I'm due for some new rubber. Is it alright to ask for brand/model recommendations from users?

What car? a 240D? not a whole lot of options in 14"

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Current fleet
2006 E320 CDI
1992 300D - 5speed manual swapped

former members
1984 300D "Blues Mobile"

1978 300CD "El Toro"

Tire Details - Discount Tire Direct

General Altimax RT43

I found more than a few to choose from just by searching "195/70 r14". Eight different manufacturers and 14 different models. I know that's not the factory size(I forget the spec) but it's what I'm wearing and I was told the spec size would be hard to come by. Maybe that's what you were referring to.

BS Goodrich
Cooper
General
Goodyear
Michelin
Pirelli, P4... I have Cinturatos but I'm pretty sure they don't make those anymore
Toyo
Uniroyal

I prefer to stay away from Chinese makes. I know some of the American brand models are even made their know.

I haven't had Generals but have heard good things about them. Thanks for the tip!

Yes, 240D

Usually there are more options in the 205/70-14 and 205/75-14 sizes.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

I won't abuse the proverbial quote. I was told o e should stay as close as possible to spec for the 240d. Any insight on this. I'm looking for good mpg but good traction/braking performance I suppose should be a more important priority.

I just put new tires on our 1978 240D.
I believe original size is 195/75/14.
I went with the Uniroyal Tiger Paw in that size.
They were $100 each mounted and balanced with road hazard.
I've put about 1000 miles on them and so far I like them fine.

A lot of the other choices were Chinese made and I'd rather avoid them if I can.

I went to 15" wheels when I needed tires for my 1983 300CD. The selection of tires is much greater at that size and that is the only reason I did it. I chose an 8-holer MB wheel (W126 I think).

Just be careful in choosing tire size so the overall diameter is the same as your present 14" tire-wheel combination. Eliminates speedometer error.

I have a '78 too and concur with avoiding the FarEastone tires. The man at Les Schwab looked up the OEM size and I want to say 185/65 but I don't remember. He told me the OEM is an obsolete size but no doubt some sells them albeit more than $100 a tire. Thanks for the recommendation.

It maybe possible to find a number of 195/70-14 tires and fewer 205/70-14 tires. But many of them have low speed/load ratings. Not sure about a 240D, but for our 300D, I think we should have had H-rated tires. Could not find any here in Canada, so bought T-rated Toyo (Japanese) tires. Bought same for our 107 except 205s.

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5

I like Uniroyal Tiger Paws. Solid all season, handles the wet we get here, the occasional ice, and doesn't melt off during the summer. Bought a couple sets already and when the Subi needs new shoes at the end of summer, that's what it'll get.

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617 swapped Toyota Pickup, 22-24 MPG, 50k miles on swap

And there you go. I don't know my load ratings. I should be looking for an H rating then. All the models I've considered thus far are T rated . I better bone up on load ratings.

Original size labeled as 185/14 was actually 185/85/14. The 195/70 was an optional size. The original size tires give the 240d a lovely buttery ride with very precise pleasant steering. I heartily recommend sticking with it.

Can't go wrong with Michelin.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.