Upsizing tires on a diesel - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

SHARK1007 · #1 01-06-2005, 07:33 AM

I have a 79 300sd. Orig car came with 185/14 tires and has 195/70/14's now.

Looked at tires yesterday and 205/70/14 will fit on rims, but are a little (1-2") taller and just a "little" more money. I like the look better, but will I hurt the rocket-like performance by the use of the taller tire?

Thanks

ferreed · #2 01-06-2005, 07:46 AM

Shark,
Turn the wheel all the way to either side and measure inside your wheel well. Also try to account as best you can for your shocks' current condition. If you upsize too much you may cause your tire to rub. This can be really annoying when you're backing out of a parking space and everyone stares because your car sounds like it's falling apart (to them, at least.) I upsized the tires on my Mazda recently and while it doesn't rub, it does seem to be bouncier-- sort of like driving on a set of beach balls-- but that may be a property of the tires themselves and not their size.

boneheaddoctor · #3 01-06-2005, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ferreed

Shark,
Turn the wheel all the way to either side and measure inside your wheel well. Also try to account as best you can for your shocks' current condition. If you upsize too much you may cause your tire to rub. This can be really annoying when you're backing out of a parking space and everyone stares because your car sounds like it's falling apart (to them, at least.) I upsized the tires on my Mazda recently and while it doesn't rub, it does seem to be bouncier-- sort of like driving on a set of beach balls-- but that may be a property of the tires themselves and not their size.

Talk to Luke at the tire rack.....or through the Tires and wheels forum.......

He know exactly what will fit.

I am Running 205-50/15 Bridgestones....link to photos of my car.

Photos of my W116

SHARK1007 · #4 01-06-2005, 08:47 AM

Thanks for the replies, I've talked to Luke, but I wondered if anyone had done it and whether there was any performance change in the car.

Brian Carlton · #5 01-06-2005, 09:43 AM

I'm running 215-70-14 on the SD. It was stock with 195-70-14. There are no clearance issues on the W126.

However, the sidewalls are so huge that the vehicle does give you the sense that it is riding on "beach balls". When the current set wears out, I'm changing to 215-65-15, or possibly 215-60-15.

boneheaddoctor · #6 01-06-2005, 10:51 AM

Oh Brian.....we all know you are secretly lusting to lift the car and put Gumbo monster Mudder tires under the beast......

Hatterasguy · #7 01-06-2005, 11:03 AM

I have noticed the difference on mine from going to the summer 225/55/16's to my stock winter 205/65/15. With the winter tires and stocl wheels the ride is smoother but it doesn't handle as well. Also cross winds on the highway seem to affect it more. I miss my wider sticky tires!

devildogdoc · #8 01-06-2005, 11:24 AM

I run 205/70/14's on my 82 SD without nary a problem... it looks funny with the 195's they look to small to me ...

Brian Carlton · #9 01-06-2005, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boneheaddoctor

Oh Brian.....we all know you are secretly lusting to lift the car and put Gumbo monster Mudder tires under the beast......

Sometimes these tires feel just like that...................

wolf_walker · #10 01-06-2005, 06:17 PM

I have been told, by what *should* have been a very knowledgable old MB guy, that wider tires screw with the funky suspension geomitry of these cars.

I don't know, but think I'd at least try a set of stock size next time personaly.

#11 01-06-2005, 06:28 PM

I have 195's/75/15 on mind and it is a sorta weird look for the car. They do look too small. I guess it a matter of personal opinion but I like the tires to fit the wells and look right...not oversized or anything...just right...

TonyD · #12 01-06-2005, 06:53 PM

If I recall correctly, the W116 450SEL 6.9 cars had 215/70-14s. Unfortunately it's hard to find speed-rated tires in that size.

FarmerDrew · #13 01-06-2005, 07:09 PM

I put 205/14s on mine cause I was driving on alot of gravel roads. They last a hell of alot longer than the previous 195s. Im gonna go back to the 195s because I like the look better and the car will just be on pavement now.