Hey guys...just wondering what all season high performance tires you would recommend for and '87 300E with the stock 15" rims. Heard that the Yokohama dB were pretty good but the treadlife was minimal. Also, is there any clear advantage of a 215/55/15 tire as opposed to a 205/60/15. Any info would help greatly.

Brian

Brian:
I think the previous discussions on this pretty much concluded that the 205/60 15" was better on the car than the 215/60s. The 215s are a little bulged-out looking on the stock 6.5" wide rim, and there isn't much performance difference. What you gain in the extra 1/3" width you loose in the extra 1/4" height.

I went with the 205 as Michelin Pilot XGT V4 all season high performance, and like them a lot. The Yokohama AVS dB handling rates in the tirerack tests pretty darn close to the Michelin, is supposed to be more comfortable and lots more quiet, and is about 30% less expensive per tire. As to longevity, the Tirerack tests rate them pretty well - about on par with the Michelin. I plan on trying them next time. Hope this helps.

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John

2003 Firemist Red/grey leather SL 500
2015 Palladium Silver/black mbtex GLK 350
1987 Smoke Silver/burgundy mbtex 300E Sportline (SOLD)

Click to see 87 300E

thats for the info...i think i am going to go with the yokohamas...from what i have read they seem like great tires...one more question for anybody that knows the answer...are 225's the widest you can but on an 87 300e or will the start rubbing against the wheel well in turns?? thanks again.

brian

Brian, before you decide on new tires for your O.E. 15s, take a look at the 16 inchers on the Tirerack web site. Thoose O.E. wheels are a real pain to keep clean and I,ve had them on a 190E as well as 2 -300Es, so I know what I,m speaking of.
In April I replaced the original wheels on our 91 300E with a set of 16 inch Mille Miglia Bello wheels and 205-55 16 Continentals.
They are a great comprimise between ride and handling and we constantly get compliments from people thinking that the car is a much newer model.
This is mainly a grocery getter and you might want a higher performance tire but also consider the cost. This package came mounted and balanced for less than $1000.00 and it looks like the newer E 320 sportline wheel.

Brian...u should be fine with 225'z on your
E300 without any problems. just dont go any wider!!!

Yokohama AVID H4s, in my opinion, are your best bet. I've got a set on my 300E, my 280SE and had a set on my 300D before I sold it. I've been quite pleased so far. Also going to put them on my 420SEL shortly.

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Regards,
Aaron