Tires for vintage MB's ~ 1973 280SEL 4.5 ~ 185/70/14
I just bought a 1973 280SEL 4.5 with 111K documented original miles. The car has black wall Michelin 185/14 XZX's which need to be replaced due to age. I contacted the Classic Center and they are suggesting Michelin Harmony tires in 205/70 black wall.
What do you think about the increased tire size and lack of whitewalls as the car came with whitewalls new? Are there any other brands I should consider? The 4.5 will be used at a second home and probably driven in good weather only, under 1000 miles/year.
The original tire was probably 185/82-14. No such tires are now available. If you want to keep the same diameter and thus accurate gearing for the transmission and speedo, the nearest equivalent is 195/75-14. 70 series is wrong! There are several good choices from Kumho, Dunlop, Goodyear, Michelin etc.. Go to Tires-easy.com or tirerack.com
The original tires should have been 185/70-14,which are appropriate for a 6x14 rim. A lot of folks put 6.5x14 rims on their cars, which takes a 205/70-14. The 205s are noticeably wider and a better look.
The original tires should have been 185/70-14,which are appropriate for a 6x14 rim. A lot of folks put 6.5x14 rims on their cars, which takes a 205/70-14. The 205s are noticeably wider and a better look.
Will the 205/70-14's recommended by the Classic Center fit on my original stock 6x14 rims?
Will the 205/70-14's recommended by the Classic Center fit on my original stock 6x14 rims?
They will, but it's not an ideal match. If you still have 6x14 rims, 185/70-14 would be a better match. OTOH, you might be able to find some used 6.5x14 rims for a song and a dance.
Linear Mode
