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Garage => Interiors & Exteriors => Topic started by: hamidagha on 20 October 2020, 03:23 PM

Title: Tyre size for 1979 280SE
Post by: hamidagha on 20 October 2020, 03:23 PM
I took Albert (yes my car is called Albert) to show him off to a couple of friends. One remarked that the tyres should be bigger to suit the car better.
Question is this: I believe I have the original rims on the car. But what is the best tyre size?
Title: Re: Tyre size for 1979 280SE
Post by: rumb on 20 October 2020, 04:09 PM
Your car should be fitted with 195/70R14.

Title: Re: Tyre size for 1979 280SE
Post by: hamidagha on 20 October 2020, 04:21 PM
Quote from: rumb on 20 October 2020, 04:09 PM
Your car should be fitted with 195/70R14.

Thanks Rumb.
I have 185/R14/90H and the technical notes on this site suggest a 185 HR 14. So i guess the 195 would make them 10mm wider, but with lower profile?
Title: Re: Tyre size for 1979 280SE
Post by: Max-NL on 20 October 2020, 06:22 PM
6 cylinder w116 should have 185/70R14.
Title: Re: Tyre size for 1979 280SE
Post by: rumb on 20 October 2020, 07:02 PM
hmmmm,  I looked here for the answer. Apparently MB calls for something different?

https://tiresize.com/tires/Mercedes-Benz/280E/1979/Base-Model/

the 195 is a little taller and wider


https://tiresize.com/height-calculator/
Title: Re: Tyre size for 1979 280SE
Post by: Max-NL on 20 October 2020, 10:03 PM
That's for the W123 280E. It indeed uses a 195 tire. But the w116 280 S/E/L uses a 185 tire. Not sure why.
Title: Re: Tyre size for 1979 280SE
Post by: rumb on 21 October 2020, 07:04 AM
my bad   :o
Title: Re: Tyre size for 1979 280SE
Post by: hamidagha on 18 November 2021, 12:52 PM
Hi all. Reigniting this topic if I may:
I have had all 4 steel rims repowdered and all looking good. Tyres are old and need replacing.
The original 185/hr/14 are limited to two brands and super expensive.
I've read on the forum that 205/70/14 is a close replacement: my question is if I opt for those, I would still be able to use the same 14 inch rims, right?
May be dumb question but I am learning every day 😃
Title: Re: Tyre size for 1979 280SE
Post by: Max-NL on 18 November 2021, 02:17 PM
I can't and don't want to look into another person's wallet, but have you looked at these Vredestein's : https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/tyres/185-14/185r14-vredestein.html (https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/tyres/185-14/185r14-vredestein.html)  ? They are the right size and have a nice thread. And Vredestein is not a bad brand (or is that my Dutch pride speaking  ;D ) .

Can't say if 205/70-14 would fit. They were mounted to 6.5J rims, while 185/70-14 were mounted on 6J rims.
Title: Re: Tyre size for 1979 280SE
Post by: hamidagha on 18 November 2021, 03:23 PM
Hi Max. You can look and if you find anything let me know.  ;D
I have to admit I am leaning towards the Vredestein! It is actually not that much more expensive than the alternative.


Quote from: Max-NL on 18 November 2021, 02:17 PM
I can't and don't want to look into another person's wallet, but have you looked at these Vredestein's : https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/tyres/185-14/185r14-vredestein.html (https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/tyres/185-14/185r14-vredestein.html)  ? They are the right size and have a nice thread. And Vredestein is not a bad brand (or is that my Dutch pride speaking  ;D ) .

Can't say if 205/70-14 would fit. They were mounted to 6.5J rims, while 185/70-14 were mounted on 6J rims.
Title: Re: Tyre size for 1979 280SE
Post by: mrkozzy on 18 November 2021, 09:39 PM
Cut & paste  from an old post in this Forum  from member "OzBenzhead"



Re: 116 tire size?
« Reply #1 on: 17 April 2006, 04:45 PM »
According to my Owner's Manual, these were the standard tyres:

280 S / SE / SEL ("summer" tyres) - 185 HR 14 or 185 HR 14 90 H or 185 R 14 90 H - on 6 J x 14 H 2 wheels

350 SE / SEL ("summer" tyres) - 205/70 HR 14 or 205/70 HR 14 93 H or 205/70 R 14 93 H - on 6.5 J x 14 H 2 wheels

450 SE / SEL ("summer" tyres) - 205/70 VR 14 - on 6.5 J x 14 H 2 wheels.

This Owner's Manual does not include specs for the 6.9.

I am presently running my 116 280 SE on Sumitomo SC890 A/S whitewalls of spec. P205 70R 14 93 M+S on the 6 J x 14 H 2 "bottle-top"/"baroque" ("bundt" to Statesiders)




And as a side note, many sets of tyres ago I ran a set of 205 70 R14  on the standard 6J rims. The guy at the tyre store assured me they would fit the bill.  They looked, nice being slightly wider and performed well enough, however my car insurance would have been voided in an accident, as they were not a manufacturer recommended product for the rim.  Suffice to say I changed them for 195 soon after (this was acceptable to the insurance company) and I sold the 205's at a huge discount.  I;ve been running 195's ever since.
I don't know what I will find next time I need to replace the rubber as these sizes are getting very rare, almost non existant. What is around is mucho $$$$.
Title: Re: Tyre size for 1979 280SE
Post by: rparker on 25 November 2021, 04:57 AM
Just to chime in, I too felt that the 116.020 185 or 195 recommended was far too narrow, especially with the size and weight of the car. Maybe at the time of manufacture it was appropriate considering other cars also had similar tires and poorer braking performance, however, in this modern day where even cheaper cars have high braking performance, I personally feel the smaller tires is risking it especially in the wet with the 116.020 which doesn't have ABS. Anyway, to cut the story short I've upgraded to more modern wheels off a W220 and Michelin tires. I find braking performance in wet or dry to be much more appropriate for today's traffic conditions.

