Klaus,

I have a 1996 850 GLT with the rounded 6 spoke alloys wheels, which were a dominant style of wheel sold that year. Are you saying I can take the standard 196/60R15 tire mounted on the aforementioned alloy wheel and place it in the wheel well provided I remove the plastic spacer used for the donut tire? I think I did that once, and found that the wooden cover that goes over the spare tire and is held in place by a strap was to high and you could not close the auxliary seat (I have a wagon) in the back properly. That's my recollection.

Is the alternative when you have the auxuliary seats installed (in a wagon) is to use a smaller tire mounted on a steel rim that is not as wide on the face/profile of the tire, such as a 185/65R15 which is the tire size Volvo recommends for a snow tire. Would that provide the reduction in the "tire's height" on its face/profile to allow you to properly close the auxilary seats.

Klaus, thanks for your response. I always appreciate your advice.

Hugh