www.jec.org.uk

Advice please. I have a 2001 Xk8 Convertible. Both rear tyres are worn and need changing. However, tyre specialists are struggling to find and source the size. The tyres are 245/50 ZR 17 99Y. The tyre shop suggested I replace the 17" alloy wheels with 18" front and back which would future proof the car being able to access the bigger range of 18" tyre makes. Downside is cost of new alloys and is there a market for my 17" alloys to offset the cost? Also should I keep the car as original as possible? Car is a weekender so not huge mileage but maybe it will become even more difficult to source replacement 17" tyres in the future as fewer and fewer manufacturers provide them. Thoughts?

This problem is at least as old as the 14" wheels on the Mk X or the 10" tyres on the original mini. The fashions in tyres change quite regularly. Who's to say how long 18" tyres will be available? If you were to change to 18" wheels, the ride and handling of your car would definitely be different. The ride would be a touch harder and the handling marginally better. If you like your car the way it is, the changes brought about by 18" wheels may or may not be welcome. Unfortunately, your 17" wheels wouldn't be worth a lot to sell on. My advice would be, if you like the car the way it is, persevere and find some 17" tyres. There will be some somewhere. If you'd like improved handling, search out some 18" wheels and tyres. Mike.

Thank you Mike for your counsel. Appreciate it and I think I will upgrade to 18" and I'll also have to source a spare running wheeel too. Should keep me busy!

If you don't want to change the wheel size it is possible to use a different tyre size. 255/45/R17 are much more common and only cause a minor speed under read so OK.
Try https://tiresize.com/comparison/ to look at possibilities.

There seems to be two versions of this thread but this is the active one so I will re-post my previous answer from the other thread in case it got missed.

Give the Pirelli Performance Centre in Burton-on-Trent a call. They may have the original 17" tyres.

Ask for Gareth Williams
01283 525523
gareth.williams@pirelli.com

Hello,
I believe Michelin 255/45 ZR17 (98Y) TL PILOT SPORT 4 MI is Available and Should be a High Performance Tyre, but I'm not sure if the XK 8 Alloy Wheels are Strong, I know BMW Alloy Wheels on ' Low Profile Tyres ' Often Fail with Cracking...!!!
Also I'm not sure if it touches the Bodywork and if it Touches on the Front on Full Lock it's an MOT FAILURE

Regards,
Darryl

Note....I have a 1965 3.8 ( bored out to 4.0 ltr ) MK10 Manual + O/D on which I fitted XJS Alloy Wheels with
Michelin XWX 225/70VR15 ( Aston Martin size I think..? ) to Overcome the 14 " wheel problem
On Autoroutes in France and Spain they get so Hot & unable to touch, but Michelin State ' That's how they are Designed to Run '
...Another Day...!!!
Regards,
Darryl

Advice please. I have a 2001 Xk8 Convertible. Both rear tyres are worn and need changing. However, tyre specialists are struggling to find and source the size. The tyres are 245/50 ZR 17 99Y. The tyre shop suggested I replace the 17" alloy wheels with 18" front and back which would future proof the car being able to access the bigger range of 18" tyre makes. Downside is cost of new alloys and is there a market for my 17" alloys to offset the cost? Also should I keep the car as original as possible? Car is a weekender so not huge mileage but maybe it will become even more difficult to source replacement 17" tyres in the future as fewer and fewer manufacturers provide them. Thoughts?

No Problem...Michelin Pilot Sport 5 .. 245/45ZR17.. 99Y . are Available..Always Fit New on All Wheels set to Recommended Pressure