Yet another tyre query and urgent too

I've just sent my second hand 16" wheels to be refurbed and purchased a full set of new BFG tyres to go on them.

BUT... They look rather big.

The car (Freelander 1 "55" plate) currently has 225/55/17s

I've bought 215/70/16s

Am I going to have problems? Are they too big?

I wouldn't think that size is an issue, it's only 1/2 an inch larger than the standard 215/65/16 tyres

Measure how much taller they are and divide by the difference two, thats how much they will lift the vehicle

My concern is that they will rub on either the plastics in the wheel arch or just not revolve???

I'm no mechanic - hence the reason I have shyed away from Defenders (as well as cost) but I am starting to worry. I'm sure I read on here that people had that size and it was fine. But looking back they ask appear to be based on pre facelift models.

I think you will be ok with them... you have done the right thing by going narrower when going taller. ..a 205/80/16 fits


Just Google biggest tyre size for freelander 1... loads of results

I have them on mine. They are fine aslong as you have all 4 matching

Kizzeh said:

I have them on mine. They are fine aslong as you have all 4 matching

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Sorry if being thick but by "all 4 matching" I take it you just mean all 4 are new tyres and are identical? Also I take it your car is standard?

I have 4 identical tyres, yes.

not necessarily new but matching tread is a must.

biggest rolling diameters should always be fitted to the rear to prevent dangerous wind up in the transmission leading to drivetrain damage.

LR set the difference to be a maximum of 5% between front and rear.


Hope this helps


I have 205/80/16 fitted and they have lifted mine by over an inch front and rear without going for a lift kit

just checked using this Tyre Size Calculator - Legal Requirements - Etyres

and your tyre size diameter has grown by 28mm so not a massive change really, i would imagine no difficulties with them

JDD said:

Sorry if being thick but by "all 4 matching" I take it you just mean all 4 are new tyres and are identical? Also I take it your car is standard?



I have 4 identical tyres, yes.

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All 4 tyre sizes matching. Preferably all 4 tyres same make and newest to the rear. Largest rolling diameter to the rear.

My car is standard. Not a massive difference in height but looks better

Kizzeh said:

All 4 tyre sizes matching. Preferably all 4 tyres same make and newest to the rear. Largest rolling diameter to the rear.

My car is standard. Not a massive difference in height but looks better

Click to expand...

super. Thank you. Mind at rest now!!!

I have 225/65 R17 fitted. But with General Grabber AT tyres. Others have even larger tyres. But I do have a lift and spacers as well

JDD said:

I'm no mechanic - hence the reason I have shyed away from Defenders (as well as cost) but I am starting to worry.

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Defenders have a more traditional 4WD system and mechanics/garages find it just averagely easy to cock up their work for you. Most though don't know how the Freelander transmission works or its implications, so therefore find it particularly easy to cock up their work.

If you need work done, particularly on the transmission, try and make sure they are familiar with and competent to work on Freelanders.

I gave up on garages a few years ago now because their cock ups were costing me far to much money - and that was before I got a Freelander!

Are you trying to post that picture on as many threads as possible dd?

Yup. Don't think it's been done before

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