Tire - W123 Size
 

Hello,
I have an 83 300D. I just want to make sure of this instead of google,
so thought I'd ask the experts. I need a spare tire. I've read 195/60 14,
and 195/70 14. I do remember getting a tire in the past, and the
shop said it did not see many in this size 14...
Which size should I be looking at? - Thanks

195/70 R14 is the correct size for the W123.

Thanks, Great. All I need to know.
A tire guy here is going to try and
get one for me...

I've had good luck finding tires on ebay, especially if you're just looking for one sometimes you can find a good deal.
Especially if it's just a spare you don't need the best namebrand tire.

Right, Ebay....thanks, I'd have to have free shipping to make it worthwhile.
This guy in town says it'll be about $40 for a used tire, if/when he finds one.
Do you know why these are so rare?...Are they only used for older cars?

They're not ultra rare or anything, it's just that few cars use 14s anymore.

That said, I had no problem finding a set of tires for my Benz.

Wow, shocking, alot of selection on Ebay, And Free Shipping, I would
have never checked....makes things much easier.

lj:

As to size, in the event that there are tires on the car, you may want to match their size with the spare.

tire size
 

Wal Mart. Hankook Optimo whitewalls. 205/70R14.

If possible, avoid buying a used tire which has been repaired. While there nothing wrong with a good patch, the fact that the tire has a patch means that it may have been "run flat."

I have had good luck with Ebay seller "champtires." They will tell you (if you ask) whether a tire has been patched or not.

14 inch tires are a little harder to find but they are out there. I definitely would not run a used tire that has been patched. Often, we take chances with used or worn tires, but when it blows out you are putting not only yourself and your passengers at risk but also others on the road.

a freebie
 

Hey lindajane, I may have a suitable spare for you, mounted and balanced, all you need is drive down to San Mateo and get it. I offered it to a friend a year ago but he never came for it.
Its a 14in tire, I think its a Sumitomo or some Japanese brand.
Its on a OE steel wheel and it came off my wife's 83 300D. Its not a new tire but it didn't see sunlight and isn't worn at all. I wouldn't hesitate to drive with it.
If you want a Bundt wheel for it I have one to sell.

I'll check it and report to you the size if you are still looking for a spare.
Reid

I’m getting 4 brand spanking new 185/70R14’s installed on the 240D tomorrow. All 4 out the door for $210.

Why buy used?

I’d give you one of my take offs if you were nearby, two of them are pretty good.

I buy used because I can get a quality tire with 90% life remaining for 25% of what a new tire costs.

Not to mention that sometimes it's good to match the wear level of existing tires when replacing just one damaged tire.

I’ve junked quality tires with good tread left, but I did baaaad things to them so I had to junk them. Or worse, they were old.