Posted by Eva on May 21, 1998 at 17:32:24:
I have a '95 Volvo 850 wagon which came with Michelin Pilot HX MXM 205/50/16,
and I need to replace them. I love the way the Pilot HX MXMs have performed
in California (no snow), but I am moving to Boston and want to get all-season
tires for snowy/icy weather. The problem is that there are not many choices
for all-season ultra-high performance and high performance tires in the 205/50/16 size.
I am considering switching to a more popular size, 205/55/16, and getting either
Michelin Pilot XGT Z4 or Pirelli 7000 Supersport or Pirelli 6000 Sport Veloce.
However, the salesman at Tirerack told me that switching to 205/55/16 in '95 Volvo 850s
will cause problems--the tires will rub against the two front inner fender liners;
he recommended that I change my two front fender liners for newer ('96 or later)
fender liners, which are apparently thinner. My local Volvo dealer tells me that the
'96 liners are the same size and that changing them will not make any difference;
the dealer also says to go ahead and order the 205/55/16 tires and not worry
about the fender liner.
I am confused! Who should I listen to? Does anyone have any experience with this?
Any suggestions or comments will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Eva