I have had endless problems with the tires on my 850 turbo. They are the 205/50 ZR16 Michelins and due to there low profile the tires are not durable. The dealer suggested changing them to Michelin pilot XGTV4 205/55/R16. When I asked if any 205/55/R16 size tire would do, they said "possibly" but that Volvo recommends these tires. What experience do others out there have and can I go with any 205/55/R16 tire or do I have to get that specific Michelin?

I ended up getting the Bridgestone Potenza S-03 205/55/16. Thus far I have had no rubbing problem and the difference is drastic. The car handles irregularities in the road much better and the road noise is drastically reduced while road grip has increased. I'm anxious to see how the handle rain and snow (although they are "summer" tires). I highly suggest them to any 850 turbo owner with 16" rims. Once I have broken them in, I will give an update.

I've had Bridgestone RE730's, 205/50 16 on my 855t since I bought it. Great tire and the Gen2 version is supposed to be more quiet than the original. They're moderately priced, falling between Michelin and Kumho (which is what I planned on trying next). Locally they're $180 ea but Tirerack has them for about $108.

I haven't had any appreciable wear problems with them and have also kept them out of potholes. Being a directional tire, your tire rotations are limited to front to back rather than crossing them on the car unless you go to the expense of having them remounted which I wouldn't consider.

Good luck,
--
Erwin in Memphis, '88 745t 183,000 miles, '95 855t For Sale

I picked up 4 205/55ZR-16 Michelin Pilot A/S. They had a great reviews on tire rack site. The treadwear is rated 400, aa, a. Mileage is suffering a bit, but the ride is 100% improved over the MXV4 VR 205/55/16. Being a standard '95 turbo, there is no signs of rubbing. The tires look great!

Lunchman

That website of the well damage says that it occurs on the 850 R, which has a different suspension system from the 850 turbo. I really don't want to get 205/50's again- the tires just don't hold up.

the volvo's owner website DOES list 2 tire options for the 850 turbo. the 205-50-16 michelin pilot hx mxm. and another is the 205-55-16 all season tires.

I ran 205-55's on my '94 850 Turbo for years and never had any rub at all. It certainly improved the ride and the tires lasted much longer than the original 205-50's.

What make and model of the 205-55's did you use johnh? I'm considering the Energy MXV4 plus over the XGTV4.

The latest are Bridgestone RE-90's. I previously had Michelins and Generals but don't remember the specific models. All of them were 205-55-16's and fit fine with no rubbing.

When I bought my '94 855 turbo I noticed some of the 850s had a small bend in the lip under the fender and the plastic wheel well cover was broken (driver's side front). It turns out that the 55s on it hit on hard bumps (like pulling into the driveway at any speed over a crawl). Check out this link for photos-http://www.volvospeed.com/Repair/2055516.htm . I can't afford to throw away 4 good tires, but I hope they wear out soon so I can get the correct size.

I am going to try a set of Kumhos next time around. I have read decent feedback on the tirerack site and they're pretty inexpensive, like $78 each.

some people have rubbing problems with 205-55-16. not, some. what kind of tire problem? the oem michelin pilot hx mxm are meant as quiet grand touring tires. they're not that sticky, and imo, too expensive. if u want grippier tires, maybe some bridgestone s-03 or something...

u can visit tirerack.com and tires.com for some info at 205-50-16 sizes

There are many other brands that will be far better in wear and performance over the big M. I am running Yokohamas, and am very pleased with them, at a lower less price.

I think you can go with any tire that size as long as it has similar ratings. Michelin's are generally overpriced because of the name IMO. I think the low profile tires are just prone to wear out quickly and all you can do is keep proper inflation and rotate regularly. I just put the third set on our '96 with 83K. My first set of Firestone's lasted for 104K on my Nissan truck and then only cost a third of what the 850's tires are. But the wife loves her sporty little wagon......