I am sure all the forum experts get tired of answering but a search of the forums lead to a number of varying opinions. The standard US tire size for a W116 450 SEL is 205 70R14. I can not find a decent quality tire in that size at any of the local tire stores. I read that the 215 70 R14 was std on the 6.9 Will it fit my base 450 SEL's?
Thanks....
Steve
Unless you want to keep the 14inch wheels rather get a set of 15inch Bundt wheels. The tire choices on the 15inch is a ton better than the 14inch.
You have to go beyond local tire stores. 14 inch tires are dead.
215/70/14. I run these on my 300SD. Love them.
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/tXMAAOSw2bFcCkJY/s-l1600.jpg)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-New-215-70R14-96T-General-Altimax-RT43-215-70-14-Tires/223274261583?fits=Aspect+Ratio%3A70%7CSpeed+Index%3AT%7CSection+Width%3A215%7CRim+Diameter%3A14%7CLoad+Index%3A96&epid=4020370473&hash=item33fc2edc4f:g:MJkAAOSwpudcCkJY:rk:1:pf:1&frcectupt=true
If memory serves the standard 7J alloy rims can fit a 215 tire just fine. But your choices will be very limited and costly. You can still get the original Michelin XWX that went onto 6.9s, but they're about $500 each.
There's Vredestein Sprint Classic too.
Many here will disagree but I second what Daniel said - you'll be better of long term getting a set of 15" Bundts and 205/65R15 tires, where choice is still plentiful. Tacho mods won't be needed either as the rolling diameter difference is ~0.8%
I drive on Dunlop Sport BluResponse 205/65R15 and they're great. They've lasted 6 years and 20k miles so far, with zero signs of deterioration, and can easily serve another season.
Are there any other width / ratio combinations on the 14 inch wheels that will work?
I've seen 225 width tires used on 14" wheels, but the ride quality suffers greatly and puts extra stress on the suspension and steering to the point that tie rods, drag links, and upper control arms wear out prematurely.
215/70R 14 will work very well on your 450SEL
Quote from: robertd on 17 December 2018, 05:39 AM
215/70R 14 will work very well on your 450SEL
Looks like you have cornered the market in 6.9's in Oz.... 8)
Quote from: Harv on 13 December 2018, 11:51 PM
You have to go beyond local tire stores. 14 inch tires are dead.
215/70/14. I run these on my 300SD. Love them.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-New-215-70R14-96T-General-Altimax-RT43-215-70-14-Tires/223274261583?fits=Aspect+Ratio%3A70%7CSpeed+Index%3AT%7CSection+Width%3A215%7CRim+Diameter%3A14%7CLoad+Index%3A96&epid=4020370473&hash=item33fc2edc4f:g:MJkAAOSwpudcCkJY:rk:1:pf:1&frcectupt=true
Awesome to hear that these run good on a 300SD. How do they handle wet pavement after they are halfway through their tire life? I liked my Hankook Optimo H724, but once they reach 5/32 of tread the wet traction is gone. I think they would have definitely lasted the 35k miles of 70k miles on the warranty had my front suspension been in order, with proper alignment.
I would be really leery of buying tires off of eBay... Even if it hasn't ever been driven on, rubber degrades over time. I would strongly suggest you look for a set of 15-16" wheels for your car instead, and get a more common tire put on those.
Quote from: Mattr on 17 December 2018, 06:59 PM
I would be really leery of buying tires off of eBay... Even if it hasn't ever been driven on, rubber degrades over time.
Message the seller and get the production date. If they are new and the date isn't years old, then I have no problem with eBay tires. The majority of the time they are just tire shops selling on eBay.