Tyre Size on Mondeo...

Martyvan · 16-01-2012, 11:13 AM

Am i correct in assuming that Ford has narrowed the Tyres on the mondeo over the years?

I believe (please correct me if im wrong) but the early Diesel/Zetec models came with 235/45/17 Tyres... and the Current MC Zetec, has 215/50/17 tyres?

Thats really a strange one.... can anyone confirm that?

Specs on Ford website for current model say 215/50 and redbook says 235/45!! Go figure...

NZ XR6 · 16-01-2012, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martyvan

Am i correct in assuming that Ford has narrowed the Tyres on the mondeo over the years?

I believe (please correct me if im wrong) but the early Diesel/Zetec models came with 235/45/17 Tyres... and the Current MC Zetec, has 215/50/17 tyres?

Thats really a strange one.... can anyone confirm that?

Specs on Ford website for current model say 215/50 and redbook says 235/45!! Go figure...

Same in NZ - 215/50 is standard for the 17" wheels on the MC.

And I think there is a very good reason for the change. Basically, as I discovered myself, the Mondeo is over-tyred with 235/45-17s unless it has sports suspension. I replaced my 16" wheels with Ford 17s and the 235/45 tyres and did not enjoy the results. The steering became less responsive and the suspension struggled to control wheel movement on bumpy roads.

I ended up selling the wheels and tyres, but of course what I should have done was replace the tyres with the 215/50. My tyre guru did try to tell me this at the time... Bigger, or in this case wider, is not always better.

AG3 · 20-01-2012, 08:34 AM

I just realized how much bigger the tires of the USDM 2013 Fusion (2013 Mondeo) are compared to the current Mondeo.
16's are 215/60R16
17's are 235/50R17
18's are 235/45R18
19's are 235/40R19

apstar · 20-01-2012, 04:37 PM

I thought 17" was for a comfortable ride hwy cruising 18 & 19 were more sporty ride

apstar

Riksta · 20-01-2012, 07:15 PM

My 2010 built MC Zetec has 215/50/R17's on it.

Martyvan · 21-01-2012, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riksta

My 2010 built MC Zetec has 215/50/R17's on it.

thanks Riksta.. do you consider that sufficiently tyred for the size of the vehicle? I think it would be ok...... But after hearing NZ's comments, maybe that size is a good comprimised between nice handling, and compliant ride..... ?

NZ XR6 · 21-01-2012, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apstar

I thought 17" was for a comfortable ride hwy cruising 18 & 19 were more sporty ride

apstar

You're right, but you should try a Mondeo on 16s - the ride is even better.

NZ XR6 · 22-01-2012, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martyvan

thanks Riksta.. do you consider that sufficiently tyred for the size of the vehicle? I think it would be ok...... But after hearing NZ's comments, maybe that size is a good comprimised between nice handling, and compliant ride..... ?

Excuse me answering this, but the 215s give plenty of grip - just come over to Auckland and I'll take you for a drive!. IMHO cornering speeds are limited by the standard suspension, not grip.

Get a Titanium, which has the sports suspension, if you want the best handling Mondeo...

Martyvan · 22-01-2012, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NZ XR6

Excuse me answering this, but the 215s give plenty of grip - just come over to Auckland and I'll take you for a drive!. IMHO cornering speeds are limited by the standard suspension, not grip.

Get a Titanium, which has the sports suspension, if you want the best handling Mondeo...

I dont want to go around corners fast, i just want the maximum safe level of grip. I know on our corolla which is a pussbucket when it comes to handling anyway has 195's.... so my question was more relating to the torque of the diesel, and the effect it has... is 215 sufficient to stop the traction control kicking in every time you take off? as it hits max torque...? Or how does TC work in the Mondeo, does it cut revs or apply the brakes gently? or both?

But from a handling perspective i think it would be pretty good, i doubt Ford would put tyres on there that didnt meet handling/ride characteristics that they wanted.

apstar · 23-01-2012, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martyvan

i doubt Ford would put tyres on there that didnt meet handling/ride characteristics that they wanted.

