PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

rwthomas1 · #17 12-20-2003, 11:34 AM

I know why MB engineers should be second-guessed in the area of tire selection!

1) 195/70/14 tires were selected by MB engineers 20+ years ago when they designed the 123 chassis. Radials were still relatively new technology then. Tire technology has come a long way since then.

2) I am quite certain that MB consulted extensively with tire manufactures regarding the best tire for the 123, and heres the point, at that time period-20+years ago.

3) Auto manufacturers don't make tires! Anyone buying a new car knows that even the OE tires are warranted by the TIRE manufacturer, the Automaker wants no part of tire problems.

Michelin specifically states that the 205 is a perfectly acceptable upgrade to the 195. They will sell them for that use, warrant them for that use, etc. I don't see how anyone but Michelin, the maker of the tire, can say with absolute certainty, that a 205 tire MUST be on a 7" wheel. If Michelin okays the 205 on a 6.5" wheel and stands behind their product then I don't see how the MB engineers would have any problem with it.
RT