1987 BMW sat at an interesting point in the marque’s evolution, with the E30 3 Series, E28 5 Series, E24 6 Series, E23 7 Series, and M6 all reflecting BMW’s blend of driver-focused engineering and upscale European character. It was also a year when BMW used a mix of conventional inch-based radial sizes and Michelin TRX metric fitments, depending on model and wheel package. Across 12 models, six distinct tire sizes appear, and the main choice is not just tread style but first confirming whether your car uses a 14-inch wheel, a 390mm TRX wheel, or the M6-only 415mm TRX setup. Before choosing a tire, identify your exact model and verify the wheel type currently on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1987 BMW
Six tire sizes were used across 1987 BMW models, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the entire range. The key decision is confirming whether your car uses a conventional 14-inch radial size or one of BMW’s metric TRX fitments, since those do not interchange with standard inch-diameter wheels. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the correct wheel.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): 325, 325e, 325es, 325i, 325is|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
The 195/65R14 is a radial size with a 195-millimeter section width, a 65-series aspect ratio, and a 14-inch rim diameter. This size is available as a Michelin blackwall tubeless radial, with a V speed rating marked in the tire size. It is specific to the 3 Series models noted here rather than universal across 1987 BMW, making it the right path for buyers confirming an E30-based fitment.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): 528e|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
The 195/70R14 is a radial size with a 195-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and a 14-inch rim diameter. Dunlop offers this size as a blackwall radial with a V speed rating and a 1,356-pound load capacity. Because it is specific to the 528e and uses a conventional 14-inch wheel, it suits buyers keeping that model on its standard inch-based wheel fitment.
The 200/60R390 is a radial metric size with a 200-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and a 390mm rim diameter rather than a 14-inch wheel. Michelin offers it as a blackwall tubeless TRX radial with a V speed rating, and it fits approved 120mm, 135mm, and 165mm rim widths. This size is specific to certain 5 Series applications and is the correct choice for cars still wearing TRX wheels instead of conventional inch-diameter rims.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): 635CSi, 735i, L6, L7|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
The 205/70R14 is a 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 blackwall-adjacent enthusiast styles including narrow whitewall, RWL, redline, and dual redline, with load ratings reaching 1,433 pounds at 35 psi; speed rating varies by product, including an S rating on the BFGoodrich Radial T/A with a 112 mph ceiling. This size is specific to the larger coupe and sedan models noted here, and it gives buyers the widest appearance choice when they want a conventional 14-inch radial.
The 220/55R390 is a radial metric size with a 220-millimeter section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, and a 390mm rim diameter. Michelin offers it as a blackwall tubeless TRX radial with a W speed rating, and it fits approved 135mm, 150mm, and 180mm rim widths. This size is specific to TRX-equipped versions of these larger BMW models and should be chosen only after confirming the car still uses metric TRX wheels.
The 240/45R415 is a radial metric size with a 240-millimeter section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, and a 415mm rim diameter. Michelin offers it as a blackwall tubeless TRX GT radial with a W speed rating, and it fits approved 150mm, 165mm, and 195mm rim widths. This size is exclusive to the 1987 BMW M6 in this range, so wheel confirmation is essential before moving ahead with any replacement.
Twelve BMW models are covered for 1987, spanning compact sports sedans, midsize executive cars, grand touring coupes, flagship luxury sedans, and the M6. Tire size does vary by model, and in several cases it also varies by wheel package within the same model line, so year and make alone are not enough to choose correctly. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tire sizes that apply to that specific BMW.
1987 BMW 325
The 1987 BMW 325 sat in the heart of the E30 3 Series lineup, a car remembered for balanced chassis tuning and everyday usability with a distinctly German sporting feel. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels in this application, keeping the fitment straightforward compared with BMW’s metric-wheel TRX applications elsewhere in the range.
The 325e was BMW’s efficiency-minded E30 variant, tuned more for relaxed torque and long-distance manners than high-rev character. Its fitment uses a 14-inch wheel, making it one of the simpler 1987 BMW models to identify from a tire standpoint.
The 325es blended the eta model’s economy-minded mechanical package with a sportier presentation, which gives it a unique place in the E30 family. Tire fitment here remains on a 14-inch wheel, so the key is confirming the model rather than sorting between inch and metric wheel systems.
The 325i is one of the signature E30 models, known for its freer-revving inline-six and broader enthusiast appeal. In this fitment it uses a 14-inch wheel, which keeps replacement choices in familiar inch-based radial sizing.
