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Tire Size Options? 1980 300SD

Started by sethkestenbaum, 09 October 2019, 09:50 AM

sethkestenbaum

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
Seth Kestenbaum
oldcarroadtrip.com
1929 Model A Ford Phaeton
1969 VW Bug Convertible
1980 300 SD Turbo Diesel getting fixed up
1980 300 SD Turbo Diesel rusty parts donor car

raueda1

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.
-Dave
Now:  1976 6.9 Euro, 2015 GL550
Before that:  1966 230S, 1964 220SE coupe, 1977 Carrera 3.0

Harv

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
1980 300SD
1983 240D
2000 E55 AMG
2002 G500

Squiggle Dog

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.
Stop paying for animal cruelty and slaughter. Go vegan! [url="https://challenge22.com/"]https://challenge22.com/[/url]

1967 W110 Universal Wagon, Euro, Turbo Diesel, Tail Fins, 4 Speed Manual Column Shift, A/C
1980 W116 300SD Turbo Diesel, DB479 Walnut Brown, Sunroof, Heated Seats, 350,000+

sethkestenbaum

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?

Seth Kestenbaum
oldcarroadtrip.com
1929 Model A Ford Phaeton
1969 VW Bug Convertible
1980 300 SD Turbo Diesel getting fixed up
1980 300 SD Turbo Diesel rusty parts donor car

raueda1

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/
-Dave
Now:  1976 6.9 Euro, 2015 GL550
Before that:  1966 230S, 1964 220SE coupe, 1977 Carrera 3.0

Squiggle Dog

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.
Stop paying for animal cruelty and slaughter. Go vegan! [url="https://challenge22.com/"]https://challenge22.com/[/url]

1967 W110 Universal Wagon, Euro, Turbo Diesel, Tail Fins, 4 Speed Manual Column Shift, A/C
1980 W116 300SD Turbo Diesel, DB479 Walnut Brown, Sunroof, Heated Seats, 350,000+

rumb

'68 250S
'77 6.9 Euro
'91 300SE,
'98 SL500
'14 CLS550,
'16 AMG GTS
'21 E450 Cabrio

sethkestenbaum

Based on all the input, I think I am going to order a set of all weather 205/70/14s.
Seth Kestenbaum
oldcarroadtrip.com
1929 Model A Ford Phaeton
1969 VW Bug Convertible
1980 300 SD Turbo Diesel getting fixed up
1980 300 SD Turbo Diesel rusty parts donor car

celberg

All weather tires aren't good in any weather... go for either summer tires och winter tires.
350SL 1973
350SE 1975
SL500 1996

Harv

Outside of the extremely pricey Michelin XWX and Pirelli Cinturato CN36, summer tires for a W116 are non-existent.
1980 300SD
1983 240D
2000 E55 AMG
2002 G500

ptashek

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.
1993 "Pearl Blue" W124 280TE
1988 "Arctic White" W124 200T
1979 "Icon Gold" W116 450SE

ptashek

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.
1993 "Pearl Blue" W124 280TE
1988 "Arctic White" W124 200T
1979 "Icon Gold" W116 450SE

w116john


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.

daantjie

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.
Daniel
1977 450 SEL 6.9 - Astralsilber