Living in the great white north (Buffalo, NY), we get a bit of snow. For instance, we just received over 2 feet yesterday. My GD3 doesn't really like going in the snow, but I have little choice in the matter. I have an opportunity to pick up some gently used winter tires, but I need to know if they will fit my rims! I have the 2008 sport factory rims... would 195\60R15 work?!! I need to know asap!!!

 

Width wise, it'll be no problem. Height wise may be an issue at stock height since 195/60R15s is approximately 24.2 inches in diameter and the factory 195/55R15s are approximately 23.4 inches.

Give me a little bit, I'll go eyeball my GD with 205/55R15s (.2 inches shorter) and give you my two cents on hieght clearance.

 

One extra note... I am running stock height, no drop.

 

Ok, I assumed you were at stock hieght.

I just checked it out and took a few pics with the cell. I forgot to check turning clearance though since it was 20 degrees in the garage.

Note: With my setup, I'm at stock hieght and the tire is 20mm closer to the wheel well so I can give you a good idea on how it'll work on the outer half and top of the tire, but not the inner half due to my offset and tire width. I do rub in the front mostly due to the offset but after I tuck my fender liners I have enough clearance.

With my setup I have approximately 2 inches of clearance between the tire and front fender. (Shakey but visible)

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Now, with the 195/60R15s you should clear the fender liners while they are still in the factory position during hard/sudden suspension compression. If it does rub during suspension compression you can simply remove the 3 tab/screws that hold the fender liner to the fender and pop the fender liner over the lip of the fender. You will still have protection from water/snow splashing up in the wheel well since it is a very snug fit.

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Hope this gives you a good idea, if not I'll gladly take better pics at different angles to help.

 

Thanks, I really appreciate the help! I may just keep my eyes open for a set of 14" steel wheels and snow tires. No matter how great the deal is, I want to make sure I'm getting a tire that will fit. In the meantime I'll just drive my wife's Subaru to work... she's at home with our 4-month-old, so it shouldn't be a problem. Thanks again!

 

No problem, glad that I could help.