The 325is was the more performance-oriented expression of the regular E30 325i, prized for its sport package character and driver-focused personality. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels in this application, so buyers can focus on the correct size rather than on TRX wheel compatibility.
The 528e was BMW’s efficiency-focused E28 5 Series sedan, aimed at buyers who wanted executive-car comfort with a more relaxed mechanical character. This model appears with either a conventional 14-inch wheel fitment or a 390mm TRX fitment, so wheel identification matters before choosing tires.
The 535i represented the stronger six-cylinder side of the E28 range and remains one of the most respected sport sedans of the era. In this application its tires mount on 390mm TRX wheels, making metric-wheel confirmation the first step before selecting a replacement.
The 635CSi carried BMW’s E24 grand touring coupe formula into the late 1980s with a long hood, pillarless profile, and a more luxurious sporting character than the smaller 3 Series. It appears here with either 14-inch wheels or 390mm TRX wheels, depending on configuration, so the wheel itself must be confirmed before tire selection.
The 735i was BMW’s flagship sedan in the E23 generation, combining executive comfort with a distinctly driver-oriented feel uncommon in luxury sedans of the period. This model uses either a 14-inch wheel fitment or a 390mm TRX fitment, so replacement tire choice starts with confirming which wheel system is on the car.
The L6 was an upscale, luxury-oriented version of the 6 Series, emphasizing premium trim and touring comfort over a more stripped-back sporting presentation. It can use either 14-inch wheels or 390mm TRX wheels in this year and make grouping, which makes wheel verification more important than trim recognition alone.
The L7 was the luxury-intensive version of BMW’s full-size sedan, built for buyers who wanted the 7 Series with added formality and comfort. Its fitment can be either 14-inch or 390mm TRX depending on wheel package, so the practical difference comes down to confirming the wheel diameter before ordering tires.
The M6 was BMW’s high-performance halo coupe for the U.S. market, blending motorsport lineage with grand touring refinement in a way few 1980s cars matched. Its fitment here uses a 415mm TRX wheel, a distinct metric setup that stands apart from both the regular 14-inch sizes and the 390mm TRX applications elsewhere in the BMW range.
Ten products are available across six tire sizes for 1987 BMW vehicles. Choices range from a Michelin blackwall radial in 195/65R14, a Dunlop blackwall radial in 195/70R14, Michelin TRX blackwalls in 200/60R390, 220/55R390, and 240/45R415, and five 205/70R14 radials from Maxxis and BFGoodrich with blackwall-derived, whitewall, redline, dual-redline, and RWL styles.
These answers focus on the real 1987 BMW tire questions: how 14-inch and TRX metric sizes differ across the model range, which sidewall and brand choices exist in each size, and what to check before fitting, storing, and driving a collector-era BMW.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1987 BMW vehicles?
1987 BMW vehicles use six sizes across 12 model lines: 195/65R14 for the 325, 325e, 325es, 325i, and 325is; 195/70R14 and 200/60R390 for the 528e; 200/60R390 for the 535i; 205/70R14 and 220/55R390 for the 635CSi, 735i, L6, and L7; and 240/45R415 for the M6. The inch-based sizes mount on 14-inch wheels, while the TRX sizes mount on 390mm or 415mm metric wheels.
That means 1987 BMW fitment is model-specific and sometimes wheel-package-specific. A 528e, 635CSi, 735i, L6, or L7 can have either a conventional inch-wheel size or a metric TRX size, and those are not interchangeable on the same rim. Start by confirming the exact model and then read the sidewall or measure the wheel so you know whether your car uses a 14-inch rim, a 390mm TRX rim, or the M6-only 415mm TRX setup.
What does 200/60R390 mean on a 1987 BMW tire?
On a 1987 BMW, 200/60R390 means the tire is 200 millimeters wide, has a 60-series aspect ratio, uses radial construction, and fits a 390mm metric rim. That last number is the critical point: 390 is not a 15-inch wheel equivalent and it is not a conventional U.S. inch-diameter rim size. BMW used Michelin TRX metric-wheel systems on some 5 Series, 6 Series, and 7 Series applications during this period.
A 1987 BMW with 200/60R390 tires needs a true 390mm TRX wheel, not a standard 14-inch or 15-inch wheel. If your car has been converted from TRX wheels to conventional wheels at some point, the tire size on the car may no longer match original metric fitment. Confirm the wheel before ordering, because the tire and rim must match exactly on metric TRX applications.
