I need four new tires for the 1982 300sd.
I currently have Michelin MXV4's in the 195/70/14.
I am running the original rims.

I want the quietest, best riding and handling tire I can buy regardless of cost. I do want some extended mileage. I only got 25k miles out of the current set of michelins with regular rotation. They are a softer H rated tire meant for handling.

I do want an H rated tire.

I have looked at Tire Rack at the Bridgestone Turanza LS-H and they seemed good, but a few posts on this site have made me question them. They are also nowhere to be found locally and all the tire dealers here say that if you are going to spend that much money, go ahead and get a Michelin.

The michelins are limited in this size. You can get a harmony or go back to the MXV. I think the biggest tire I can run is a 205-75-14?? Is this correct?

Any advice would be appreciated. I want Quiet ride first and longevity second but also good cornering at 55-80mph.
I also noticed a post that said you could go to a 205-60-15 on the original 14" rims? Did I read that correctly?

__________________
1982 300SD Light Blue
2002 Honda Accord SE
1974 Toro Wheel Horse Tractor
2000 Toyota Tundra Pickup

I'll just give you my experience with the SD and the SDL, Reverend.

The SD had the original 195-70-14 tires on it when I bought it. I switched the tires from the W123 (purchased by me) onto the SD. They are 215-70-14, Michelin Rainforce tires. I've been reasonably happy with them and they will give 100K miles of treadwear. However, the rather large sidewalls on them will give the SD a bit of a floaty feeling if you try any stunts at 70-80 mph. The ride is obviously excellent. My feeling is that the vehicle would benefit from 15" tires. You could then use 215-65-15's for better all around performance and looks. I'm going to do this when the current tires need replacement. I've already picked up a set of 15" rims (15 hole) for it.

I recently purchased a set of Michelin Hydroedge in 215-65-15 for the SDL. They perform very well and I'm quite satisfied with them, however, you may not prefer such a tire because it's not H rated. Since I don't plan on going 130 mph any time soon, I'm not concerned with it's T rating.

I had considered the hydroedge. Since I don't have the extra $$ to put into 15 inch rims right now and I already have a set of 14 inch ones bead blasted and ready to base coat clear coat, I figure I better use them. I am refinishing them on my own and got them for next to nothing.

What is the largest tire I can use on the 14 inch rims then?

The H rated tire is only what the car called for. I am sure the T rated will do fine. But will T or H affect treadwear at all? I know it is a heavy car. About the fastest I drive is 85mph on the interstate, but mostly around 75mph.

__________________
1982 300SD Light Blue
2002 Honda Accord SE
1974 Toro Wheel Horse Tractor
2000 Toyota Tundra Pickup

Reverend, you need to be a bit careful when you upsize on the 14" rims. I suppose you might be able to fit 225-70-14's on the vehicle (one size above mine), but, that's three sizes above stock and the sidewalls would be huge. You probably won't like the handling.

So, I'd caution against anything larger than 215-70-14 unless you switch to the 15" wheels. Then you can run 225-60-15's if you want. If handling is important, you probably won't be pleased with the 215-70-14 and might consider backing off to the 205-70-14.

You drive at similar speeds as I do. The T rated Hydroedge is fine. It has a fantastic treadwear rating (something like 600 or more??).

I was only really considering a 205-70-14 but tires seem to be limited in that size.

Tire Rack seems to really push the Bridgestone Turanza LS - T or LS - H.
Does anyone know about these?

My local tire guy I have dealt with for 20+ years says that his distributor has all but quit carrying them because of problems with people getting very high wear at low mileage from them.

Thanks.

__________________
1982 300SD Light Blue
2002 Honda Accord SE
1974 Toro Wheel Horse Tractor
2000 Toyota Tundra Pickup

the only Turanza's I have ever had were on a Honda Accord several years ago, the first 80k-rated tires Bridgestone built...they wore like iron but were scary on wet pavement...I would suggest a Michelin of some sort, just to avoid headaches later.

__________________
2002 Ford ZX2
2 x 2013 Honda Civics

I think I may go with a TOYO Proxes. My dad's Lexus came with them. They are H rated and are $359 for four tires and have a 65k mileage warranty. They sound like a good tire all around.

__________________
1982 300SD Light Blue
2002 Honda Accord SE
1974 Toro Wheel Horse Tractor
2000 Toyota Tundra Pickup