Tires for the W126 - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JamesDean · #31 12-21-2012, 10:42 AM

The only car we have with bundt's is my dad's 300SD and its a work car/beater. It doesnt get much cleaning. Occasional car wash but thats about it.

If you've no particular attachment to the bundt's I would go with 15-holes or after market 8-holes. Personally, I like the 8-hole look.

Luke@tirerack · #32 12-21-2012, 03:06 PM

with the wide range of cars that the W126 came in you reallty need to determine what is best suited to your needs, tastes and driving style. As stated mine was a 500 SEC euro spec car which I set up with a more aggressive stance and performance handling in mind. Others might prefer the soft luxurious ride quality found in the top of the line touring cars of the day when the 300SD w126 first came out in 1981

or anywhere in between

eatont9999 · #33 12-23-2012, 03:15 PM

OK. I bought the Yokohama tires. I hope I like them.

Ride comfort is the most important aspect of this discussion for me. I will sacrifice a little comfort for not cleaning rims every week, though.

What I do not understand is how some W126 chassis cars were sold with 15" rims and some with 14" rims. What is the difference between the two cars of the same chassis? If MB did not make changes to the suspension in the 15" models, I would have to assume that the difference is not great or there is a benefit to 15" rims.

JamesDean · #34 12-23-2012, 04:57 PM

I think the biggest difference between the 14" rim cars and the 15" rim cars might have been a change in engines. Although the 500's were already running the M117 and the 380's the M116. The SD went from 617 to 603. The M110 -> M103.

oldsinner111 · #35 12-26-2012, 04:18 AM

I try and buy U.S. made tires,have 205s fronts, and 215s rears snow.

eatont9999 · #36 12-26-2012, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldsinner111

I try and buy U.S. made tires,have 205s fronts, and 215s rears snow.

Is there such a thing as tires made in the US? I thought most US companies outsourced the manufacturing of their tires.

oldsinner111 · #37 12-27-2012, 09:23 AM

there are still over 100 tire plants in the U.S
If I can't buy a good US tire,I'll buy Japanese before buying Michelins made in China

whunter · #38 12-27-2012, 01:56 PM

I deal with this company frequently for pre-WW2 vehicle tires.

Vintage tires are their specialty.
Coker Tire - Buy Vintage Tires and Wheels

.

eatont9999 · #39 12-27-2012, 02:57 PM

The Yokohama's are made in the USA. At least the Touring-S class tires are. They say it right on them. Good to know.

eatont9999 · #40 12-29-2012, 11:34 PM

The tires have been on the car for a little over a day now. I had them balanced and mounted by a little shop in town for $40. They also put the nice, used tire I bought on my spare rim. If anyone in the north DFW area needs tire or inspection services, Mike's tire on Rt 121 business does good work. Not a fancy place but they won't screw you over like the major retailers.

Even driving out of the lot, I could feel a huge difference. The steering takes less effort and the tires grip the road like a train. The balancing is perfect. I do not have any vibrations to speak of at any speed and the car tracks as well as it did when it left the MB dealership after an alignment. I have nothing to complain about. Made in USA tires, mounted and balanced by a small shop and no issues makes me a happy camper!

Silber Adler · #41 12-30-2012, 09:37 AM

I am getting new Hercules Avalanche Extreme tires for my w123.I am needing more help for winter driving. They are 14". I was going to get some from tire rack but my local had these for similar price once I figured in installation.

Our township is broke and doesn't have money for salt or cinders. Right now I have spent my own money to salt the road in front of my drive so that I can make the turn in.

Maybe getting snow tires is going to prevent it from snowing.

eatont9999 · #42 12-30-2012, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silber Adler

I am getting new Hercules Avalanche Extreme tires for my w123.I am needing more help for winter driving. They are 14". I was going to get some from tire rack but my local had these for similar price once I figured in installation.

Our township is broke and doesn't have money for salt or cinders. Right now I have spent my own money to salt the road in front of my drive so that I can make the turn in.

Maybe getting snow tires is going to prevent it from snowing.

I lived in Massachusetts for 10 years, so I know the snow and ice can be difficult. If I had to do it again, I would get 4 rims and mount snow tires on them for the winter. That way I could swap out the tires myself and not have to pay a shop to do it every year. It may be a small savings but every dollar counts and after a few years, your rims are paid off. Keep an eye out for people parting out cars with Bundt rims in your area and you should be be able to pick up a set for around $100. You might get lucky and find the tires mounted are decent. If things get really bad, chains are a good investment and they can get you out of some nasty situations. In north TX, we usually have ice more than snow and driving on ice is extremely difficult no matter what you are used to. Studded tires should also be an option if you get ice or snow more than 3 months out of the year (if your city/state allows them).

Silber Adler · #43 12-30-2012, 01:23 PM

Hi I tried a set of chains on my E150 a few years ago. It was great till one slipped and the fender still has the scars to prove it.

If I can find a set of wheels worth the money I will get them otherwise will probably run the snow tires year round. I can usually get 3 years from them, with the last winter getting thin on traction.

Frank Reiner · #44 12-30-2012, 06:38 PM

eaton9999:

Your question:

"What I do not understand is how some W126 chassis cars were sold with 15" rims and some with 14" rims. What is the difference between the two cars of the same chassis? If MB did not make changes to the suspension in the 15" models, I would have to assume that the difference is not great or there is a benefit to 15" rims."

In 1986 (Gen II) MB increased the diameter of the front brakes on the W126 chassis. The 14" wheel would no longer clear the caliper, hence the change to 15" wheels. The rolling radius of both wheel/tire combinations is the same; therefore no change in any aspect of the steering geometry.

oldsinner111 · #45 01-01-2013, 05:22 AM

the ones with 14 inch tires their engines were smaller,and the rear end geared for lower driving speed at top end