Do all 1987 BMW models use the same tire size?
No. 1987 BMW models do not share one universal tire size. The E30 3 Series cars in this group use 195/65R14, the 528e can use either 195/70R14 or 200/60R390, the 535i uses 200/60R390, the 635CSi, 735i, L6, and L7 use either 205/70R14 or 220/55R390, and the M6 uses 240/45R415.
That variation matters because it separates ordinary 14-inch fitments from BMW’s TRX metric-wheel fitments. If you only know you have a 1987 BMW, you still need the model name and, on several models, the actual wheel type. Once those are confirmed, the size choice becomes much clearer and you can narrow the tire by sidewall style, brand, and intended use.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 BMW tires?
Most 1987 BMW sizes here are available as blackwall radials, including 195/65R14, 195/70R14, 200/60R390, 220/55R390, and 240/45R415. The broadest appearance choice is in 205/70R14, where narrow whitewall, RWL, redline, and dual-redline versions are available alongside period-style blackwall-oriented options. That makes the larger 14-inch BMW applications unusually flexible from a visual standpoint.
For many late-1980s BMW restorations, blackwall tires are the most natural visual fit, especially on cars kept close to factory presentation. Whitewall, redline, and raised white letter styles can still appeal depending on how the car is personalized or displayed, but they change the look more noticeably than they would on an earlier American car. Choose the sidewall that matches the car’s intended presentation first, then confirm the exact size and wheel system.
What brands make tires for 1987 BMW vehicles?
Michelin, Dunlop, Maxxis, and BFGoodrich all cover portions of the 1987 BMW range. Michelin covers 195/65R14 as well as the TRX metric sizes 200/60R390, 220/55R390, and 240/45R415. Dunlop covers 195/70R14, while Maxxis and BFGoodrich cover 205/70R14 with several sidewall treatments.
Brand choice depends heavily on size because the fitments are divided between conventional 14-inch radials and specialized metric TRX applications. Buyers with a 3 Series or a non-TRX large-chassis BMW may have more freedom to choose by appearance, while TRX-equipped cars usually narrow quickly to Michelin metric fitments. It is smart to confirm the tire size first and then compare the brands that exist within that size rather than starting with brand loyalty alone.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich Radial T/A and BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial for the 1987 BMW?
In 205/70R14 for certain 1987 BMW models, the BFGoodrich Radial T/A uses an RWL sidewall, carries a 93S speed rating, and fits 5.00- to 7.00-inch rim widths. The BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial comes in redline and dual-redline versions, carries a 1,433-pound load capacity at 35 psi, and fits 5.50- to 7.50-inch rim widths. All are radial tires, but they present the car very differently.
The practical choice comes down to appearance first and wheel compatibility second. The Radial T/A delivers a late-period performance look with raised white letters, while the Silvertown Radial versions lean more toward vintage styling cues through redline treatments. If your BMW uses 205/70R14, confirm your wheel width and decide whether you want a more understated touring look, a period performance look, or a more stylized enthusiast presentation.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1987 BMW tires require?
Rim width guidance varies by size on 1987 BMW applications. The 200/60R390 fits 120mm, 135mm, and 165mm TRX rims; the 205/70R14 fits either 5.00-7.00 inches or 5.50-7.50 inches depending on product; the 220/55R390 fits 135mm, 150mm, and 180mm TRX rims; and the 240/45R415 fits 150mm, 165mm, and 195mm TRX rims. Those ranges should be treated as size-specific rather than interchangeable across the range.
Because several 1987 BMW models could be equipped with different wheel systems, rim confirmation matters just as much as tire size confirmation. A 390mm TRX tire belongs only on a 390mm TRX wheel, and a 14-inch tire belongs only on a 14-inch wheel. On 205/70R14, it is worth checking the exact product as well, since the acceptable rim-width range changes slightly between the available radial options.
Do 1987 BMW tires require inner tubes?
The TRX metric sizes for 1987 BMW shown here are tubeless, including 200/60R390, 220/55R390, and 240/45R415, each marked TL. The 195/65R14 is also marked tubeless. The remaining 14-inch sizes shown here are radial tires as well, but the decisive step is to confirm the sidewall marking on the exact tire you choose and the condition of the wheel it will mount on.