Ever since I replaced the original Goodyear Excellence with RE002 on my MA TDCi its now a totally different car to drive for the better like chalk & cheese,very quite and can now through it around corners with confidence

apstar

NZ XR6 · 23-01-2012, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martyvan

I dont want to go around corners fast, i just want the maximum safe level of grip. I know on our corolla which is a pussbucket when it comes to handling anyway has 195's.... so my question was more relating to the torque of the diesel, and the effect it has... is 215 sufficient to stop the traction control kicking in every time you take off? as it hits max torque...? Or how does TC work in the Mondeo, does it cut revs or apply the brakes gently? or both?

But from a handling perspective i think it would be pretty good, i doubt Ford would put tyres on there that didnt meet handling/ride characteristics that they wanted.

I've never seen the TC light come on, even on wet roads. All Mondeos have an electronic throttle which I suspect modulates the power during take off, and this is probably how the traction control would work on smooth roads. If one wheel lost traction, e.g. gravel on the road, then it would brake that wheel.

I should note that I have Falken F K 452 tyres, which are better than the OEM Goodyear Excellence on wet roads. But as Apstar commented, decent aftermarket tyres will usually be an improvement on the OEM fitment.

The Marmot · 31-12-2024, 01:06 PM

Re wheel size and tyres. I have a 2018 Mondeo MD Titanium. It has 19 inch wheels and 235/40/19 tyres. After 10 years with a Citroen C5, it gives an unpleasant ride. The effect is that the tyres are about 20psi too high (they aren't). Noticing motoring journalist's comments that the Ambiente and Trend models have smaller (17 inch) wheels and appropriate higher profile tyres which give a more compliant ride, I thought I would find some OE ones, but thought I should check to see that there was not a problem because the Titanium has adjustable suspension settings. Neither my local Ford service centre nor Ford Australia can offer any advice. Jefferson Ford in Melbourne have 17 inch wheels at a good price, but appear reluctant to sell them to me because my VIN shows the car has 19 inch wheels. Yet their website lists all the Mondeo models with which the wheels are compatible. Does anyone know whether I can fit the 17 inch wheels to my Mondeo Titanium? It seems to me it should be a simple question to answer, but so far no one can. I'm getting desperate!

AlCan · 31-12-2024, 02:59 PM

I don't know if this is any help...

My 2013 TDCi MC Wagon has, on the bottom outside face of the Driver's door B pillar, an OEM sticker (entitled 'Mondeo' showing sedan (I think) and wagon body profiles) which seems to show all the wheel and tyre sizes that are permitted, along with loads and tyre pressures. The nomenclature is confusing as it talks about 2.0D's and 2.0TDi's, but it lists rim sizes from 16" to 19", with the relevant profiles.

If yours has one similar, that might help when you talk to Jefferson?

The Marmot · 31-12-2024, 03:16 PM

Yes, my Mondeo has the same sticker showing the various wheel sizes and appropriate tyre sizes. Jefferson Ford's website advert included a list of Mondeos with which the 17 inch wheels are compatible, and clearly includes the 2018 Mondeo MD both Ecoboost and Diesel. But nowhere in the list are there any wheels shown as being specific to the Ambiente, Trend or Titanium models between 2014 and 2020. I've now received a reply from Jefferson saying in effect they cannot help me further and I should seek advice from a mechanic. I cannot understand why this (to me) simple question is such a problem.

AlCan · 31-12-2024, 04:57 PM

Huh! Maybe they are worried about legal liabilities... Maybe they feel the Mondeo was a curse to them. I get the strong feeling that Ford wants them off the road as soon as possible. In fact, a couple of years back when I rang a local Ford Dealer and talked to a mechanic there about the Powershift transmission, he did his level best to scare the proverbial out of me, telling me they could suffer "Total Transmission Failure". I'm sure he wouldn't have said that if he wasn't allowed to. So I went ahead and bought one!

But it also sounds like really bad advice. What do mechanics know about these cars (dangerously little), and worse, what would they know about tyres, handling and safety? Probably, the biggest danger from overly wide tyres is aquaplaning, and maybe Ford has realised this.

I'd say go see a reputable Performance Suspension, Wheel Alignment and Tyre specialist and see if he'll help you out.

The Marmot · 31-12-2024, 05:37 PM

The tyre retailers just want to sell me after market wheels which I don't want. I want the OE Mondeo ones. I have contacted Ford Australia's Customer Service people and after several emails, online chats and phone conversations, no one is able to tell me whether or not I can replace my 19 inch wheels with smaller ones. If I can't, I would simply like to know the reason why. That info appears unavailable from anywhere within Ford, which makes a mockery of their Customer Service Charter item 1.4 which states "After all, nobody knows your Ford better than we do".

