Is it possible to use 205-55R16 tires on a 2009 Sport 5?
The 2012 models has this size for a sport model alternate wheel.
My 2009 has chewed up several of the 205-50-R17's.
I am looking for a higher profile.....appreciate the information.
Thanks -
The new guy .... but love my 5
Rabbitcom1

Update: talked to a Madza service guy today here in Atlanta who said that putting different tires may effect the control computers, engine, tranny, check engine,etc because i put on different tires. WHAT?
Mazda USA customer service said if it isn't in the brocure or manual - then NO. I am shocked at this and the fact that Mazda has no technical service number (available to the public ) even when 2 dealers give you different info.

 

On my 2008 5 GT, My snow tires are 205-55R16. I assume this means that the 2009 will be the same...

 

P.S. Not sure your car has chewed up the rims, more likely the driver ;-D

 

What exactly do you mean by the car chewed up tires? They wore out, or wore unevenly. They blew out?

To keep the diameter and circumference of the tire the same as OE but increase the sidewall height would require a smaller wheel. This will almost certainly affect the overall handling of the vehicle in a negative way as well.
Certainly it can be done, but you're looking at some expense and careful thinking in order to do it right.
And yes, the Speedometer, ABS and TC system all "expect" to see a certain tire circumference. New settings would have to be installed in the car's PCM. You would likely need an aftermarket "tuner" in order to do that.

 

I'm going through a similar thing with our 09' 5. The 17" tires that came with the car are extremly expensive to replace. There is a far greater selectionn of tires in the 16" size, and increasing the aspect ratio a small amount to account for the overall tire diameter isn't really a worry. These aren't sports cars. Plus the extra cushion might help with the ride. I'm aware of the handling characteristics of the smaller aspect tires, but hey; it's a minivan. Has anyone changed their 17's in for 16's?

 

I have 205-55R16s on my '09 Sport, I love them. Smoother ride.





For the wheels, I went with Drag DR-34 from Discount Tire. For the tires, Michelin Exalto A/S tires (Discount Tire) and I added black locking lug nuts ($70!). Total cost was around $1,150, with lifetime rotation and roadhazard warranty. I had the TPMS sensors moved from my OEM wheels to my new wheels.

As mentioned above, the tires are cheaper at this size (about $30 per tire, comparing same brand / model) and there is much more selection.

Putting a different diameter tire on your car will affect your speedometer, but the 205-55R16 is the same outside diameter as the OEM 17" tires. As for the other stuff - he doesn't know what he is talking about.