A side benefit is the slight longer gearing that the larger diameter wheel & tire combo gives which improves drivability considerably.

Insurance issues however have to be settled. I managed to talk to my insurer and they agree that modern tires is the way to go and allowed my modification. I am however in Malaysia and each company and country would differ.

Ryan.
Title: Re: Tyre size for 1979 280SE
Post by: Nabstud on 25 November 2021, 09:37 AM
I run Kumho Optimo 715, 205/70/14 on my 280S with standard steel wheels. Been on the car for over 10,000km and drive fine. If anything they look too small, 185s would look like pizza cutters!!!
Title: Re: Tyre size for 1979 280SE
Post by: mrkozzy on 26 December 2021, 11:13 PM
Strange the things you find when you bother to look.

Had cause to take out my spare wheel today.  Don't remember when it was used last. At least 15+years ago I'd say.

Anyway found the spare is the 5th 205 70R14 tyre that must be a hangover from a previous time.

Looks quite smart and certainly not too big for the 6J rim its on.
Might go down and have another word with my insurance company.  Its been quite a few years now. Perhaps they might allow the wider rubber, next time I seek to buy a set.


Title: Re: Tyre size for 1979 280SE
Post by: Nabstud on 27 December 2021, 01:42 AM
You'll have no issues with insurance, tyre diameter can increase 25mm (no specification on width as long as it doesn't protrude past the guard) and still be roadworthy. This is in WA, Victoria should be the same but double check.

My old Nissan Patrol had a big lift and oversized tyres (as you did when you're young ahaha), it was written off in an accident. Tyres/suspension, even though not roadworthy, didn't contribute to accident so they paid up with no issues.
Title: Re: Tyre size for 1979 280SE
Post by: Engineerd3d on 31 January 2022, 02:39 PM
I do not have the steel wheels. I have the bund wheels on my 300sd.

With that said I went for a 215/70R14 tire. I paid about 70$ per tire installed. So far over 2k miles and very happy with them.
Title: Re: Tyre size for 1979 280SE
Post by: hamidagha on 06 March 2022, 03:08 PM
Update: I went ahead and bought a set of Vredestein as per Max-NL suggested. They look good and drives well. I feel much more comfortable on the long drives now
9BF167AA-A223-4DD1-B9DB-DABF923AC90B.jpeg
Title: Re: Tyre size for 1979 280SE
Post by: Scotty on 30 April 2022, 02:41 AM
Question to the assemblage: were the tyre sizes standard across the range in all jurisdictions?
Title: Re: Tyre size for 1979 280SE
Post by: SteveDuNord on 13 July 2022, 02:35 PM
Am I right that W123 came with 15 inch steelies?

I'd prefer the larger diameter rim while keeping the hub caps. I'm assuming the tyre size range would increase?
Title: Re: Tyre size for 1979 280SE
Post by: BCDC on 13 July 2022, 07:01 PM
These cars are cruisers. Leave the standard rims and tyres on please. Hub caps on the small engine SE cars look good and suit the class of vehicle. The looks are subtle but important to differentiate from the "muscle" ones. Also the drivability was taken into account by the designers so stick with it. They do actually know best. My 280SE does all it needs too and more if I'm feeling frisky. These cars are incredible as they left the factory all those years ago, why change that?

BCDC   
Title: Re: Tyre size for 1979 280SE
Post by: SteveDuNord on 15 July 2022, 11:44 AM
Quote from: BCDC on 13 July 2022, 07:01 PMThese cars are cruisers. Leave the standard rims and tyres on please. Hub caps on the small engine SE cars look good and suit the class of vehicle. The looks are subtle but important to differentiate from the "muscle" ones. Also the drivability was taken into account by the designers so stick with it. They do actually know best. My 280SE does all it needs too and more if I'm feeling frisky. These cars are incredible as they left the factory all those years ago, why change that?

BCDC   

Agree to an extent, but we also have to factor in cost saving and downgrading the 'lesser' models to add cachet to the higher end models. Less standard equipment, smaller rims and so on.

In my case, the existing rims need refreshing and my tyres are slightly out of spec. So IF a slightly larger wheel opens up tyre choice and perhaps gives a better ride, which it may do, then why not?
Title: Re: Tyre size for 1979 280SE
Post by: BCDC on 15 July 2022, 06:23 PM
The biggest problem with cost for tyres here in Australia for the W116 is the speed rating needs to cover what it says in the specs for top speed. A 280SE has 200km/h top speed according to the specifications, so the tyres needs that speed rating. There is no way I'm ever going to check the top speed for my car but that is the law for tyre chose for this vehicle. Given that the tyres for my work ute cost about $100 more that the W116, it's not a huge issue for me. I agree that if you can get some improvement in ride, then go for it if it pleases you. The other thing about larger diameter wheels the speed change compared to the dash read out, so check that change with a GPS.
Title: Re: Tyre size for 1979 280SE
Post by: rumb on 15 July 2022, 08:31 PM
My AMG GTS does 193 mph, but the best Michelins are rated 186 mph. Even MB doesnt ship these cars new with speed rated tires. Are there even any of these cars in Australia?
Title: Re: Tyre size for 1979 280SE
Post by: BCDC on 15 July 2022, 08:41 PM
There are a few of those cars available here, but I think that speed is unlikely on our roads. Good point though that Mercedes can't fit tyres rated for the top speed.

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/mercedes-benz/amg-gt/s-badge/