Original Tires for 1970 280sl

[TerenceD]

I tried to search the database to find out what were the original tires for a 1970 280sl, and the only discussion that I could find was concerning the Coker tire "reissue" that were not favourably reviewed by fellow club members.  

Does anybody out there know of what the original tires were on a 1970 US spec 280sl (red color) ?  If they are no longer available, what do other club members prefer ?

Happy New Year

[Raymond]

Try the search again as there must be a half dozen threads on tire preferences.  I think the original size was a 185/75. Many of us have replaced them with 205/70 size.  They provide a larger footprint and maintain the same overall diameter.  Some people have experienced some tire rub in hard cornering if their shocks aren't perfect.  I have Yokahama Avids on mine and even though the shocks are now up to 2nd on my fixit list, I have not had any rubbing and they are really good in the rain and super in dry cornering.  I do wish they were whitewall or white letter.  But stopping is critical, whitewalls aren't.

Ray
'68 280SL 4-spd Coupe

[KevinC]

Coker makes tires today that apparently are produced using the same molds as years ago. Many of our cars came with a Firestone "Phoenix" that of course, Firestone no longer offers but Coker sells in reproduction form. According to some, the Coker version (www.cokertire.com)is apparently a good option for the 113's. At about $170 a piece though, I personally opted for today's Bridgestone Turanza whitewall (195/75R14) (about $70.00 each from TireRack). They give great performance, are quiet riding, dont rub and offer the original "look" as my car was delivered from the factory with whitewalls.

Raymond offered good advice, though. There should be alot more tire discussion in the forms than you found on your first search.

Good Luck,
Kevin



Download Attachment: MB bs_turanza_lst_ww195-75-14.jpg
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Kevin Caputo
Boca Raton, FL
1967 230 SL Automatic
670 Light Ivory
113 Bronze/Brown MB Tex

[andre_morcos]

Hi Terrence,
I was also facing the same problem about a year ago. I was advised to fit Bridgestone Turanza, which  I did and don't regret.They look really good and original on the car but seem a bit too modern for a 113.
Regards

Andre Morcos(UAE)
230 SL 1964
220 Seb 1960

aramouny

[Vince Canepa]

The original size was 185HR-14.  The section height was about 78 (sometimes rounded off to 80) in today's terminology.  The W113 was originally delivered with Firestone Phoenix, but by the time of the 280SL, many cars were fitted at the factory with Continentals, again in the 185HR-14 size.  You car could have had either.

The 205/70 gives the same rolling circumference, but is 20mm wider.  Surprisingly, since this size was widely used at the time, the 205/70HR-14 is almost extinct.  Lesser speed ratings can be found, though.

The Coker tire is not made using the same molds as the original Firestone Phoenix.  The tread pattern is entirely different.  The Coker tire does have rub "humps" on the sidewall and comes in a whitewall, which many feel is important.

Vince Canepa
1967 250SL
113.043-10-001543
568H Signal Red
116 Caviar MB-Tex