As far as I can see, the only possible reason there maybe a problem in changing the wheel size on the Titanium would be because of the adjustable suspension and the possibility that it might be calibrated differently to cope with the low profile tyres. On the other hand, the suspension is designed to cope with 3 different settings --- Comfort, Normal, and Sport, so I can't see how there would be a problem with a wheel size and tyre change which in the end basically only alters the tyre height to maintain the correct circumference and produce a little more compliance in the sidewall. But no one in Ford can or will explain. I've sent a written letter of complaint to Ford Australia's CEO. But it now looks as if I've missed a very good deal on a set of brand new Mondeo wheels.

BLACKVE · 31-12-2024, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Marmot

The tyre retailers just want to sell me after market wheels which I don't want. I want the OE Mondeo ones. I have contacted Ford Australia's Customer Service people and after several emails, online chats and phone conversations, no one is able to tell me whether or not I can replace my 19 inch wheels with smaller ones. If I can't, I would simply like to know the reason why. That info appears unavailable from anywhere within Ford, which makes a mockery of their Customer Service Charter item 1.4 which states "After all, nobody knows your Ford better than we do".

As far as I can see, the only possible reason there maybe a problem in changing the wheel size on the Titanium would be because of the adjustable suspension and the possibility that it might be calibrated differently to cope with the low profile tyres. On the other hand, the suspension is designed to cope with 3 different settings --- Comfort, Normal, and Sport, so I can't see how there would be a problem with a wheel size and tyre change which in the end basically only alters the tyre height to maintain the correct circumference and produce a little more compliance in the sidewall. But no one in Ford can or will explain. I've sent a written letter of complaint to Ford Australia's CEO. But it now looks as if I've missed a very good deal on a set of brand new Mondeo wheels.

i once tried 16"alloys from a MD hatch for a wagon wouldn't fit over brake caliper. early titaniums had 18"s so they shouldnt be a issue. Got a trend on 18"s atm and nice ride, had a 19" titanium wagon years ago and was a bit rough

The Marmot · 05-01-2025, 12:26 PM

Thanks for that helpful reply BLACKVE. That's what bothers me. But no one in Ford seems capable of answering the simple question: Will 17 inch Ford wheels fit over the brake calipers on a 2018 Titanium MD? Will 18 inch wheels fit? Someone must know. The caliper set on my Mondeo certainly look pretty large but I've no idea whether a 2018 Trend or Ambiente Mondeo has the same size calipers. Might try Googling, I suppose. Like you, I find the ride in the Titanium certainly "a bit rough", I can feel every small pebble I drive over and I am encouraged to note that you found even fitting 18 inch wheels made a difference. The ride quality just spoils what is otherwise a pretty nice vehicle. Why does Ford assume that when you buy their top spec Mondeo you expect an uncomfortable "sport" ride, rather than a softish, controlled plush sort of one. I tried the sport setting once on the Titanium. It's the stuff of nightmares!

AlanM · 06-01-2025, 02:04 PM

Pretty sure the only difference is between the wagons and the hatches. The wagons having bigger brakes and therefore 17" wheels even in Ambiente spec, whereas Ambiente spec hatches came with 16 inch rims.

So 17" (or bigger) should fit any of them.

As far as the smaller rims being a problem with the adjustable dampers, I really can't see that being a problem as long as you use 17" tyres that give you the same (or very nearly the same) overall diameter. There are tyre size calculators on the Web that tell you how close tyre sizes are.

The Marmot · 07-01-2025, 02:03 AM

Thanks AlanM. I'm sure that is the case. I can't believe I have been met with such obfuscation and obstruction by Ford and its dealers who simply look at the VIN and say "the wheel size for your vehicle is 19 inch" and decline to give me any reason why I shouldn't fit the 17" ones. Currently, there's almost a 3 inch clearance between the brake caliper and the wheel rim, the rim widths on both wheel sizes are identical and the tyre plus wheel radius is only reduced by 0.15 of an inch using 235/50/19 tyres.

