a 225/60/14 on 14" 450SL Please Help

[rzrob]

Hello,

Has anyone ever tried a 225/60/14 on 14" 450SL. I've got OE rims with painted hubcaps and want a sure footed tire. Will this size look goofy? Any good advice on a really euro 14" tire. I'm thinking of a michelin in this size. Not really interested in a asian tire.

Rob

[GermanMarque]

The main consideration is you must have rims with a 25mm maximum offset,
should be marked on the rim as ET25. Michelin make a really nice 215/60X14 R rated, MXV88 "Energy" tyre. They give it a wider stance, stick like the proverbial to a blanket and grip really well in the wet and bugger all road noise. Treads moderately conservative in appearance, but works. Not sure on the 225's with clearance for suspension components. I'm running 215/60's on 15's and have no problems with clearance to suspension and there's still a heap for guard clearance and no sign of them fouling the suspension. No idea on the US laws, but here in Australia, you can only legally increase your track by 1 inch. Michelin are a "Frog" tyre anyway. If you don't like tyres from the "Land of the Rising Sun" you would be looking at "Continental " to stay loyal to The Fatherland! I don't think the extra 5mm either side will cause you any grief, but check with the tyre Company before you hand over the folding stuff. Just don't bend over in your LederHosen while your there!

[rzrob]

Sounds like good advice. I'm not sure a 215/60/14 will be tall enough. I'm worried 225 might look to fat. I'd love to see both on my car first (I'd pay for that), but tire places around here these days don't stock anything but Fong Ho (the cheap crap) and make it a hassle to "order" what you might want.

Geez.

RZ Rob

[dougmcp]

I have 225/50/16's on my 380SL. Not sure of the offset but the fit is tight, about 3/4" at rear wheel well and full lock to lock steering on front with no contact.

[Steve Gutman]

225/50/16s will fit. I have them on my 107. I do get a little rubbing on the front fender at 3/4 lock. It's an AMG package from 1985. I also have the 14" rims. They are designed for 205/70/14 tires. First check to see if your 225/60/14 is taller than stock. Then check to see if the rim is wide enough for a 225/60. I put some 215/60/15 on a rim designed for 205/60 and found that the tire had a lot more squirm and rolled instead of turning in. If you want it to handle, get the right match of tire to rim. THe 107s came with 15 and 16 inch rims. If you can spend the cash, buy 15 or 16s. If not, I would try to find 215/65/14 (max). Even if you do, they won't be speed rated. Coker Tire makes the original 205/70/VR14s. THey are around $125 each but it is the OEM Tire. This will give you a soft ride. THe 225/50/16 tires transmit a lot of jolt to the chassis.
MHO,

[rzrob]

Thanks for the input. It was what I wanted to hear. I just went with the 205/70/14. I put on a Goodyear Eagle GT II. Nice looking tire and seems to drive nice. I know it's not the factory "VR" tire, but it's still better than some. I'm glad you sort of talked me out of anything oversize. Frankly just having tread makes a lot of difference in the appearance of the car.

RZ Rob