Love my new 81 SD
 

WOw. What a difference! I finally got my new 81 300SD delivered from Pensacola by DAS.
Been driving a 300D for the last 2 yrs or so & this is like "where have you been all my life".....kind a ....Comfort- Ride - Padded MB sterring wheel...ooh

So 1st thing I need to do is pick out a new set of "sneakers" for her.

Any suggestions are appreciated. Tire rack has Sumitomo HTR 200's on sale for $44.00 each, but I read a bad review from some D owner.....


Also would like to get any SD tips on what to check for that may be different than the 300D models.

Thanks! AA


pic coming soon.

....

I love my Michellen Hydro-Edge tires. Great in any weather. Excellent ride too. They were a bit pricey although I think they were worth it.

As for other tips I can't think of any as I have only owned an SD but one thing I didn't like on mine when I got it was the power seat connections were soldered(sp?) to the terminals. They didnt work right so I changed them out to the newer style. Worked great. I have wiring diagrams since there are more wires on the newer ones than the on the old ones. PM me if you ever decide to do this. It makes it a lot easier.

I just found this review which may seal the deal on

Dunlop SP Sport A2 Plus

BUt Is the sizing correct to get 195-70 R14's or will wider make a difference???

Miles driven on tires: 13,000
Location: arnold, mo
Driving Condition:
Mostly Highway
Driving Style: Easy Going


2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

I BOUGHT THE FIRST TWO AFTER PUTTING 13000 MILES ON THEM I WAS SOLD JUST BOUGHT THE SECOND TWO. I SOLD TIRES FOR 35 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER SOLD OR OWNED A BETTER TIre!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

( power seats are OK...)
...

I'm surprised at the difference myself, much better ride, than a 123. Beware front end alignment, at dealer only, if you want it done right. Have an appointment for tomorrow, carrying wallet in massive trunk. I currently have Bridgestone Potenza's. They don't make 'em anymore in that size. Have Yokahama TRZ's on the CD, just fine. Check prices, see what you can live with.

Dunlop SP A2 plus
 

I ran the Dunlop Sp A2 Plus on my A3 Jetta for 3 years (summr only tires) and I have the following feedback
Great tire, a bit noisy, not that it will matter in this case
Tire wear- dont expect this to last long, this is a fairly sticky soft rubber so it corners like all hell! (in a good way)
Rain- awesome traction in the rain, fine for light snow driving
Overall- Id probably try a set of Michellin Pilot's next, not that I didnt like the tire, but I thought they should have lasted longer. This is a hi performance tire to tread wear is not a strong point.

I only put 25K on them and then they were done.

My strong advice is as follows. Realize that I've driven the SD over 50K miles on 215-70-14's.

The 14 inch wheels are NG for this vehicle with larger tires. However, the smaller 195's look ridiculous in the wheel wells.

So, if you go with larger tires, the vehicle feels like it's riding on water balloons. But, you still get the lousy ride.

The solution is to get rid of the Bundts. Find a set of 15" wheels from the later W126 bodies ('86-'91). You can usually find four of them for $150. or so.

Install a set of 215-65-15's and you'll thank me after you do.

Summitomos are GREAT!!!
 

At least they were on my 5-series BMW...awesome quiet tire and very good in the wet. I now have Kuhmos...also great. I'm no longer locked into Michelin-only. Michelins do last longer (in most cases) but I got a good solid 40k of use on Summitomos for less than half the price.

Roy,

Thanks for the advice on 15's. I was hoping someone would tell me I could step up 1" .

Where are good places to find 15's wheels...??

I checked flea bay and saw 1 set for like 399. and they were ugglie!!


AA

I have a set of the Dunlop A2s. They were a great price and are VERY sticky!

I found a set of 4- 8 hole 15" chrome wheels for my 82 300SD.

They want 400 for the set.
DO I need to bargain them down at this price?

( DO I have the short lugs or the long lugs?)



Also what type of 15" wheels will fit on a '79 300SD W116 body?

I have that coming in a couple of weeks.

Thanks
AA

Firstly, be careful of the offset. If they are factory 8 hole wheels, they probably won't fit on the SD without spacers.

If they are aftermarket wheels, the price is ridiculous. You can purchase a brand new set from Tire Rack for about $480. or so.

The 15 hole factory wheels come up every so often and sell for $125 to $200 for a set of four.......depending on condition.

WOW I'll take a pass.

Idon't like the look of 15 holes on an SD.

It would be nice to find some other options for a decent price..........

You can buy brand new 15 hole wheels from Tirerack for about $100 each last I checked. Since they only charge you for the tires and shipping, and they arrive as a perfectly balanced ready to bolt on package with new center caps and bolts...its not a bad way to go.

My next set of tires will be Michelins, I'm very disapointed with my $100 each Yokohama's after about 20k miles. They are great new, but don't age so well it seems.

I kind of like the look........several members have done it and it gives the vehicle a more modern look without going over the top. The eight holes with chrome can definitely appear to be too much bling.

........but.........it's all personal taste.........you gotta like 'em..........;)