w116 300sd 215 75 14 vs 215 70 15

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Aug 30, 2009
Messages
869
Location
CA
I own a 1979 300sd which drives with 14" Bundt alloys and 215 75 14 Tires.
I would like to switch to a lower profile tire.

Are there any disadvantages or negative effects by using a 215 70 14 vs a 215 75 14?
 
Last edited:
A "70" has a slightly lower load capacity, and smaller diameter. To make an improvement you would have to switch to a 230 65 15------- if it will fit in the well. The taller narrower stock tire might still be better in rain or snow. Obviously you would beed new wheels.
 
According to Tire Guides, a 1979 Mercedes 300SD originally came with a 185HR14 on a 6" wheel. That tire size has long been obsoleted, and while it isn't an exact replacement, a 205/70HR14 is the closest match.

Now to answer the OP question: We can NOT tell you what affect this change will make as it is more controlled by the exact tire you buy - meaning make and model. Put another way, tire size does NOT have much affect on things - other than to say, you need enough load carrying capacity.
 
Originally Posted By: CapriRacer
According to Tire Guides, a 1979 Mercedes 300SD originally came with a 185HR14 on a 6" wheel. That tire size has long been obsoleted, and while it isn't an exact replacement, a 205/70HR14 is the closest match.

Now to answer the OP question: We can NOT tell you what affect this change will make as it is more controlled by the exact tire you buy - meaning make and model. Put another way, tire size does NOT have much affect on things - other than to say, you need enough load carrying capacity.


How well does the 205/70/14 perform in Rain compared to my current 215/75/14?
Others mention that a taller tire (higher profile) and a more narrow tire is better for wet weather.

Most w116 300sd drivers have switched to a 215 tire and I'm not sure why.
Could it be availability and whats in stock?
 
I just noticed that the front tires are 215/75/14 and rears are 205/75/14's.
Purchased the car in June of this year.
Have to replace all four tires anyway.

Just wondering if the 205/70/14 will be OK for wet weather
 
Gito,

You keep asking the question that has already been answered: SIZE does NOT play a large role in wet traction, but the exact make and model does.

In other words, pay more attention to the brand and tire model.

But to help you decide about the size, directionally a wider tire is worse for hydroplaning resistance, worse for snow traction, but better for traction on wet roads at slow speeds, better for ride, better for dry traction, and better for fuel economy - BUT - this difference is small compared to the difference between tire models.

Also each of those sizes is gradually disappearing and neither has a large amount of availability. Your selection list is pretty short.
 
Originally Posted By: CapriRacer
According to Tire Guides, a 1979 Mercedes 300SD originally came with a 185HR14 on a 6" wheel. That tire size has long been obsoleted, and while it isn't an exact replacement, a 205/70HR14 is the closest match.


w123 chassis or OP's w116? Both are called 300's on account of engine displacement.
 
FWIW, my parents owned a R107 380SL and it called for a 205/70-14 tire. You want go with a 205/65-15. 215/70-15 will throw off the speedometer.
 
There are pages of used MB wheels cheap in 16&17".

215/60/17, 215/65/16 , 215/70/15 and 215/75/14 are all close fits.

How long has MB used the 112.3X5 bolt pattern?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Originally Posted By: used_0il
.....How long has MB used the 112.3X5 bolt pattern?


According to Tire Guides, it's 112mm and they 100% used it as early as the 1970's, and before that, Tire Guides doesn't have the BC delineated.
 
w116 cars were more prone to rust than many... Assuming you have a nice one, id do the following:

-Call MB Classic Center who can still sell new forged 15" bundts
or
-Go onto Euro Ebay and find some 15" bundts in good shape

Refinish said bundts if needed

Install H rated 195/65r-15 tires

Enjoy.

My 15" bundts:

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2766872

My 300cd was a CA car and apparently chromed bundts were/are popular over there. I liked the look on mine so I got mine refinished with powdercoat clear chrome.

The difference is small:

Code:


Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference

195/70-14 5.4in 12.4in 24.7in 77.7in 815 0.0%

195/65-15 5.0in 12.5in 25.0in 78.5in 807 0.9%


Nothing else really looks right on those cars. If you were looking for something else Id look for the bright, lightweight forged 16x7 wheels from the SLK or CLK or whatever it was...
 
One set is the stock 04 C 240 wheels, 5 spoke that wouldn't be worth much.
The other set came from the MB wheel catalog. I bought those with 3 month old Michelin winter tires from a guy that was acting like he had won the lottery for $450.00

Edit... When playing musical wheels with these vehicles, especially with aftermarket,
make sure to get the bolt length correct.

You want sufficient thread showing, but too long of a bolt will hit the brake rotors.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
w116 cars were more prone to rust than many... Assuming you have a nice one, id do the following:

-Call MB Classic Center who can still sell new forged 15" bundts



I got a quote from MB Classic Center. They want $500.00 for each rim. It's a 15 inch rim.
To be honest, they look just like my 14 inch bundts. Only real advantage other than rim weight, more tire options.

My 1979 300sd has 93k miles.
No tears on seats, no cracks on the dash.
Original shiny paint (light ivory).
Very quick off the line, transmission shifts excellent.

Worth keeping, compared to my other 1979 300sd which has tears on the seats, cracks on the dash and exterior paint is shot.
 
I just noticed the ATS stamp on the inside of the rim.
Again, nice rims.

How much did you get them for and were they purchased from Ebay or directly from a reputable company in Germany?

Still looking for some 15 inch bundts.
Classic center wants 500.00 a piece for Fuchs bundts from Germany
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top