What tire size(s) are correct for a 1980 300SD. The car currently has 215/70x14 tires that are worn and needs to be replaced. The specs seem to show 185/70x14 as correct. A mechanic friend who is a mercedes specialist tells me 205/70x14s.
Thoughts?
Seth
Whatever the specs may show, you're going to be happier driving on the 205's. Unless you're into a purist, all-original thing, I'd go to 15" wheels and go even bigger. I'm running 235/60-15's. The difference in comfort and handling is profound. And you'll have a lot more tires to choose from.
205/70 is optimal for the suspension setup. Some go 215 or 195 depending on budget.
I run these. Good quality and inexpensive. https://www.ebay.com/p/740187110
185/80R14 is the stock size. 195/75R14 is usually easier to find, and am what I am currently using. 185/70R14 would be too low in profile and would cause speedometer error.
I think I can use a tire "primer" on tire performance. Let's assume that the rims can handle tires measured at 215/70/r14 or 205/70/r14 or 195/75/r14 or 185/70/r14.
Why would one be better than the other? What is the upside of going with a larger tire? What is the downside with going with a larger tire?
Quote from: sethkestenbaum on 09 October 2019, 03:08 PM
I think I can use a tire "primer" on tire performance. Let's assume that the rims can handle tires measured at 215/70/r14 or 205/70/r14 or 195/75/r14 or 185/70/r14.
Why would one be better than the other? What is the upside of going with a larger tire? What is the downside with going with a larger tire?
For starters, you want to play with this:
https://tiresize.com/calculator/ (https://tiresize.com/calculator/)
I personally like skinny tires because they help with fuel economy, get better traction in wet and snowy weather, make steering easier, and give the car a nimble feel. Wider tires make the car not lean as much around corners or something. They also get better traction in dry weather on a clean road.
http://www.rimsandtiresmag.com/7-things-you-should-know-about-wide-vs-narrow-tire/
https://blog.tirerack.com/blog/hunters-ramblings/why-are-narrower-tires-better-for-winter
Note, wider tire is better in dry and wet condition, but narrow better in snow.
Based on all the input, I think I am going to order a set of all weather 205/70/14s.
All weather tires aren't good in any weather... go for either summer tires och winter tires.
Outside of the extremely pricey Michelin XWX and Pirelli Cinturato CN36, summer tires for a W116 are non-existent.
Quote from: Harv on 12 October 2019, 07:37 PM
Outside of the extremely pricey Michelin XWX and Pirelli Cinturato CN36, summer tires for a W116 are non-existent.
Unless you go 15" that is.
The 14" world is a sad, expensive place.
Quote from: celberg on 12 October 2019, 02:17 PM
All weather tires aren't good in any weather... go for either summer tires och winter tires.
Depends on the tire and climate. They're great in moderate climates, like the Irish.
you can get falken ziex ze914 205 70 14 summer tyre, i have them on mine, and i remember that maxxis did a good well priced tyre in that size
options are few and probably getting more expensive.
I run Falken Sincera on the 6.9. Not great but not bad for occasional use. 15 inch is the logical upgrade as the choices open up dramatically.