Tire Size Question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BIGRED · #1 11-03-2003, 09:20 PM

I have a 1983 300SD.

I know that with standard 6" alloys it would take a 195-70-14 tire. However, my car has 6 1/2" alloys, which I think are from an 85, for which the tire size is 205/70/14.

I am about to stick new rubber on it and besides the stock size of 205/70/14, I have been thinking about 205/75/14 and 215/70/14.

The main reason I am considering a different size, is I don't like the tiny wheel look.

Any feedback or suggestions welcomed!

Thanks
Don

Kyle Blackmore · #2 11-03-2003, 10:33 PM

Bigred- if the stock size is 205 , your wheel could easily handle the 215 and you could probably squeeze a 225/70/14 on there, though then you may have clearance problems. Have you been to the wheel and tire forum here ? They would be able to tell you for sure, good luck.

jim16671836 · #3 11-03-2003, 10:47 PM

Changing from 70's to 75's will give you a much taller look especially if you go to 215's and you calculate 75 percent of that is heigth compared to 70 percent of 195mm's...times 2 will make a nice difference..I think it will be about 2 inches difference in heigth of tires..

P.E.Haiges · #4 11-04-2003, 08:02 AM

BigRed,

The 195 size tires were probably 75 or 80 series tires on a 6" wheel. The correct 70 series replacement, preferably on a 6.5" wheel, is 205/70R14 and your odometer and speedometer will be correct. To me the 205/70R14 give a good "fat" tire look not like the 50 series and less look which I view as stupid (big wheel, no tire = rough ride).

That is the change I did (205/70R14 on 6.5" wheel) I made to my 300SD and the speedo and odo are less than 1% off.

P E H

PS, I have run 225/70R14 on the rear with no problems or rubbing even with heavy loads but speedo and odo were off about 10%, both reading less than true.

BIGRED · #5 11-04-2003, 09:02 PM

Went with the stock size of 205/70/14.

Don