On most late-1980s BMW road cars, tubeless fitment is the normal expectation when the wheel is correct and in proper condition. Even so, wheel age, corrosion, and prior repairs can affect sealing, especially on collector cars that have sat for long periods. When mounting replacement tires, inspect the wheel, valve stem, and bead seat carefully so the tire and wheel function as a complete system.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1987 BMW when the tires are fitted?
A 1987 BMW stores best in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age the rubber. Keep the tires at proper pressure and move the car periodically so the same section of tread is not carrying the load for months at a time. Clean, dry concrete is fine, but standing moisture and long-term exposure to contaminants should be avoided.
If the car will sit for an extended season, occasional rolling or support under the chassis can help reduce static stress on the tires. That matters even more on collector vehicles that spend long periods parked between drives and events. A simple storage routine preserves sidewall appearance, helps the tires stay rounder in service, and protects the investment in harder-to-source BMW fitments such as TRX sizes.
How long do tires on a 1987 BMW typically last?
On a 1987 BMW, tire age is usually a more important limit than tread wear because many collector cars cover modest annual mileage. A good rule is to inspect tires closely once they reach five to seven years of age and to treat around ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration, even if the tread still looks strong. The DOT date code on the tire sidewall is the best starting point for establishing age.
A lightly driven 1987 BMW can still out-age its tires long before it wears them out. Heat cycles, storage conditions, sunlight, and ozone all matter, and a car that looks excellent cosmetically can still be riding on aged rubber. If the date code shows the tires are old, evaluate them before any sustained highway use or long-distance touring.
How often should tires on a 1987 BMW be inspected?
Tires on a 1987 BMW should be checked before every drive and inspected more thoroughly before any longer outing. Look for pressure loss, sidewall cracking, tread separation, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and signs that the tire has aged out even if the tread depth still appears acceptable. On cars that sit often, visual inspection is especially important because storage-related aging can progress even when mileage stays low.
A longer pre-drive inspection is smart before road trips, tours, or any event where the car will spend extended time at speed. Check the spare as well, since a period BMW with a metric TRX setup may need a size-specific backup plan. Catching age and damage early is one of the simplest ways to keep an older BMW reliable and pleasant on the road.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1987 BMW tires safe for highway driving?
1987 BMW tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are the correct size for the wheel, in sound condition, and used within their speed and load ratings. The V-rated sizes here carry a 149 mph ceiling, the W-rated sizes carry a 168 mph ceiling, and the 205/70R14 BFGoodrich Radial T/A carries an S rating with a 112 mph ceiling. Those ratings are well above ordinary U.S. highway speeds, but age and condition matter more than the rating alone on a collector car.
The car’s own brakes, suspension, alignment, and general mechanical condition usually have just as much influence on road confidence as the tire itself. On an older BMW, safe highway use starts with a fresh inspection and realistic expectations for a vintage chassis. If the tire is aged, damaged, mismatched to the wheel, or underinflated, its original speed capability no longer tells the full story.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1987 BMW tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1987 BMW should follow the vehicle’s original placard or owner’s manual first, then be checked against the tire’s own sidewall and manufacturer guidance. Where load-and-pressure figures are present, 205/70R14 options reach 1,433 pounds at 35 psi, and the 195/70R14 carries a 1,356-pound load rating. Those figures are tire capacities, not a universal instruction to run every 1987 BMW tire at the same pressure.
The right pressure can change with model, axle load, wheel package, and tire design, especially across a range that includes both 14-inch and TRX metric fitments. Use the pressure recommendation that matches your exact BMW and adjust only within the tire maker’s limits. Pressure should always be set cold, then rechecked regularly as part of normal maintenance.
What should I check before taking a 1987 BMW on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1987 BMW, inspect all four tires for cracking, punctures, bulges, uneven wear, and proper cold inflation pressure. Confirm that the tire size matches the wheel, especially on models that could use either 14-inch tires or TRX metric tires, and inspect the valve stems and spare at the same time. A quick look at the wheel itself for damage or corrosion is worthwhile as well.
Tires are only one part of a sensible pre-trip check on an older BMW, so include brakes, cooling system condition, steering feel, and suspension basics in your routine. Cars from this era often remain excellent touring machines when maintained well, but long-distance confidence comes from verifying the whole package. Starting with the tires and wheels is the smartest first step because they are the car’s only contact with the road.
