Dear Veterans:

What do people like for a modern equivalent for the orignal Michelin or Continental 175R14 tires that came with my '74 280 Sedan?

I'd like to do the best I can to retain the car's original appearance.

I'm going to keep the original steel wheels along with the painted, matching hubcaps.

I plan to also drive it really only as a three-season car; the salt they use here in Minnesota during the winter is really bad news for anyone that wants to keep something nice.

Thanks,
Will

WillN
Kudos on keeping the wheel covers and steel wheels. I have done likewise on my '71.

However, I think the manufacturer of a tire will not affect the originality or appearance of a car UNLESS you are talking show car. Most people won't really notice the difference.
And unless you want to put white walls on the car, as that was popular in the late 60's and early 70's here in the US, the appearance is something only you can decide what is "right."

You should probably use 185/75/14 or 195/70/14 tires, the old 175R14 designation has been replaced. A wider tire will provide a more stable feeling on the road at the cost of slightly more effort in turning the steering wheel, which you probably won;t notice unless you don't have power steering (like my model 220/8).
H4 rubber is highly recommended for good tire life on a W114/115 chassis (and W123 for that matter unless you want softer rubber like a V rated tire for speed in exces of 100 MPH) at a reasonable cost.
So a 185/75HR14 is I think a reasonable tire for the W114/115.

While on the subject of tires I would like to express my dislike over Michelin's pricing (I'd call it highway robbery, they raise their prices too frequently). They are good tires, but there is plenty of competition now days.
And I feel really let down by Pirelli because they discontinued the P4000 in the 14-inch sizes. I still prefer Pirelli (P6000) on the 15-in wheels I use, they handle very well and cost less than Michelins. Put some Pirellis on that car and it will amaze you.

My friend has tried to convince me to use Yokohama Avid (touring?) tires next time, but it will be a while before I need to think about tires. $54 per is an attractive price and they look good too.

Have you checked out the on-line tire sellers like the Tire Rack (one of the sponsors of the AutoForum I believe) ?
I have used Discount tires Direct last several times and had Costco or WalMart install and balance them.

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/

Whatever you do, don't skimp on tires, that is what your life depends on to a high degree. I have a scar on my chin from the day my friend's VW flipped and landed on its roof smack in the middle of the SF Bay Bridge, and a big Cadillac came along and hit us at 60 MPH. The car had some old Continentals on it with cracked sidewalls that blew out suddenly. A terrifying experience to say the least!

Dieseldiehard
1971 220 (gas) 4-spd manual 104041 or is it 204041?
1979 300TD w/ ’85 turbo engine 288975
1983 300D 237300
1985 300TD 205437

Think Japanese - Toyo, Yokohama, etc..... and dont be afraid of manufacturer names you have never heard of.

Makes sense doesnt it.... that high tech Pacific rim nation would make the best rubber products.

Regarding tire sizes - everybody remembers Vintage Jaguars with chunky wide tires..... reason for this was compensation to protect incredibly fragile front suspension comprised of multiple, very thin links and control arms that would bloody well bend when driven under extreme duress. My first car was a Triumph Spitfire, friends had old Austin Healy 3000's back in the early '70s..... the joke was that Brit cars needed wheel allignment after racing around on back country roads.

No such problem exists with MB. Your 175's will keep the car nimble and quick for cornering.

Maybe you should be asking yourself what sort of tread pattern best fits road conditions in your area.