My 1979 280CE still has its original 1979 Michelin spare tire. About 3 years ago i had a tire blow out about 2.5 hours from home, i put on the old spare tire and drove 2.5 hours home on the interstate no problems at all, i do admit it was risky and i prolly shouldnt have done it, but the tire visually looked fine.

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1985 300TD Turbo Euro-wagon
1979 280CE 225,200 miles
1985 300D Turbo 264,000 miles
1976 240D 190,000 miles
1979 300TD 220,000

GONE but not forgotten
1976 300D 195,300 miles
1983 300D Turbo 175,000 miles

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...e485-1-2-1.jpg