W108 tire sizes - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

suginami · #1 08-08-2010, 08:40 PM

I'm looking for the best tire size for my 280SE 4.5.

The tires on my car are Michelin X-radials in a 205/75 SR14. They were manufactured in 1997, so I gather it's time for new rubber.

I have a book titled, "Technical Data Passenger Cars Issue 1972".

It has a section on Disc Wheels and Tires.

It lists the wheel size, Radial Ply tire size and Diagonal Ply tire size for every chassis for 1972.

For chassis 108.057, 108.058, 108.067, 108068, 109.056, and 109.057, it lists the wheel size as 6J x 14 H2 and the radial ply tire size as 185 VR 14 and 185 SR 14 (M & S-E).

There is a footnote with the following:

"Conversion to radial ply tires 205/70 HR 14 or 205/70 VR 14 on standard disc wheels possible, however not including types 114."

So, I guess the closest factory size to 185 R 14 is 195 75 R 14, and the one up size is 205 / 70 R 14.

What is strange is that my car is running 205 / 75 SR 14. Tom Marx of Marx Mercedes Services (the famous Gullwing restorer), told me to stick with my size, and that 195 series tires are too skinny and that his opinion was the 70 series tires makes a 108 chassis handle a little harsh.

When I run a Tire size calculator comparing a 205/75 with a 195/75, the 205/75 has a larger diameter, the speedometer reading is 2.3% too slow. When the speedometer reads 60 mph, I am actually traveling 61.4 mph.

Any comments on the three tire sizes: 195 / 75 R14 vs. 205 / 70 R14 vs. 205 / 75 R14?

Also, what are your feelings about whitewalls vs. regular black wall tires? I understand these cars came with whitewall tires from the factory.

PaulC · #2 08-08-2010, 09:44 PM

I would assume that the 70-series aspect ratio may give you a little more selection if you want a more performance-oriented tire with something like an H speed rating. Sidewall color? I like the more severe appearance of the blackwall. The speedo error seems small enough to be inconsequential.

suginami · #3 08-08-2010, 10:48 PM

Believe it or not, it doesn't make a difference as far as tire selection in any of the above three sizes.

I think the factor that is limiting the selection is the 14" size.

Another strange thing in the Michelin X radial is the cost between 205/75r14 and 205/70r14 at Costco.

The 205/70's are $97.00 / tire.

The 205/75's are $85.00 / tire.

The 195/75's aren't available.

JimFreeh · #4 08-09-2010, 07:19 AM

Go with the 205/70 on your 6" rim.
Whitewall if you have wheelcovers, blackwall if alloys.

Or.... search for a VW microbus/Vanagon spec tire. It's also 185/14 (No aspect ratio).

Jim

bwostosh · #5 08-09-2010, 09:56 AM

Go with jimfreeth's advice,
Bundt's are lighter and more rigid than steel, (flexes a little) slightly different feel on the interstate speeds, use steel on rough roads.

Tomguy · #6 08-09-2010, 10:18 AM

I'm not there to look but I think I put 205/75 on my Benz (it might be 195, but I am pretty sure I did 205). I would recommend 205 or 195. Not sure if I'd do 215, it's only a 6.5" wide rim! As far as 75 vs 70, I'd use whichever is cheaper. The speedo was never really that accurate on my 4.5 anyway AFAIK - it would say 70 when the radar signs said 65 which is more than a tire size difference.

Any reason you're using Michelins? I really liked the BF Goodrich I put on my 4.5, they gave awesome wet traction and were quieter than the Mich's they replaced. No idea on treadlife, they're still on it after 20k with a fair amount left despite needing an alignment and camber setting for at least 15k! I have grown partial to Bridgestones too. I would stay away from Hankook though, I have a set of Ventus that chunked apart after only 10k!

suginami · #7 08-09-2010, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomguy

I'm not there to look but I think I put 205/75 on my Benz (it might be 195, but I am pretty sure I did 205). I would recommend 205 or 195. Not sure if I'd do 215, it's only a 6.5" wide rim! As far as 75 vs 70, I'd use whichever is cheaper. The speedo was never really that accurate on my 4.5 anyway AFAIK - it would say 70 when the radar signs said 65 which is more than a tire size difference.

Any reason you're using Michelins? I really liked the BF Goodrich I put on my 4.5, they gave awesome wet traction and were quieter than the Mich's they replaced. No idea on treadlife, they're still on it after 20k with a fair amount left despite needing an alignment and camber setting for at least 15k! I have grown partial to Bridgestones too. I would stay away from Hankook though, I have a set of Ventus that chunked apart after only 10k!

