I just installed a set of General Altimax RT43's on my 1972 220D.
The W115 chassis is always a little stiffer than the W123 and while I wasn't looking for a racing tire, I wanted a good tire that would handle better than my car can.

These are one of the few tires available with a great rating on TireRack in the correct size for the W115. The 195/70 R14 put my car speedometer spot on with my GPS. With the old 195/75 R14s the speedo was indicating about 7% slower than I was going according to GPS.

The first two days after I got the tires, the felt a little "marshmallowy" but this was probably due to both the slick lubricant on the rubber when brand new and the fact that the installer (Firestone) aired them up to the Mercedes factory recommendations which is way too low.

Once I got them pumped up to 36 in the front and 38 in the rear, the tires handled fantastically. I only had a day of dry surface driving then it snowed quite a bit. Traction in the snow is great! I know this isn't a dedicated mud and snow tire but for a year round tire, I don't think I could ask for more.

Road noise has decreased from the very old GT Radial Champiros that I bought the car with. So far fuel economy is increased as well but i also stopped a fuel leak and did an oil change so I don't really have a baseline to measure just the rolling resistance effects of the new tires. Either way, I'm very happy with them.

Phil Forrest

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1972 220D "Trudy," named by a friend.

"The 220D sounds good... I suspect it is the only car that you need a calendar for, rather than a stopwatch, when doing acceleration tests."
Tom Abrahamsson