pandaf

Hi Brian, thanks for reply - the current tyres, bought with car, are Michelin Primacy (2 well worn will need changing soon) 215/55 16 extra load (97) variously H V & W at the 4 corners; I tend to run them towards the high end of the recommended pressure ranges - partly to save fuel, and partly 'cos I never know what I'll be carrying - I know that this can make the ride harsher but it beats constantly adjusting them as loads change..... I do know that they are not "skinny rubber bands" but the 15" rims would give an extra 5/8" (about 15%) of rubber/air between metal and road ......... maybe it's not enough to make a significant difference, but I thought I'd try it since I had the wheels anyway ............ Thanks again, Phil If you have them it makes sense to try though as you've found they won't fit yours unfortunately. I'd expect them being branded tyres and the right rating would be ok. It may be down to suspension wear, which the MOT would probabbly highlight if severe enough once its due. Might be worth checking drop links. It might be worth dropping the pressures a bit otherwise to see if it improves, colder temperatures and higher pressures would make the tyres much less flexible? Hi Brian, thanks again for your thoughts, has anyone else got anything to add I wonder ..... specifically indeed any way to solve the 15" rims onto the later MKII front brake discs & calipers ??? surely someone else must have tackled this (and I hope resolved it!). Phil

Hi Brian, thanks for reply - the current tyres, bought with car, are Michelin Primacy (2 well worn will need changing soon) 215/55 16 extra load (97) variously H V & W at the 4 corners; I tend to run them towards the high end of the recommended pressure ranges - partly to save fuel, and partly 'cos I never know what I'll be carrying - I know that this can make the ride harsher but it beats constantly adjusting them as loads change..... I do know that they are not "skinny rubber bands" but the 15" rims would give an extra 5/8" (about 15%) of rubber/air between metal and road ......... maybe it's not enough to make a significant difference, but I thought I'd try it since I had the wheels anyway ............ Thanks again, Phil

Hi all, I have recently (6 months ago) managed to find a low-mileage MkII Ghia TDi 130 on '04 plate in near-perfect condition :) :) :) , which I intend to keep for as long as possible. I have previously owned 3 galaxies or equivalents and been very v. happy with them, but this latest seems to have a lot harsher ride :( - which I am putting down to ( a ) the appalling state of our roads :angry2: ( b ) my aging body not coping with being bumped about :wacko: & ( c) this latest Galaxy having 16" rims (not 15" as fitted to my previous cars). I have some old 15" steel rims to which I had previously fitted winter (M&S) tyres so tried one on - and lo it fitteth not :glare: ! I understand from research that this is most likely Because I have the upgraded larger brake discs etc that were fitted to the majority of MkII's. So am I stuck? Or is there a solution? (that does not involve major rework, cost or downgrading my lovely car). Why oh Why do car companies insist on fitting lower profile tyres? We are not all racing types or delighted by the "rubber band on aluminium" looks - - surely, for the vast majority of drivers and passengers, practicality is more important? Never mind the cost of replacing damaged alloys and tyres because road bumps and skinny tyres do not mix ......... Thanks, Phil (aka pandaf)