Tires

[TR]

I can't disagree with your sentiment about a spare tire.  I know that my father, God rest his sole, would be highly PO'd about the idea of no spare.

However, new Mercedes models more & more come with no spare tire.  Just a can of flat fixer and a small compressor in a nice little kit mounted in the trunk of new SLs as well as some other models.  My lead mechanic described MB having done statistical studies on the issues of improving tire technology, cell phones, and statistical likihood of flats and the trade offs.

When I learned that my spare was still flat that finally convinced me.  One thing I'm certain of: my wife is always PO'd because the 280SL doesn't have enough trunk space for her "stuff".  I've got an ear-full for years about that.  All the while I thought it was important to carry a spare, which in 20+ years I've never needed, and has in fact been flat the vast majority of the time anyway.

It's still a roll of the dice, but I think I'll follow the direction of Mercedes on this one.

Tom in Boise

[Dick M]

quote:Originally posted by graphic66

I remember in the past some serious safety concerns with the fix a flat. Mainly it is a flamable gas that can explode when you go to repair the tire. This may have been remedied in the newer product, I'm not sure. Also a tire can become debeaded or seriously blown out and fix a flat won't work. I think a spare is a nessasary evil to a motor car. It really is embarassing to be found dead in a great car like the Mercedes for any reason. I also have the 205/70 tires and the trunk hinge hits the spare. I plan on taking my spare mount to my fabricator and have him cut it down and reweld it for more clearence, if I have enough room to lower it.

I think I'll just buy a new inexpensive 185 to use as spare...If it ever gets used it will only be for drive to tire shop. Modifying the mount sounds like too much work ..$  I also like the idea of the "Flat Fix", "canned air" and no spare.
Let us know how the recontructed mount turns out..

Dick M
1970 280SL

[TR]

Dick -- I recently drove a friend's brand new AMG-version SL600, aka SL65.  A $200K car, with 600+HP and 700+FtLb of torque.  An amazing car with amazing performance.  But no spare; like all other new SLs just a can of flat fix and a tiny compressor.

I figure without a spare taking up valuable space in the 280SL's trunk I can listen more to the stereo, as opposed to my wife complaining...har!  And I can carry a few more bottles of vino back from Napa Valley!

But to each his own on this one.

Tom in Boise

[J. Huber]

Of course, some of us have the luxury of a vertical spare!  

We actually run into our own troubles, as the metal brace that holds the tire is obviously for the original 185. I have a 195 in there, that fits in the trough fine but the brace doesn't quite make it.

Personally, I think a full-size spare (or close) on any car is worth the hassle.

James
63 230SL

[Dick M]

quote:Originally posted by TR

Dick -- I recently drove a friend's brand new AMG-version SL600, aka SL65.  A $200K car, with 600+HP and 700+FtLb of torque.  An amazing car with amazing performance.  But no spare; like all other new SLs just a can of flat fix and a tiny compressor.

I figure without a spare taking up valuable space in the 280SL's trunk I can listen more to the stereo, as opposed to my wife complaining...har!  And I can carry a few more bottles of vino back from Napa Valley!

But to each his own on this one.


Tom in Boise

You got my attention when mentioned increased capcity for wine transport... thanks
Dick M
1970 280SL

[Raymond]

I have 205/70s and my trunk hinge doesn't hit my tire cover.  I wonder if there is any difference because I don't have a rag top well?  

Fix-a-flat?  "Warning! Warning! Will Robinson!" I once used a new can of Fix-a-Flat on a Chevy with Mag wheels.  The air got me home, but two days later, when I drove it to the shop, the tire was horribly out of balance.  When we broke the tire down, the junk had decomposed into liquid and goo, and I had been slinging a puddle around inside the tire.  It was a mess to clean up the wheel and do a real repair to the tire.  I will never use that crap again.  Even a donut spare is better than that.

Ray
'68 280SL 4-spd Coupe

[Cees Klumper]

I have a 205/70-14 spare tire in the trunk and although it is a tight fit, it does not interfere with the trunk lid hinge or anything else.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[hands_aus]

When I bought a 205/70 14 spare, the boot lid closed but was rubbing on the tyre.
Within an hour I called the store and they were happy to replace it with a 185/80 14 for a small van.
Now the lid closes properly with no rubbing.

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[Dick M]

Interesting...the same size tire (205/70 or even 195/75) will rub in some cars and not in others.  is it a difference in cars or difference tires?

Dick M
1970 280SL

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by hands_aus

When I bought a 205/70 14 spare, the boot lid closed but was rubbing on the tyre.

My 230SL came with a 205/70r14 spare tire (did not match the other tires!) and the spare tire cover, has or had, creases in it from the trunk hinge.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[hands_aus]

Is anyone using the new Michelin ENERGY MX1 tyres?

They have a 185/80R 14, speed rated T = 190kmph

Have a look here at their aussie site
http://www.michelin.com.au/tyres/passengerCar_energyXM1.asp

Any comments are welcome

Thanks

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[Tom230sl]

so... since the original 185 80 14 tire size isn't really available here in the US (other than coker), what would be an appropriate replacement size to avoid hitting the trunk?

