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Old 08-14-2009, 11:48 PM
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Wide Whitewall Tires For 1979 W116 300SD (Original RadialTires Have No Aspect Ratio)

I have a 1979 300SD. I want to install a set of wide whitewall tires on it, preferably a European brand. These are going on the factory bundt wheels.

The owners manual states that the stock wheel size is 185HR14, which is not helpful as there is no aspect ratio provided. I want the proper tire size so it does not affect the speedometer. I have 205/70R14 tires on there now and my speedometer reads about 5 mph too fast.

I like narrow tires, so I don't need or want to go any wider than 185mm if possible. What is the factory aspect ratio?

So far the only wide whitewall tire I have found that is close is a BFG Goodrich Silvertown P185/70R14 or possibly a 195/75R14 Coker Classic. I was hoping to find a Michelin, Continental, Dunlop, Phoenix, or Vredestein wide whitewall in the necessary size, but apparently they are not made.

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Old 08-15-2009, 12:00 AM
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Usually "80" is the default aspect ratio when the ratio is not denoted on the tire.

...and tirerack.com indicates a factory tire size for a '79 300 SD as 185/80-14.
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Old 08-15-2009, 12:06 AM
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Thank you for your response; it helps greatly! I wasn't having any luck finding if there was a default size if an aspect ratio is not provided.
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Old 08-15-2009, 02:15 AM
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I don't think Michelin makes any more whitewall tires except for one or two in 15 and 16 inch sizes.


Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulC View Post
Usually "80" is the default aspect ratio when the ratio is not denoted on the tire.

...and tirerack.com indicates a factory tire size for a '79 300 SD as 185/80-14.
You mean 82. Yes 82.
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Old 08-15-2009, 08:25 AM
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Hi there,

I'm running 195/70 14s on my 300SD and am quite happy with ride and handling. I always thought 205s were just too wide, but 195s seem just right.

Keep in mind your car was never delivered from the factory with white walls! So if you just like the look, then carry on. If you're looking for an original look, go black wall. I put Pirelli P4s on my car. Check to see if your spare tire is original... this will give you a good idea of what the car was delivered with.

Jaime
'95 E320 wagon w/ Michelin MXV4s
'82 300Dt w/ Goodyears somethingserorthers
'79 300SD w/ Pirelli P4s
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Old 08-17-2009, 12:22 PM
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when no aspect ratio is in the size it is by default an 80 series tire
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Old 08-17-2009, 05:22 PM
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When do I start my job at Tire Rack?

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