As the tires on the Cat are way past their expiry date, I was looking for some new ones.

The only tires I can find in the stock size ( 215/70 R15 ) are VAN tires.
The original Pirellis or Dunlops are no longer available....

Which tires do you guys run on your Series 3?

 

Hard finding tires for our old Jags with 15" wheels if you want something (at least somewhat) performance-oriented.

You might find more/better choices in the 215/65x15 size, which is what I have on my Series III. Others have been happy with 225/60x15...although that's getting a bit wide for the standard 6" wide Series III wheel.

If price is no object you can still but the Michelin XWX 215/70x15 at about $450 each. These are marketed more towards the Ferrari and Aston Martin crowd, I reckon.....but you can play too, for a price

Others have switched to 16" wheels.

Cheers
DD

 

I guess a lot depends on your driving needs, the market, and your pocket book.


Unless you drive at over 100 mph for extended periods, I would not rule out "Van" tires.
Which vans ? Compare the weights. Close ?


You'd not be the first to use "truck" tires on a classic. Some matches better than others.


I think sidewall stiffness might be the biggest difference.


Oh, I forgot what should not matter. Government regulation and insurance company reg's.


I refitted my SIII with 7" XJS "lattice" wheels and a new set of B. F. Goodrich "T" rated touring tires. More than enough for my driving and are just fine. Got a really good deal on the tires. That helped my choice.


Carl

 

There is a UK tyre company that can supply you

Search | Longstone Tyres

You even have a choice of makes !

 

I have been running light commercial tyres (suited to light truck, suv, vans etc) for two years now and have found them good all round tyres. Including track days.
They don't look chunky or out of place on the XJ. (but some brands do have a more course tread pattern)

I run Sailun 205/70R 15's 96H, rated up to 130 mp/h-210 kp/h. ($118 AUD each,fitted)



I also have a set of series III rims with 225/70 15's on them. I alternate between the two sets depending on what I am doing.

 

if you want a performance tire go down to a 225/60/15 or a 235/60/15, in the 235/60 you can get micky thompson, M&H, cooper, and pirelli

 

Just for consideration. Continental Vanco tytes are some of the best I have experienced in that class on tyre. Very good in the wet and good wearing as well.

 

Thanks for the tips and ideas.
I asked a friend who works at a Jaguar dealership, which tires they fit on series 3.
Still waiting for his answer.

I guess I'll be going for 225/60 r15 98Z from Uniroyal. They have the correct speed and weight rating and are not very expensive.

 

I know you specified series 3, but if this helps, we are running Yokohama Avid Touring Sport S on our series 1. 205/70/15

They are all season and have a great feel and ride.

One thing to note is about tire pressures. The original specs were too low for modern tires. I spoke with both Tire Rack, and Yokohama, and they advised to run 32psi front and rear.

Hope this is of some help.

 

Last year when I was looking for a new set for my XJ I was considering Vredestein Sprint Classics when I stumbled across a set of very inexpensive Interstate Touring GT tires. Ended up buying these and have been happy with them. Probably not the best option for high speed driving (index H), but if you don't want to spend too much money it could be an option for you and they're available in the size you're looking for.

Noud

 

My friend at Jaguar finally came back to me with the following:

205/70 15....

Now wait a minute.....didn't Jaguar switch to 215/70 50 for performance reasons?
I doubt if my 6J ET33 Pepperpot wheels will even be suitable for them...

 

My understanding is that the V12 Series III cars all had the 215/70x15. The 6-cylinder Series III cars used 205/70x15 except USA market cars after 1985 or so, at which point they, too, were fitted with 215/70

My 1987 Series III XJ6 (USA) had a glove box placard stating 215/70 or 205/70 was acceptable.

Not sure of the rationale; 'performance reasons' is subject to interpretation


A 6" wide wheel is fine for either size. Ideally the 215/70 would be best on a 6.5" or 7" wide wheel, but that wouldn't be essential, IMO

Cheers
DD

 

Out of curiosity I'll take a peek at the placard on my '85 XJ6 as well

Cheers
DD

 

It's been a while, work is progressing very slowly at the moment.

But, I have been able to figure out the tire thing:
Yes, the factory equipped my SIII V12 Sovereign with 215/70 R15 98W Pirelli P4000's.
I have the original 1986 spare tyre (unused) to prove it... ;-)
It might be kind of a tight squeeze on 6J rims, but if Jaguar intended it this way, then that's the way to go for me.

As I am not willing to spend about 1000 bucks (or Euro for that matter) on rubber (e.g. Michelin or Vredestein), I have been looking for a good alternative.
Finally I came up with the following tyre:

Toyo Proxes CF2 SUV, 215/70 R15 98H

Anybody experience with this tyre?
The price is right and Toyo is a rather well known label over here.
I will not be driving her over 200 km/h for periods of time, so the speed rating should be ok....

Any thoughts?

 

Dont know that version, but have used Toyos for a few years now on a car and a light truck. Never had an issue, nothing to get excited about grip wise but quite adequate for sensible driving and maybe a little bit more on occasion.