185 75 14
195 75 14
195 70 14

Thanks,
Tom

[Douglas]

That size is available. I bought a set of Michelin Agilis last year from tirerack.com, but there are several manufacturers who offer a tire in that size. Run a search through the forums and I'm sure you'll find more options.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[Tom230sl]

quote:Originally posted by Douglas

That size is available. I bought a set of Michelin Agilis last year from tirerack.com, but there are several manufacturers who offer a tire in that size. Run a search through the forums and I'm sure you'll find more options.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

?? I tried, and get  no matches for  that size. Also looked at complete Michelin line on tirerack.com and don't see Agilis??

[Douglas]

Run a search on tirerack.com for 185R14. Do not specify the profile. It'll give you 4 choices, including the Agilis.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[isofast]

Bob Smith (Handsaus)
I also run the Michelin MX1 Energy T rated... I bought them at Sears in Vernon Hills Illinois and they gave me a free DVD player when I bought my set of four last year. I like them.
Before a recent trip to Ohio I bought one for my spare. It cost 72 dollars US.

Off topic....
Gas is three dollars here in Chicago

Hope all is well with everyone coping with Katrina.
Best Regards
Ernie

First Place AACA Show Winner 350SL July 2003
I love low mile Mercedes.
First Place AACA Show winner for 2004 280SL
1969 280 4spd Papyrus White

[Tom230sl]

quote:Originally posted by Douglas

Run a search on tirerack.com for 185R14. Do not specify the profile. It'll give you 4 choices, including the Agilis.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

Cool... got it... how do you like them?

[Douglas]

I think the Agilis is a very good tire. I like the stiffness of the sidewall. My one and only complaint (aside from being slightly pricey) is that they look a little weird. They have a very aggressive tread pattern that looks slightly too aggressive on an SL.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[hauser]

One day while browsing through items on ebay I came accross a Maxxis tire.  I really don't know anything about this brand of tire.  The one thing that did catch my eye was the rub strip.  It may or may  not be the elusive strip but merely an opticle illusion.  I'll let you guys be the judges.  
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/14-INCH-MAXXIS-MA-1-TIRES-W-FREE-SHIPPING-195-75-14_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ66472QQitemZ7996880567QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW#ebayphotohosting

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

[hands_aus]

Hey Ernie,
What are the noise levels like? The tread doesn't look too coarse.
Did you notice any difference in the handling and ride of the car?

What pressures you are using front and back?

I am hoping that with the correct tyre size the speedo readings
will be adjusted. I am not sure how 'out' they were.

They are $129.00 installed including 10% Gst, balancing and fitting.
I wonder if they will throw in a DVD player for me?? Ha Ha!

I am having them fitted tomorrow morning, so I will take the car for a short run.

Fuel is $1.18 a litre.
I am getting around town..
14.5 imperial MPG,
11.75 US MPG,
5km/l,
20.2 l/100km

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[isofast]

Hello Bob in OZ
Tires are quiet. I like them very much, I run whatever they call for on the tire for pressure,
And all my pricey high dollar DVD players are broken, but the one that Sears/Michelin gave away with tires just keeps on working just fine. Go figure.
Cheers
Ernie

First Place AACA Show Winner 350SL July 2003
I love low mile Mercedes.
First Place AACA Show winner for 2004 280SL
1969 280 4spd Papyrus White

[Bob G ✝︎]

I am running Michelin Rainforce 185 Tr 14 tires. Very good tires. After my car is painted I am going to buy the colker Phenoix 185 HR 14 white walls Many of our member who did major restoration have given us good reports in handling and ride.

Bob Geco

[hands_aus]

Hey Ernie and Bob,
I had the new Michelin 185/80R 14 T (speed rating = 190Kmph) tyres installed on Saturday. They set them up with 34psi front and back.

They replaced 205 70 14 Mustangs which were on the car when I bought it 3 years ago.

The rear end doesn't look as fat as it used to.

The ride seems to be good without the same strong feel to the steering.

Ernie you are right, they are definitely quieter on the road. Next I would love to quieten the exhaust a bit.

I am going for a run next weekend for 4 days so I will get a really good 'feel' for the car.

The original tyres had a white wall on them but I didn't like the look so I bought some black tyre paint. The extra chrome rim on the 250sl, to me, made the wheels look too busy.

Thanks for your responses

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[Douglas]

Which Michelin? I wish the Michelin Rainforce was still available in the proper size, but it's not. Perhaps the Michelin Harmony can be had in that dimension.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[hands_aus]

quote:Originally posted by Douglas

Which Michelin? I wish the Michelin Rainforce was still available in the proper size, but it's not. Perhaps the Michelin Harmony can be had in that dimension.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

Hey Douglas,

The Michelin 'Energy' tyre.

Have a look at the website I listed in my 1st September posting.

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto