1980 BMW stood at an interesting point in the marque’s U.S. story, with the sporty 3 Series, executive 5 Series, elegant 6 Series coupe, and flagship 7 Series all reflecting BMW’s reputation for sharp road manners and European engineering. By this point, radial tires were firmly part of the driving character buyers expected from the brand, but size choice still varied meaningfully across the range. Four distinct tire sizes appear across four models, with the 633CSi and 733i sharing two larger fitments while the 320i and 528i each use their own size. The first step is to confirm your exact model, then verify whether your car uses a conventional inch-based wheel or the metric TRX setup.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1980 BMW
Four tire sizes are used across 1980 BMW models, and they do not all interchange across the full model range. The main decision is confirming the correct model and wheel type first, because most sizes use conventional 13- or 14-inch rims while the Michelin TRX fitment uses a 390mm metric wheel. Sorting that out before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the tire to the car correctly.
Year(s): 1980|Fit(s): 320i|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
185/70R13 is a metric radial size with a 185-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and a 13-inch rim diameter. It is available from BFGoodrich, Avon, and Dunlop in redline, wide whitewall, and blackwall styles, with speed ratings varying by product from H to V. This size is specific to the 320i rather than universal across 1980 BMW, and it gives that model a mix of sporting blackwall choices and more appearance-driven period custom styles.
Year(s): 1980|Fit(s): 528i|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
185/70R14 is a metric radial size with a 185-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and a 14-inch rim diameter. It is available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, and Michelin in wide whitewall and blackwall styles, and speed ratings vary by product from H to V while tube status also varies by product. This size is specific to the 528i, making model identification important before ordering, especially because it shares its width and profile theme with other BMW sizes but not its exact wheel diameter.
Year(s): 1980|Fit(s): 633CSi, 733i|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
205/70R14 is a metric radial size with a 205-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and a 14-inch rim diameter. It is available from Maxxis and BFGoodrich in narrow whitewall, RWL, dual redline, and redline styles, with S-rated products reaching 112 mph and other versions carrying no speed letter in the sidewall marking. This size is specific to the 633CSi and 733i, and it suits buyers using conventional 14-inch wheels who want either a more understated black-free period look or a more overtly styled sidewall.
220/55R390 is a metric radial size with a 220-millimeter section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, and a 390mm metric rim diameter rather than a conventional inch-based wheel. Michelin offers it as a blackwall tubeless tire with a W speed rating, giving it a 168 mph ceiling. This size is specific to certain 633CSi and 733i applications equipped with TRX wheels, so it is the correct path only if your car still uses the original metric wheel system.
Four 1980 BMW models are covered here, spanning the compact 320i, the midsize 528i, the grand-touring 633CSi, and the flagship 733i. Tire size varies by model, and the 633CSi and 733i also cross into two different wheel systems, so year and make alone are not enough to choose correctly. Select your model below for model-specific fitment history and the tire options that match it.
1980 BMW 320i
The 320i carried BMW’s compact sporting identity into the U.S. market and remains one of the most recognizable early 3 Series models. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels, which keeps the fitment distinct from the larger 5, 6, and 7 Series cars of the same year.
The 528i sat in BMW’s executive sweet spot, blending a more substantial body and long-distance comfort with the brand’s driver-focused character. Its fitment uses 14-inch wheels, placing it between the smaller 320i and the larger upper-range cars that could also appear with metric TRX equipment.
The 633CSi was BMW’s handsome E24 grand touring coupe, prized for its long-hood proportions and high-speed European feel. It uses either a conventional 14-inch tire fitment or the metric 390mm TRX system, so wheel type matters just as much as model identification.
The 733i served as BMW’s flagship sedan in the U.S., combining formal luxury with the disciplined road manners that defined the early 7 Series. Like the 633CSi, it can use either a 14-inch conventional wheel tire or the 390mm TRX metric fitment, depending on the wheel package on the car.
Seventeen products are available across four tire sizes for 1980 BMW vehicles. 185/70R13 spans four products from BFGoodrich, Avon, and Dunlop in radial construction with redline, wide whitewall, and blackwall styles; 185/70R14 covers four products from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, and Michelin in radial construction with wide whitewall and blackwall styles; 205/70R14 includes four products from Maxxis and BFGoodrich in radial construction with narrow whitewall, RWL, dual redline, and redline styles; 220/55R390 is offered by Michelin as a radial blackwall. Confirm your size and wheel system first, since tube status and speed ratings can vary within a size.
These FAQs focus on the model-by-model size differences across 1980 BMW, the special TRX metric fitment used on certain 6 and 7 Series cars, sidewall and brand choices, and the care considerations that matter on collector-driven radials.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1980 BMW vehicles?
1980 BMW vehicles use four different tire sizes depending on model. The 320i uses 185/70R13, the 528i uses 185/70R14, and the 633CSi and 733i use either 205/70R14 or 220/55R390. The first three sizes mount on conventional 13- or 14-inch rims, while 220/55R390 mounts on a 390mm metric TRX rim. Rim width coverage also differs by size, with 185/70R13 products spanning roughly 4.5 to 6.5 inches, 185/70R14 spanning roughly 4.5 to 6.5 inches, 205/70R14 spanning roughly 5.0 to 7.5 inches, and 220/55R390 using metric-width TRX wheels.
That means a buyer should identify more than just the year and make. The critical checkpoints are the exact model and, on a 633CSi or 733i, whether the car still wears conventional inch-based wheels or its original metric TRX setup. If your car has already had a wheel change at some point in its life, the tire choice may follow the wheel on the car rather than the way it left the factory. Verifying the actual wheel before choosing a tire prevents the most common fitment mistake on 1980 BMW applications.
What does 185/70R13 mean on a 1980 BMW tire?
On a 1980 BMW, 185/70R13 is a metric radial tire size. The 185 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. In this year and make, that size belongs to the 320i and mounts on 13-inch wheels. Available versions include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall styles, with speed ratings appearing in H and V forms depending on the tire.
For a buyer, the code tells you this is a conventional modern-format radial rather than an older numeric or alphanumeric collector size. That makes the fitment easy to recognize, but style still changes the character of the car. A blackwall keeps the look closest to BMW’s sporting European image, while redline or whitewall versions shift the appearance toward a more period-custom presentation. Once the size is confirmed, your next question should be sidewall style and intended use rather than basic dimensional fit.
Do all 1980 BMW models use the same tire size?
No. 1980 BMW fitment varies by model, and two of the larger models also span two different wheel systems. The 320i uses 185/70R13, the 528i uses 185/70R14, and the 633CSi and 733i use 205/70R14 or 220/55R390 depending on wheel equipment. That means there is no single tire size that covers the full 1980 BMW range.
This matters most when the car is identified only as a 1980 BMW without the model attached, or when a 633CSi or 733i has changed hands several times and wheel history is unclear. Those upper-line cars can look correct at a glance yet require completely different tires because TRX metric wheels do not interchange with standard 14-inch tires. A quick check of the sidewall on the old tire or the wheel itself is often enough to sort the car into the right path before comparing brands and sidewall styles.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1980 BMW tires?
1980 BMW tire choices range from blackwall to several period-style accent sidewalls, depending on size. The 185/70R13 offers blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall versions; 185/70R14 offers blackwall and wide whitewall; 205/70R14 offers narrow whitewall, RWL, dual redline, and redline; and 220/55R390 appears as a blackwall. All of these are radial tires, but the visual character changes quite a bit from one sidewall treatment to another.
For most BMW restorations from 1980, blackwall is the most naturally European-looking choice, especially on sporting or luxury-sport models such as the 320i, 633CSi, and 733i. Whitewalls and redlines are better understood as appearance-driven alternatives rather than default factory-looking treatments for every model. If originality for judging matters, match the sidewall style to the market and presentation standard you are pursuing. If the goal is simply a period-flavored driver, choose the sidewall that fits the look you want without changing the core fitment.
What brands make tires for 1980 BMW vehicles?
1980 BMW tire coverage includes BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Maxxis, depending on size. The 185/70R13 size is available from BFGoodrich, Avon, and Dunlop. The 185/70R14 size is available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, and Michelin. The 205/70R14 size is available from Maxxis and BFGoodrich, while the 220/55R390 TRX size comes from Michelin.
Brand choice on a 1980 BMW is partly about appearance and partly about staying true to the car’s intended road character. A Michelin TRX-equipped 633CSi or 733i is a special case because the metric wheel system points you directly toward the matching Michelin-style solution. On the conventional inch-based sizes, the field opens up to blackwall sporting tires and reproduction-style sidewall treatments. Once the size is settled, compare the brand’s sidewall look, speed rating where shown, and wheel-width compatibility with the wheels actually on the car.
What is the difference between the BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and the Avon CR6ZZ for a 1980 BMW?
On 1980 BMW applications where both appear in the same size, the BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and Avon CR6ZZ differ most clearly in presentation and wheel-width range. In 185/70R13 and 185/70R14, the BFGoodrich line appears in redline or wide whitewall form with rim-width ranges of 5.00 to 6.50 inches, while the Avon CR6ZZ appears as a blackwall with rim-width ranges of 4.5 to 6.0 inches. Avon also carries an H speed rating in both of those sizes.
That makes the choice less about whether one physically fits the car and more about what kind of 1980 BMW you are building. A Silvertown Radial works when the look of the sidewall is central to the car’s presentation. A CR6ZZ suits a buyer who wants a blackwall appearance with a sporting, European-flavored profile and a clearly marked speed rating. Before deciding, verify your wheel width so the tire you choose falls comfortably within its approved range.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1980 BMW tires require?
Rim width requirements vary by 1980 BMW tire size. For 185/70R13, supported widths run from 4.5 to 6.5 inches depending on the tire. For 185/70R14, supported widths run from 4.5 to 6.5 inches. For 205/70R14, supported widths run from 5.0 to 7.5 inches depending on the product. The 220/55R390 TRX size uses metric wheel widths of 135mm, 150mm, or 180mm.
Wheel width matters because it affects sidewall shape, steering feel, and whether the tire sits properly on the rim. Two tires that share the same overall size code can still have different approved wheel-width windows, which is important on older BMWs that may have aftermarket or later-model wheels. A car with conventional 14-inch wheels should still have the wheel measured or verified before a final choice, and a TRX-equipped car should never be treated as if it used a standard 14-inch rim just because the overall tire looks similar.
Do 1980 BMW tires require inner tubes?
Most 1980 BMW tire options here are conventional radials without an inner-tube marking in the size description, while the Michelin XAS in 185/70R14 is explicitly marked TL and the Michelin TRX-B in 220/55R390 is also marked TL. That means tube status varies by product rather than remaining uniform across every size and every tire. The practical rule is to follow the sidewall marking and the wheel type the tire will be mounted on.
A buyer should not assume that all radial tires for a 1980 BMW use the same setup simply because they share the same nominal size. Wheel condition, wheel design, and the tire’s own sidewall marking all matter, especially on older rims that may have been refinished or stored for long periods. If you are working with original wheels, have the wheel inspected before mounting. That is particularly wise on cars that have sat for years, because the tire choice and wheel condition need to agree before the car goes back into regular road use.
Can the original 1980 BMW wheels be used with all tire sizes?
No, not across the entire 1980 BMW range. The 320i uses a 13-inch wheel fitment, the 528i uses a 14-inch fitment, and the 633CSi and 733i may use either a conventional 14-inch wheel with 205/70R14 tires or a metric TRX wheel with 220/55R390 tires. A 390mm TRX wheel is not the same as a 14-inch wheel, even though the dimensions seem close.
The important takeaway is that original wheels can be used with the tire size intended for that exact wheel system, but they should not be mixed across incompatible formats. On a 633CSi or 733i, the question is not whether the car is a coupe or sedan so much as whether it still wears its original TRX wheels or has been converted to standard inch-based rims. Confirm the wheel stamping or current tire marking first, then compare the tire’s approved wheel-width range to the wheels on your car.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1980 BMW when the tires are fitted?
A 1980 BMW should be stored in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber prematurely. Keep the tires inflated, avoid long-term exposure to standing moisture, and move the car periodically so the same section of tread is not carrying the load for months at a time. Radial tires resist severe flat-spotting better than many earlier bias-ply designs, but long static storage is still hard on any collector tire.
If the car will sit for a full season or longer, many owners use tire cradles or support the car in a way that reduces sustained load without leaving the suspension fully unloaded. That helps protect both the tires and the chassis. A stored spare deserves the same attention as the tires on the ground, because age, ozone, and heat affect it too. Good storage conditions are especially important on a 1980 BMW that is driven only occasionally but expected to feel stable and responsive when it returns to the road.
How long do tires on a 1980 BMW typically last?
On a 1980 BMW, tire age usually matters more than tread wear because many surviving cars are driven seasonally or sparingly. A sound collector-car rule is to begin evaluating tires closely around five to seven years of age and to treat about ten years as a serious replacement point regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code on the sidewall tells you when the tire was made, and that date is often more useful than mileage on a classic BMW.
A low-mileage tire can still be past its prime if it has spent years in heat, sun, or dry storage conditions. Sidewall cracking, hardening rubber, vibration, or a tire that no longer holds pressure consistently are all stronger warning signs than tread depth alone. On a 633CSi or 733i with TRX equipment, replacement timing matters even more because those cars are often preserved carefully and can trick an owner into trusting old tires that still look visually respectable. Age should always be part of the decision.
How often should tires on a 1980 BMW be inspected?
Tires on a 1980 BMW should be checked before every drive and looked over more carefully before any longer highway outing. Pay attention to air pressure retention, sidewall cracking, tread wear, punctures, and any bulges or impact damage. If your car uses a tubeless-marked tire, valve stem condition is part of the inspection, and any wheel that has sat for years should be checked for sealing and corrosion issues as well.
Collector cars often spend more time parked than driven, so deterioration can show up between outings rather than during heavy annual mileage. A brief walk-around before starting out can catch age-related problems early, especially on a BMW that still uses older wheels or has seen infrequent maintenance. On longer trips, inspect the spare too and verify that its age and condition are acceptable. That routine helps keep a pleasant touring drive from becoming an avoidable roadside tire problem.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1980 BMW 320i?
A 1980 BMW 320i belongs to an era when radial tires were already the expected factory-type construction for European passenger cars, and the fitment here is 185/70R13. That means the right starting point for an authentic-style replacement is a radial in that same size on a 13-inch wheel. Sidewall appearance can vary widely among today’s choices, so originality is not just about size and construction but also about whether the visual treatment suits a U.S.-market BMW of the period.
If your goal is a factory-leaning restoration, focus first on preserving the correct size and radial construction, then compare sidewall style against original photos, brochures, or marque-club guidance. Blackwall will usually look the most at home on a sport-oriented BMW of this period, while redline or whitewall versions create a more personalized presentation. Event standards can differ, so buyers building for high-level judging should confirm market-specific details with a BMW club or model specialist before making the final call.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1980 BMW?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a shown 1980 BMW because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, wheel system, construction type, and sidewall appearance. A 320i wearing the wrong wheel diameter, a 528i on the wrong profile, or a TRX-equipped 633CSi or 733i converted without regard to period presentation can all stand out immediately. On upper-end restorations, the visual details of the sidewall are often as important as the size itself.
The practical standard is to match the car’s intended presentation. A preservation-minded 633CSi or 733i that originally used TRX equipment may be judged differently from a tasteful driver conversion running conventional 14-inch wheels. Likewise, a blackwall often aligns better with BMW’s original visual character than a decorative sidewall treatment, even when both fit physically. If the car is headed for concours competition, consult the event’s judging rules and a marque specialist so the tire choice supports the rest of the restoration rather than distracting from it.
What is the difference between the Michelin TRX-B and 205/70R14 tires for the 1980 BMW 633CSi and 733i?
For a 1980 BMW 633CSi or 733i, Michelin TRX-B in 220/55R390 and a conventional 205/70R14 tire are not interchangeable because they mount on different wheel systems. The TRX-B uses a 390mm metric rim and appears as a blackwall tubeless radial with a W speed rating, while 205/70R14 tires fit standard 14-inch rims and come in several sidewall styles, including narrow whitewall, RWL, dual redline, and redline. The conventional 205/70R14 group also spans different approved rim widths depending on the tire.
That makes this less of a styling comparison and more of a wheel-architecture decision. A car still equipped with original TRX wheels should stay with the proper 220/55R390 tire unless the wheels themselves are being changed. A car already converted to standard 14-inch wheels belongs in the 205/70R14 category instead. For buyers chasing authenticity, preserving the original wheel system can matter as much as choosing the right tire, especially on upscale BMW models from this period.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1980 BMW tires safe for highway driving?
1980 BMW tires can be suitable for highway driving when the tires are fresh, correctly sized, and in sound condition. Speed-rated examples include H-rated tires at 130 mph, V-rated tires at 149 mph, S-rated tires at 112 mph, and the W-rated TRX tire at 168 mph. Those ceilings are well above ordinary U.S. highway speeds. On cars of this era, tire age, inflation, suspension condition, and brake condition usually matter more in everyday road use than the raw speed letter alone.
The key is matching the car’s actual use to the tire fitted on it. A healthy 320i or 528i used for weekend touring has different demands from a 633CSi or 733i being driven briskly on long interstate runs, yet all of them depend on proper maintenance more than theoretical top-speed capability. Before any sustained highway use, inspect the tires carefully and confirm the speed rating on the specific tire you choose. The safest tire is the one that is the correct size, correctly mounted, properly inflated, and not aged out.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1980 BMW tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1980 BMW should follow the car’s factory recommendation first, then be checked against the tire maker’s own sidewall and service guidance for the exact tire. Some of these tires include maximum load and pressure figures such as 1135 pounds at 35 psi for certain 185/70R13 versions, 1201 pounds at 35 psi for a 185/70R14 version, and 1433 pounds at 35 psi for several 205/70R14 versions. Those figures describe the tire’s load capability at a stated maximum pressure, not the automatic operating pressure for every BMW model.
That distinction matters because two tires of different sizes, or even two tires in the same size, should not be assigned the same pressure simply because they look similar. The right approach is to start with the vehicle placard or owner’s manual if available, then compare that with the tire’s own specifications and the real-world condition of the car. If the vehicle has non-original wheels or a TRX conversion history, pressure setup deserves extra attention so ride, handling, and tread wear stay balanced.
What should I check before taking a 1980 BMW on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1980 BMW, inspect every tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, embedded debris, uneven wear, and proper inflation. Confirm that each tire matches the wheel it is mounted on, especially if the car is a 633CSi or 733i that could use either conventional 14-inch tires or TRX metric tires. Check valve stems, verify the spare is usable, and make sure the wheel hardware and suspension components are in good condition.
A long drive in a collector BMW asks more from the whole car than a short local outing, so tire condition should be part of a broader pre-trip inspection. Brakes, cooling, steering, and charging system health all matter, but tires are the one part of the car that physically carry every other system down the road. If the car has been sitting, take it on a short local run first and recheck pressures afterward. That simple step often reveals age-related issues before they turn into trip-ending problems.
