Citroen XM Forum

Hi folks

I'm perilously close to XM ownership but have a query. I know they should use 195/65 R15 for most models. I currently own a Rover 400 with brand new 195/55 R15s and wondered if anyone had tried the lower profile on an XM. Would it just look stupid? They're really good Uniroyal Rain Sport tyres, so while I can't say I'll miss the Rover terribly, it would be nice to put those tyres to more thorough use!

Hi Ian,

Glad you've got the XM bug Personally id say the tyres will be OK....but..... its a big hydraulic citroen, they like the nice tall sidewalls, its part of what always made them feel like citroens, don't know if you remember looking at the wheels of ours, but they look even bigger and balloon-y than the profile suggests.

It will look stupid.

As many of us have discovered, the XM's ride is significantly affected by the choice and state of its tyres. The first line of bump-absorption is the tyre (where even slight over-inflation can lead to a knobbly and unpleasant ride), and the side-walls play a big part in this. For this reason, going low-profile isn't a good choice, if ride quality is important to you. Michelin Energy Savers cut the spec well.

I would agree, using low profile tyres will negate to a degree the ride softness and that's what a lot of people buy XMs for - me at least. It will also affect your speedo accuracy and give you slightly lower gearing, it could also affect your insurance - although I don't see that its at all dangerous.

Peter

My 2.1TD runs on 205/65s on the alloys it has but the winter tyres are 195/65s on steels.

The manual says either tyre is suitable for the car - what size is best?

I thought the 205s were usually 60s.

Peter

Hi Peter, no, standard TD auto fit is 205/65/15.
robertm

Hi Robert

Thanks didn't know that, the only 205s I have come across were on the 2.5 diesel and they were 60s.

Peter

My estate has 205/65/15 Michelin energy savers.

Norman