This is the size currently on my/(SWMBO) E36 325i coupe but I am having extreme difficulty in obtaining any as they appear to have been discontinued?

so, anyone know where I can get some - at a reasonable price?

or failing that, what other size can I fit instead without messing up the fuel economy or acceleration?

225/50 or 225/60?

All (sensible ) suggestions gratefully received - thanks.

What wheels are they on - OE BMW alloys ? Throw up a pic of the ones you have and the wheel width (should be stamped on them if OE alloys).

The rolling radius between 205/60 and 225/55 is virtually the same.  I'd guess that the previous owner wanted to sharpen up the handling a little bit, but on my third 325i now on 15" wheels and never felt them to be at a significant disadvantage.  I have a set of Style 29 16's in the shed and not feeling the need to rush to put them on it for additional grip or handling. 

IIRC the std Style 13 alloys on these are 7.0" wheels and either tyre is fine on this width.

BTW. I've found Vredstein Sporttrac's to work pretty well on the e36 325i on 15's.  Good grip in both wet and dry, fairly quiet and generally comfortable. 

I'm running the current one on P6000's as the unused spare suggests these were the factory fit and they work well too.  This one is a bit of a time warp car so looking to keep it original as far as possible.

Ballcock wrote: What wheels are they on - OE BMW alloys ? Throw up a pic of the ones you have and the wheel width (should be stamped on them if OE alloys).

e36 325i std wheels are Style 13's like these:

http://market.autopartsfair.com/bmw-wheels_rims/item-zob40816f89.html?campaign=autoelf - http://market.autopartsfair.com/bmw-wheels_rims/item-zob4081 6f89.html?campaign=autoelf

Dergside wrote: e36 325i std wheels are Style 13's like these:

.... pictures & details tomorrow

Aahh, the posh upgrade ones.....!

I think the 16" versions are rare.

Rossi wrote: Remember the Bavarian Board Gallery Simon... They look like Style 17 http://felgenkatalog.auto-treff.com/ - Here 205/60/15 or 225/50/16 rubber required (according to this link)

they are stamped "BMW 47" & "FPS" & "94 25" & "1 180 448" and "7J x 15H2"

I can get the correct tyre at 205/60R15 - the problem is won't I now have to change all four? As although it is narrower - so should go on the front - it is taller - hmmmmm

Amy more bright ideas?

Simon, as long as you replace 2 tyres and have them fitted across the same axle, that is fine and is an MOT pass. As said above, the rolling radius isn't too far away from eachother, so you probably won't feel much difference to be fair.

The problem comes at MOT time when you have different size tyres fitted across the same axle.

But, if it was my car, I'd fit some 328i Sport 17" wheels on it

The difference in circumference is approx 0.24% or less than 5mm.  Can't be sure but I'd reckon that you could have a greater difference just by replacing the tyres on one end without replacing the other pair.

The following is an excellent site for these kind of questions.

http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible_pg2.html - http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible_pg2.html

Dergside wrote: The difference in circumference is approx 0.24% or less than 5mm.  Can't be sure but I'd reckon that you could have a greater difference just by replacing the tyres on one end without replacing the other pair.

So looks like a pair of 205/60's on the front and leave the 225/55's on the rear then would be the option?

Sorry - after re-reading the previous post I wasn't very clear.  Silly me!

I agree with ShepsM3 that the different sizes front and rear will be fine.

The point I was TRYING to make is that the difference in rolling circumference with 205's on one end and 225's on the other is probably less than the difference in rolling circumference between new and part worn tyres of the same size on each end.

Hopefully that's clearer?  No?.....