Looks like 205/50/16 tires will fit on the standard 6" Protege 5 rim (based on my reads on the forum, and discussion with tire guys).

The only remaining issue is clearance with the new, wider width. I was planning to buy Bridgestone SO3, which are about 0.70 wider. Anyone use this tire, or tire size? How about Bridgestone RE730?

If I would have known of the skinny wheel width, I would have passed on the polished wheels ($500.00 extra), and saved the money for new wheels. Live and learn.

Mitch

 

My Sp5000 are almost ready to go, 12K and now in Florida's rainy season here they don't feel safe on wet surface.
I'm thinking about either 205/50 16" or maybe 205/45 16".
I'm not sure, can 205/45 16" fit right on our stock rims?
I know that either on of those will full speedometer, when drivning real 60mph it may show either 58 or 63 on speedometer.
I want to buy Dunlop FM901's, cheap and good tires.
Overall diameter of stock SP5000 195/50 16" is 23.7"
FM901 205/45 16" is 23.4"
FM901 205/50 16" is 24.2"

What would you do, can 205/45 16" fit right onto P5'S stock rims?

 

I don't think it's safe to mount 205/45 on a 6" width rim.
On Bridgestone's website approved widths are 6.5 to 7.5"

 

Our stock tires are 195/50 and a 205 is only 10mm wider. I've talked to a couple tire places locally that said that it would be fine to mount a 205 tire on our rims but we can't go larger.

 

I have measured our P5 stock rims and those are 6.5"
so maybe 205/45 16 would fit OK.

 

They're 6.5? oohh .. i was always assuming they are just 6.0 ...
At least that's what is in the FAQ.

 

i know for a FACT that 205s will be fine. Thats what im runin. I got a flat a while back and replaced my back two tires(the flat was unreparable and didnt want to spend the money on an SP5000 or whatever the stock tire is). So i got 2 kuhmos and the guy messed up and put on 2 205s rather than 195. I was kinda pissed but was so frustrated from the day i said screw it and been driving around ever since. ive had em for 6 or 7 months at the least. havent noticed any difference in like handling or performance. hope this helps. Peace

 

I'm running the Bridgestone Potenza RE-730 in a 205-50R16 on my P5 and have absolutely zero rubbing or fitment issues. They ride and handle fine.

 

Did you measure the outside width of the rim??

You need to measure the mounting width wich is the the width on the inside of the rim.

 

so, has there been any resolution to this question?

can a 205/45-16 tire be mounted safely on the stock P5 rims? I'm not ready for tires yet, but considering the added selection in that size of tire I would be inclined to try and go that route.... but... I really do not want to replace the rims... mmm... but then of course some nice dark rims on a silver car would be cool....

thanks!

 

I'm also interested in an answer to this .. (6.0 vs 6.5)
Has anyone measured the stock rims?

I could always take it in to a local tire shop but I'd feel like I'm wasting their time because I don't have the money to buy rims as well as tires if they turn out to be only 6.0 like the faq says.

--

edit...
Nevermind, I found the answer on mazdausa's website:
Wheels ... 6.0JJx16

shucks.

 

205's fit fine its plus sizing it.

Dont know why mazda would put 6 inch width wheels on there in the first place.

 

Most tire mfg's don't rate their 205/45's for mounting on 6" rims. most 205/50's are ok...
The only 205/45 I've found that is rated OK for 6" is the Pirelli PZero Asym.

I guess the car makers like the cost savings of going with a skinny rim? Neons come with 6" rims too, and even the RSX only comes with a 6.5...