1985 300SD with 205 70R 14, I am thinking about getting a set of tire cables for this winter.

Looks like enough clearance but has someone experienced any kind of problem with snow cables on these cars?

Thanks

F

Do you plan on driving faster than 30-35 mph? Because that is pretty much the maximum safe speed for using tire chains or cables.

Just get some good snow tires instead.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

My grandmother use to use them to cross over to Reno back when she owned the car. I still have then althought they will not fit my new wheel/tire combo. Wish I would not have forgotten them when TurboBenz and I took his SD over the summit on I-70 and down into the packed snow of Denver earlier this month.

They are for emergency use only... but its better to have them and not need them then not have them when you need them.

__________________

I carry a set of chains for my 300D (205/70-14). I've used them once or twice to get home, slowly.

You run 205 tires on your 300D? With the normal bundts? Any improvement over the 195s? I'm going to be starting driving 135 miles a day Monday, and am buying new tires (snow tires) tomorrow.....still deciding if I should do 195's or 205's.....

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

The 205s fit on the normal bundts with no problem. They increase the effective final ratio by a couple of percent. I was just trying to reduce my highway rpm a little without switching gear ratios. They are tad wider, but most people would notice that they look different. I like the 205s, I don't see any disadvantages.

Awesome, I will probably do that too, I'd like to drop the rpms a little without swapping my diff (yet )

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

It's only a 2% difference, so don't expect anything dramatic.

I have mixed feelings about putting in a 2.88; it would be nice on level ground at 80 mph, but I might regret it every time I drive up a 6% grade.

I'm way too cheap to drive 80mph. Cops frequent my route....so my max speed is about 70-74 tops.....I usually go even slower, shooting for the high mpg's.....

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

A lot of the highways I travel have 75 mph limits, and most of the traffic drives faster. My car is happiest at about 70-75.

Any of you use the Spike-Spiders? I have a set I got off e-bay several yrs ago.
I have used them a couple times going over hwy 80 to Reno. a real snap to install, about a minute per side. and off you go.

They are a little pricy new. but at least I don`t have to crawl under the car to install cables or chains, have icy water dripping on me, or having the rooster tail from a big rig front tires drown me with slush.

They do take up more room in the trunk compared to chains or cables.
there is a down side to everything.


Iam also running 205-70-14. car handles better than the 195`s. tires turn
2% slower, but don`t realy notice any difference in milage. I have the
2:88 diff with the 4-spd manual. might be too slow on the take off for
most here, but does ok for me. Don`t want anything faster than I can think .

In town is mostly 3rd gear, and out on the highway I grab 4th at 50 or better. usually 29 to 31mpg on the hwy.

Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Yes I bought 2 sets on Craig'slist last year. They don't seem to work quite as well as the cables, but they sure go off and on fast. My wife can even put them on and take them off.

__________________
1987 300TD 309, xxx 2.8.2014 10,000 mile OCI


Be careful of the toes you step on today, as they may be connected to the ass you have to kiss tomorrow. anonymous

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter won’t mind.” Dr. Seuss

Thank you for all the info.

F

I've never tried Spike-Spiders, I do it the hard way. Actually I try to avoid needing chains with that car.