I'm looking at the Michelin's because they seem to be the best tire that's available in 205/70 and 205/75. I checked at Americastire.com and tirerack.com, and there are very few tires available in those sizes. Basically a Michelin, a Goodyear, a Kelly tire, and a bunch of Korean and Chinese tires.

I checked the BF Goodrich website, and they don't make a 14" tire in the 205/75, so you must be running the 205/70.

BF Goodrich's tire in the 205/70 is the Touring T/A Pro Series T. Looks like the equivalent to the Michelin X-radial. It says it's available exclusively at Sams Club.

suginami · #8 08-09-2010, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimFreeh

Go with the 205/70 on your 6" rim.
Whitewall if you have wheelcovers, blackwall if alloys.

Have you run the 205/70's on a W108? How did they ride?

Tomguy · #9 08-09-2010, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suginami

BF Goodrich's tire in the 205/70 is the Touring T/A Pro Series T. Looks like the equivalent to the Michelin X-radial. It says it's available exclusively at Sams Club.

That's where I got them at. It was at the time about $68 per tire including mounting, balancing, valve stems, and old tire disposal. I'm sure it's more now. Can't say I blame you for wanting to stay away from Badyear. This is probably the closest to what I have:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=BFGoodrich&tireModel=Radial+T%2FA&partnum=07SR4RADTARWL2&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

124Coupe · #10 08-10-2010, 08:44 AM

When I was faced with replacing the original size tires on my 280SEL 4.5, I contacted the Classic Center in Irvine, who recommended going with 205/70/14. I subsequently purchased Dunlop SP60's in that size with whitewalls, which my car came with new, and am extremely pleased.

JimFreeh · #11 08-10-2010, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suginami

Have you run the 205/70's on a W108? How did they ride?

I installed 205/70-14 tires on both my 69 300SEL 6.3 and my 67 250SE.

Both on 6" bundts. Pleased with the ride on both.

Michelin in both cases. Of course this was many years ago....

MB recommends 6.5" width for the 205 cross section, available on any V-8 MB car from 73-85. The 205/70 worked fine on my 6" wheels, which I've also used on my W114/W115 cars. But I prefer 6.5", if I can get them. Even had 215/70 tires on 6.5" width bundts on my W123 at one point, which were factory spec on the 6.9.

I preferred the 70 series, as they were easier to get in a speed rating. Speed rated tires have a stiffer sidewall by nature, so it's really not just a size consideration, you need to get the stiffer sidewall to keep the crisp handling. I prefer speed rated tires even on my lowly diesels, for the handing advantage. Seventy five series cross section are very hard to find in a speed rating, and S and T are not really speed ratings....... V is the min for a good handling tire.

Jim

Jim

suginami · #12 08-10-2010, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimFreeh

I preferred the 70 series, as they were easier to get in a speed rating. Speed rated tires have a stiffer sidewall by nature, so it's really not just a size consideration, you need to get the stiffer sidewall to keep the crisp handling. I prefer speed rated tires even on my lowly diesels, for the handing advantage. Seventy five series cross section are very hard to find in a speed rating, and S and T are not really speed ratings....... V is the min for a good handling tire.

Jim

Jim

You make a very good point. I had never considered the speed rating issue.

I guess the hot ticket is to go with the 205/70/R14 with a good speed rating.

I have the hubcaps, and I really want to go with a whitewall tire to keep the stock look.

This really limits my choice. The Michelins are not available in a whitewall tire in this size.

The tire rack only has one tire in this size in a whitewall that I would consider: The Kumho Solus KR21.

JimFreeh · #13 08-10-2010, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suginami

This really limits my choice. The Michelins are not available in a whitewall tire in this size.

The tire rack only has one tire in this size in a whitewall that I would consider: The Kumho Solus KR21.

Go seek out a hot rod shop. They should know where you can go to get a whitewall cut into the side of your tire.... I had this done for my MIL locally after my FIL bought blackwalls for her old Caprice Classic. My favorite body shop is owned by an old custom car guy, he knew just where to go....

Jim

JimFreeh · #14 08-10-2010, 08:02 PM

While I liked the whitewall on my W108/W109 cars when they had wheelcovers, they don't look good with bundts, which solved my problem... a little too white belt and shoes tacky for my taste.

Jim

suginami · #15 08-10-2010, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimFreeh

While I liked the whitewall on my W108/W109 cars when they had wheelcovers, they don't look good with bundts, which solved my problem... a little too white belt and shoes tacky for my taste.

Jim

Yes, whitewall tires don't look good with bundts. I actually do have a set of five (5) original bundt wheels in storage, but they badly need to be refinished.