It's going to be costly, but I'll make the change. At least the 17" tyres are over $100 cheaper than the 19" ones, and hopefully in due course, someone will like to take the larger wheels and tyres off my hands. They do make the Mondeo look pretty smart.

Shepherd · 07-01-2025, 02:29 PM

A couple of points - not of much importance.

MD Ambiente hatches initially came with 16" wheels but later (in 2017, according to goauto.com.au) changed to 17" to match with the wagons.

The 17" wheels are 7.5" wide whereas the 18 & 19" wheels are 8".
See specs on redbook.com.au.

The reason is that as you go to a lower profile tyre of a given width, you tend to need a wider wheel. A lower profile means less sidewall to curve into the rim.

The Marmot · 07-01-2025, 04:33 PM

Thanks Shepherd. It looks as though I won't have a problem then. Not sure about your comment on tyre width though, but I'll check that out. The sticker in the driver's door frame shows the tyres that may be fitted to the car (depending on model, I suppose) and it lists 235/40/19, 235/45/18 and 235/50/17. 235 is the tyre width in mms which is 9.25 inches and is consistent across the range.

The Marmot · 07-01-2025, 05:40 PM

Hi Shepherd. Further to my last email, I think you are correct. Jefferson Ford is advertising 17 inch heels for the Mondeo and I now notice that the Ad says "17 x 7.5". I assume the "7.5" is the rim width, but I suppose the width of the tyre tread could be greater Eg: 9.5 inches. Now I'm very confused. I'd better head off to my local Tyrepower and find out.

Shepherd · 08-01-2025, 02:01 PM

If it was me, I'd be looking for second-hand Mondeo wheels, starting with ebay. They might even come with some decent tyres.

The 17" wheels/rims are 190.5mm wide (inside) & the larger diameter wheels are 203.2mm wide. Quite a bit less than the 235mm outside width of the tyres.

The 235/50 tyres have enough sidewall height (117.5mm) to pull into the narrower of the above rim widths, whereas the 235/40 tyres only have 94mm of sidewall & so the wider rim is more suitable.

The Marmot · 08-01-2025, 05:00 PM

Ah! now why couldn't the might of Ford Customer Experience have told me that. Thank you. I've been down to the helpful chap who runs the local tyre outlet this morning and he assures me as you have that 135/50/17 tyres will fit 17 inch OE Mondeo wheels. He said he did a similar transplant for another elderly gentleman like me, who was delighted with the result. Wrecker in Victoria now checking his stock. Fingers crossed. Thanks again for the helpful info.

goz007 · 08-01-2025, 10:29 PM

As mentioned, U just want the hight of the 17" combination to be the same as the 19" combination(wheel&tyre) as then your Speedo reads true & basically that's all you would need to worry about, there's no way there would be any other reason why U couldn't run the 17" rim, imo everything else will be the same.

The Marmot · Yesterday, 12:17 AM

Agree Goz007. Jefferson Ford have an ad running on eBay with 17" wheels at a very reasonable price, although there is no photo. I've asked for one. There is also a little Mondeo icon at the top of the ad with a brief spec of my vehicle saying "This item fits". And yes, I've checked the wheel/tyre sizes on the AGCO site and they match the details shown on the tyre pressure sticker when you open the driver's door. Perhaps it's an unattractive limited edition wheel or something. Hope to find out tomorrow.

goz007 · Yesterday, 02:32 PM

Could also be a cheaper option just to ring around the dismantling yards Buy a second hand set?

Shepherd · Yesterday, 02:56 PM

Because these details interest me, I've been looking into the permitted rim widths for 235mm wide tyres in the different profiles.

According to oponeo.co.uk:

235/50 (diameter makes no difference) 6.5 - 8.5".
They recommend 7.5", which is the width of the 17' Mondeo wheels.

235/45, 7.5 - 9"
They recommend 8", which is the width of the 18" Mondeo wheels.

235/40, 8 - 9.5"
They recommend 8.5", so a little wider than the 19" Mondeo wheels.

The Marmot · Yesterday, 04:15 PM

I've ordered the last 2 x 17" wheels Jefferson have on special, and am awaiting photos of two others from a wrecker in Victoria. I'll post a report in due course after the replacement wheels and tyres are fitted. Hope someone will want my 19" wheels for a modest price.They certainly look smart. But really a case of "Form over Function", although I guess the handling is a bit more precise.