matching a tire to the exact wheel and to the character you want from the car. A 1970 BMW owner comparing these two radial options should look at wheel width first, then consider the load figure where it is stated and whether the tire’s overall spec package suits the model being restored. Both remain era-appropriate radial choices, but they are not interchangeable in every detail.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1970 BMW tires safe for highway driving?
1970 BMW tires can be suitable for highway driving when the correct size is chosen, the tires are in sound condition, and the speed capability matches the way the car will be used. H-rated versions of 165R14, 165R13, and 175R14 are present here, and H carries a 130 mph ceiling. That is well beyond normal highway speeds, although any real-world limit on a 1970 BMW will also depend on the car’s braking, suspension, steering condition, and overall mechanical health.
Construction still matters in how the car feels at speed. A radial-equipped 1970 BMW will generally align better with sustained modern-road use than a bias-ply setup intended mainly for period appearance, even when both are safe within their proper use and condition. For any highway trip, verify age, pressures, and visible condition first, then keep your pace aligned with the car’s broader mechanical readiness rather than focusing only on the tire’s speed symbol.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1970 BMW tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1970 BMW should follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for the car and the tire manufacturer’s limits for the specific reproduction or replacement tire. Where tire ratings are stated, 600-13 carries 1,010 pounds at 32 psi, 695-14 carries 1,230 pounds at 32 psi, 165R14 reaches 1,102 pounds at 51 psi on one applicable product, and 175R14 reaches 1,235 pounds at 51 psi on one applicable product. Those figures are load-and-pressure ratings, not universal running-pressure prescriptions.
That distinction matters because a max load rating at a given pressure should not simply be copied over as your day-to-day cold inflation setting. Different 1970 BMW models place different loads on the tires, and a radial replacement may not use the same pressure pattern as a period bias-ply tire. Start with the car’s factory guidance, then confirm that your selected tire is being used within its own rated range rather than borrowing a pressure number from another size.
What should I check before taking a 1970 BMW on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1970 BMW, inspect all four tires and the spare for cracking, cuts, bulges, punctures, uneven wear, and proper cold pressure. Confirm that the valve stems are sound, and if the car uses a tube-type setup, pay close attention to slow pressure loss and stem condition. Tires are only one part of the checklist, but on a vintage BMW they deserve the same level of attention as fluids, brakes, belts, lights, and cooling system condition.
Longer drives create heat and sustained load, which can expose problems that never show up during short local trips. A 1970 BMW that feels fine around town may still have an aged spare, a cracked sidewall, or a tire that has sat underinflated in storage. A careful pre-drive inspection reduces the odds of a roadside problem and helps you enjoy the car as it was meant to be driven rather than worrying about avoidable tire issues.
