We're looking to get new 205-70R14 tires for my folks' 1982 300SD. I've called around to many shops but none carry H-rated tires. For giggles I checked out Tirerack.com's selection. I chose the year, make, model, and all it comes back with are S or T rated tires? I thought these heavy cars needed the H-rated tires? Any recommendations on H-rated tires in 205-70r14? Thanks.

H-rated are mostly found on other sizes for some reason the tire people don't say. I was really P-ed off when Pirelli discontinued the P400 H series tires, they seemed to outlast even the OVERPRICED Michelins I used to use (nevermore!)
I upgraded to 15 in wheels, for one thing the handling is improved (over already not so great handling) - if you are running the 14 in Bundts the factory size tire is 195-70-14, and there are lots of tires available:
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/searchTiresByVehicleAndSize.do?yr=1982&sw=false&cs=195&vid=000716&rd=14&ar=70

I suggest however getting tires by their wear rating. A rating over 400 is going to help assure good tire life. The Yokohama Avid have been given goods reports by someone here in the 'Forum

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'95 E320 Wagon my favorite road car. '99 E300D wolf in sheeps body, '87 300D Sportline suspension, '79 300TD w/ 617.952 engine at 367,750 and counting!

I just went thru this with my wife's honda accord. The Michelin MXV 4 is what the mercedes dealer sells as an H rated replacement tire but they are expensive at any tire dealer. SAMS club carries them. But the stinking thing is they are only a 40,000mile tire and cost $120 per tire. So I looked at the Mercedes dealer to see what kind of rubber they were running on their cars. A lot of them had a Continental Conti tech touring tire. I have also seen this tire on many VW Jetta's. This is the same tire they put on Lincoln Navigators. It is a 60,000 mile tire and an entire set for the Honda Accord only cost $360. The Honda is a 15inch and the 300sd is a 14 inch. The Michelin MXV 4 which I have on my 300sd and were on her Honda were going to cost over $500 for the set. We are very satisfied with the ride and feel of the Continental tire and especially the cost!!!

Willrev, I went thru all the tires at Continental's site and none were 205-70's in 14", nor even 195's. Your Contis are H rated?

Yes, the Continental Conti tec touring tire is definitely H rated. I checked thouroughly with different tire dealers where I live since Honda says that car is supposed to have an H rated tire for handling and speed capability. You might check with a local dealer just on that question and pick them up elsewhere. I saw these on several Mercedes at the dealership here.

Thanks. Well, after much more reading I finally found some tires that seem to be very well regarded. Firestone's Affinity LH30. It's H rated and has a 70K warranty and with the rebate thang Firestone's got going right now I'll be getting them tonight, four @ $385 installed. Not bad. Hopefully we'll like them.