Tire question '81 300SD Bund Cake Wheels

[andersbenz]

Researching tires on this forum I find recomendations for the Bridgestone Turanza LSH tires.

Any updated feedback on these tires or other recomendations?

The car will be driven in Texas and Florida so there will be no need for snow/ice types of performance. ( I hope )

Thanks,

[t walgamuth]

personally i use only michelin. i have tried others through the years but always come back... kind of like i have with mb.

[Brian Carlton]

I kind of feel the same way about Michelin. A bit pricey, but, I never even think about whether the tire might be out of round (common with lesser brands) and they frequently go 100K miles.

If you pay $105. for a tire and you get 100K out of it, you really are ahead of the game.

I just bought a set of Michelin Hydroedge for the SDL. Excellent ratings in all categories. No issues with any of them.

No personal experience with Bridgestone. Rumor is they can provide very long wear as well. The whole Bridgestone/Firestone deal leaves me with questions.

You should definitely consider 15" wheels for the SD. The 14" wheels have a rather large sidewall in 70 series and, if you upsize the tires a bit, the handling becomes a little funny. I did this with the W123 and used the same tires on the SD. It runs 215-70-14's. I wouldn't suggest that you do this. 205-65-15 would be a much better choice. You can get a set of wheels that fit the later S-class vehicles (1986-1991) for about $150. on e-bay. Of course you would have to like the 15 hole, flat face look.

[thebenzbar]

That's true, on Ebay, you can get the 15-hole set of four 15" flat-faced alloys for roughly between cheap (needs restoration) to (should be no higher than...) $200 depending on the condition... OR you can always do the endless search for the holy-grail of Mb alloys --> the ever-elusive 15" Bundts or "Baroques" as Europeans call it.

[Brian Carlton]

I found a set for $117.00.

Restored them myself after bead blasting.

They are on the SDL now. Won't win any car shows but, I'd rate them an 8.5 out of 10. Much nicer than the 18 year old wheels that were removed.

[thebenzbar]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

... Much nicer than the 18 year old wheels that were removed.

Hmmm, the newer 15-hole alloys are fine, but I still prefer the original/older Bundt-type alloys on a W123 and W116... you won't go wrong with either one though. The 15-hole flat-faced 15's look correct on a W126 though as opposed to a W123 or W116 body style. See pic below to compare wheels:

[Brian Carlton]

Yes, after looking at the two of them for a few minutes, the 15" wheels look a bit large on the W123.

[Chris Bell]

Originally Posted by thebenzbar

Hmmm, the newer 15-hole alloys are fine, but I still prefer the original/older Bundt-type alloys on a W123 and W116... you won't go wrong with either one though. The 15-hole flat-faced 15's look correct on a W126 though as opposed to a W123 or W116 body style. See pic below to compare wheels:

I don't know who owns these two W123 coupes but, geez those are beautiful cars. I've always had a soft spot for those coupes

[thebenzbar]

Originally Posted by Chris Bell

I don't know who owns these two W123 coupes but, geez those are beautiful cars. I've always had a soft spot for those coupes

Chris: ...mines! I like coupes, but I like W123 wagons just as much as these fine 280CE's...

[andersbenz]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

You should definitely consider 15" wheels for the SD. The 14" wheels have a rather large sidewall in 70 series and, if you upsize the tires a bit, the handling becomes a little funny. I did this with the W123 and used the same tires on the SD. It runs 215-70-14's. I wouldn't suggest that you do this. 205-65-15 would be a much better choice. You can get a set of wheels that fit the later S-class vehicles (1986-1991) for about $150. on e-bay. Of course you would have to like the 15 hole, flat face look.

Thank you all for your input.

Brian, a future project is to upgrade to the later S-class wheels, along with the later type side molding and euro lights.

Due to budget constrants, I am keeping the 14 inch wheels this time. I ordered a set of Yokohama AVID's from discount tire. The set of 4, installed and with tax came to $325.00.

I too like Michelins but this seemed like the way to go this time.

Thanks!!

[JimmyL]

Originally Posted by thebenzbar

Chris: ...mines! I like coupes, but I like W123 wagons just as much as these fine 280CE's...

Hey, that's my wagon, except WITH paint!!

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by andersbenz

Brian, a future project is to upgrade to the later S-class wheels, along with the later type side molding and euro lights.

Due to budget constrants, I am keeping the 14 inch wheels this time. I ordered a set of Yokohama AVID's from discount tire. The set of 4, installed and with tax came to $325.00.

I too like Michelins but this seemed like the way to go this time.

I purchased a set of two Avids from Tire Rack and installed them on the front of the Dodge Van. The van can use just about anything as it does not go over 60 mph.

But, what is interesting is the cost. By the time you got done buying and shipping the Avids, getting someone to install and balance them, you are up to $80. per. That's about right for a tire that you can buy for $55.00.

I got the set of four Michelins last August for $102 per after a $12.50 Michelin rebate. Didn't need to order them from Tire Rack and have them installed by someone else. The dealer did the entire job.

Just my $.02 but, for an additional $22. per, I bet the Michelins are a better buy long term.

[Hatterasguy]

I looked at the Mich Pilot Sport 2's but they were like $170 each and the Yokos were $90 so I went with the Yoko's and have been happy.

Next time around in about 3 years when I need new rubber I will try the PS2's, Yoko AVS's, or Dunlop SP9000 if they have my size.

[soydrivermatt]

Just did four Michelin's at Costco for $330 installed not counting $50 mail in rebate, temporary offer until June I think...

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by soydrivermatt

Just did four Michelin's at Costco for $330 installed not counting $50 mail in rebate, temporary offer until June I think...

That's a fantastic price. Which tire and which size???