I can't get a straight answer from Volvo on whether or not 15" Wheels will work on the T5. One dealer says No (the 15" wheels won't fit over the larger calipers) another says yes 15" inch will fit and the third says bring it in and we will try it. I want to order mail order and I really don't want to pay $1K f or the dealer tire/wheel package. I know the Volvo web page blindly recommends 195/65/15's for all models of V70.

The major drawback of sticking with 255/55/16s is that Volvo says there is insufficent clearance for tire chains with that size.

Any help from T5 owners on tire/wheel packages they have chosen would be appreciated.

Hi Rick-

I have a 1998 S70T5M. I have a set of 15" steel wheels, with Gislaveds and volvo wheel covers...

This is the second winter I have run this set up, and no problems yet.

As per Volvo's recommendation in my owner's manual.....I use 15" Volvo steel wheels with 185/65x15 studded Vredestein Snowstars. There is no problem with clearance.

Is the 195 series recommendation on Volvo's website for a '98 model year??? I'm uncertain that there would be enough clearance. Model year '01s have larger wheel wells.

-Uncle Olaf

'98 V70T5M, 53k mi. IPD stabilizer bars, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, Valentine One, Dunlop SP 8000s

Yes I did check the Owners Manual but after speaking with the Dealers with their state of confusion I had my doubts. I even checked with Volvo of North America and they couldn't give me an answer. Its always best to talk to poeple that have actually done it.

You are correct the size Volvo recommends are 185/65R-15 not 195's my mistake. See the link below for more info on Tires and Chains if you are interested...

http://www.extras.volvocars.com/owners/1998/S70/98sv70_085.htm#pg85

After your (and Joe's) reply I decided to order the 15" Tires/wheels. I bought them from www.tirerack.com; they gaurantee that 15" will fit or I get to return them. So I ordered their standard package Blizzaks (195-60R/15s) on Steel wheels/with covers. We don't get deep snow here in the Seattle area and I didn't want studded tires but we do get frost/ice and some snow so the Blizzaks seemed like a good compromise - plus Volvo indicates that chains can be used with this size tire - good for the ski trips when the Chains Required sign is Up! Thank you very much for your reply!

Rick Palm

Rick-

I too live in Seattle (Mukilteo). The only reason I have the 15" steel wheel and Gislaveds is when I bought my T5M used at Barrier, the wheels/tires/wheel covers were included (thanks to the 1st owner).

I rotate them on in the winter, but to be honest, around here I consider them entirely uneccessary. If anything, all I am doing is prolonging the time before I have to buy new tires for my 16" alloys.

So, to re-iterate - I have never had a problem with fit (Northwest Volvo in Lynnwood rotates them and installs them for me) but I wouldn't have wasted the money on them considering our weather.

My opinion (if this is possible) - buy some of those aggressive rain tires that will fit on the 16 wheels.