W123 Tires - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

funola · #16 07-16-2007, 04:28 PM

Interesting. My new 240D 4 spd have very worn tires on alloys. But in the trunk there are 4 black non alloys that I thought were steel rims. I weighed them and they are 10 lbs ea. vs 16 for the alloys. Maybe what I thought were steel rims are actually aluminum? I'll have to check with a magnet. Anyway I need new tires quick. Should I stick with 175 70SR 14?

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

they will work fine. but on a 240 the factory sized tires will give a sweeter ride more precise steering and excellent handling.

the bigger tires will make more unsprung weight and have a detrimental effect on the ride and handling.

the 300ds came wiht the bigger tires and aluminum wheels. they weigh a bit more and have a lot more power.

the factory size for a 240 is 175r14 asbnoted by craig. this is actually a 175/85 or so. the 195/70 or 195/75 (cant remember for sure which) is listed as an optional size.

for myself, i always thought a 240 drove best with the 175r14s. and the best of the best is with the little black aluminum wheels and wheel covers.

tom w

tankdriver · #17 07-16-2007, 08:32 PM

RE: tire size
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Pretty cool calculator for different sizes. I personally would not go with a taller tire (the 75 aspect ratio, or 205/70) because taller sidewalls are usually softer, it's more unsprung weight, and increasing the diameter hurts acceleration.
EDIT:

Quote:

Originally Posted by lkchris

Specification in Owner's Manual is 195/70-14 90S.

If that is the stock size, then you could run a 205/65 with little change in the overall diameter and get a stiffer sidewall/wider contact patch.

I had Kumhos put on my parent's Jag S-type, but they are still pretty new. So far I like them, on the occasions I have a chance to drive them. I got Dunlop SP Sport A2's on my 300TD, luckily I got them right before they were discontinued, but I'm going to hate to see them go.

my_w123 · #18 07-19-2007, 10:59 PM

Hi Funola,

If your rims are 5.5x14 then you are pretty much stuck with the 175/80/14. If they are 6x14 then you should go with the 195/70/14. If they are 6.5x14, make sure they fit without rubbing in the front. If you go with a 6.5x14, then you can put on either 195/70/14 or 205/65/14. If you go 205/70/14 your speedo is showing less than the actual speed and that is never good.

The wheels you have in the trunk are aluminum. I'll take them off your hands if they take up too much space and you live in the Washington DC area...

Eric

funola · #19 07-22-2007, 09:18 AM

Eric, they are indeed 5.5x14 aluminum rim. I am still looking for 175 70R14 tires for it. Waiting for a sale of the Futura LTE at Pepboys (made by Cooper).

Quote:

Originally Posted by my_w123

Hi Funola,

If your rims are 5.5x14 then you are pretty much stuck with the 175/80/14. If they are 6x14 then you should go with the 195/70/14. If they are 6.5x14, make sure they fit without rubbing in the front. If you go with a 6.5x14, then you can put on either 195/70/14 or 205/65/14. If you go 205/70/14 your speedo is showing less than the actual speed and that is never good.

The wheels you have in the trunk are aluminum. I'll take them off your hands if they take up too much space and you live in the Washington DC area...

Eric

t walgamuth · #20 07-22-2007, 06:40 PM

those little 5.5s are aluminum and there is nothing sweeter than a 240 running them with the original size michelins. If you cannot find the actual 175r14 the optional size is 195r65 irrc. I wouldn't go any bigger myself. A larger tire will ride and handle less well.

Tom W

funola · #21 07-23-2007, 11:27 AM

That' my plan, stick with 175 70R 14 with the 5.5 alum rims.
Does Walmart have any offerings in that size? A new Walmart with tire center is opening up in my area soon. Maybe they'll have a big opening sale?

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

those little 5.5s are aluminum and there is nothing sweeter than a 240 running them with the original size michelins. If you cannot find the actual 175r14 the optional size is 195r65 irrc. I wouldn't go any bigger myself. A larger tire will ride and handle less well.

Tom W