Tire Nirvana!

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by merrill

Rodd,
Guess I was thrown by all the opinions and options.  Especially when the subject turned to the load index.

If I am going to spend the dough I would like to get a tire that will make the car drive and ride as it should.

I will probably use the steel rims from my 300d as the sl rims need to be re painted.

Matt,

I guess the tire you should use depends on your goals.  What fits you?
- Historically correct tire size & tread pattern?
- Functional tire for safe & casual motoring?
- Functional tire fast sporty (competitive?) driving?

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

[merrill]

Rodd,
well, I am looking for a tire for safe & casual motoring.  

That being said, I would like a tire that works well with the suspension on the 230 sl.  

thanks
matt

Matt
66 230 sl - "white"
78 300 D - Blue
98 C230

[KevinC]

I purchased Bridgestone Turanzas from TireRack about a year ago and am quote satisfied with the ride, handling, sound, looks, cost. I believe they come in blackwall, too.

 

quote:Originally posted by merrill

Rodd,
well, I am looking for a tire for safe & casual motoring.  

That being said, I would like a tire that works well with the suspension on the 230 sl.  

thanks
matt

Matt
66 230 sl - "white"
78 300 D - Blue
98 C230

Download Attachment: MB bs_turanza_lst_ww195-75-14.jpg
15.02 KB

Kevin Caputo
Boca Raton, FL
1967 230 SL Automatic
670 Light Ivory
113 Bronze/Brown MB Tex

[graphic66]

OK guys and gals I'm gonna drag out the old tire nirvana thread. I am ready for new tires and I want blackwall 205-70 r14. Anybody have any updated info or experience. I have 205's on now but have wore them out. They are Goodyear Eagle GT's. They have been OK. I would  rather have something more elite and European, but I could end up with the Chinese Sumitomos. They are the best looking tire to me right now. Thank you all for helping on this one.

[Richard Madison]

quote:I am ready for new tires and I want blackwall 205-70 r14.

As recently as a few weeks ago, The Tire Rack had Michelin Harmony in stock in 205 70R14 Blackwall.

I bought 4 tires. Tire Rack shipped them to a tire dealer near me to put them on. The tires are "lookin' good and ridin' good."

Richard M, NYC

[J. Huber]

I wonder if Pete S. could share his tire brand & size? and how he rates his brand. I recall how sharp they looked during our last SF trip...Pete?

[hill]

quote:Originally posted by graphic66

OK guys and gals I'm gonna drag out the old tire nirvana thread. I am ready for new tires and I want blackwall 205-70 r14. Anybody have any updated info or experience. I have 205's on now but have wore them out. They are Goodyear Eagle GT's. They have been OK. I would  rather have something more elite and European, but I could end up with the Chinese Sumitomos. They are the best looking tire to me right now. Thank you all for helping on this one.

Sumitomos are great, if your car is tight. If your suspension is tired they have a tendency to follow the grooves in the highway. Are you thinking of the HTR200 or 400?

edit Added signature

[graphic66]

I was considering the Sumitomo HTR 200. I see a set of Michelin X's for sale. They are the 80.000 mile tire. Anybody have experience with these? I really want a "cool tire on my car. Sumitomo isn't too cool even if it is good. I don't like the word "harmony" on a tire either. Anybody use the Pirelli P3000M, they look cool. I like a good looking tire as much as good handling.

[mdsalemi]

quote:Originally posted by graphic66
I really want a "cool tire on my car. Sumitomo isn't too cool even if it is good. I don't like the word "harmony" on a tire either.

Well spoken!

[waqas]

I too have been very pleased with the ride and handling of the Bridgestones...

quote:Originally posted by KevinC

I purchased Bridgestone Turanzas from TireRack about a year ago and am quote satisfied with the ride, handling, sound, looks, cost. I believe they come in blackwall, too.

 

quote:Originally posted by merrill

Rodd,
well, I am looking for a tire for safe & casual motoring.  

That being said, I would like a tire that works well with the suspension on the 230 sl.  

thanks
matt

Matt
66 230 sl - "white"
78 300 D - Blue
98 C230

Download Attachment: MB bs_turanza_lst_ww195-75-14.jpg
15.02 KB

Kevin Caputo
Boca Raton, FL
1967 230 SL Automatic
670 Light Ivory
113 Bronze/Brown MB Tex

[Longtooth]

I replaced my 1984 vintage new (then) Michelin MXV's? blackwall 205/70 r14's with 205/70 r14 Yokohama Avid T4's --- black-walls (make sure if you order Avid T4's that they're Avid T4's though... and not the touring version Avid tire).  They're definintely not as stiff as the Michelins were, but I've pumped them up to max pressure to stiffen them up (cornering) and after a bit of wear-in (300 miles) they're not too bad in cornering performance... still not nearly as good as the Michelin's from '84 were . There's no 'groove' problem with them as I've heard there is with the Sumitomo's though. I've only had them on the car for a bit under 1000 miles so I can't comment on how well they'll wear though.... nor in rain soaked roads as there's been no rain since I bought them.

As for Michelin harmony's... I'm like you.  But, that having been said, some 300SL Gullwings and roadsters being shipped to clients after restoration (bottom up) that sell for $600k and win shows have Michelin Harmony's on them.  It's apprently more important for show/tell and status for people that can afford $600k + that the tires are Michelin than what type Michelin they are.

[hill]

quote:Originally posted by graphic66

I was considering the Sumitomo HTR 200. I see a set of Michelin X's for sale. They are the 80.000 mile tire. Anybody have experience with these? I really want a "cool tire on my car. Sumitomo isn't too cool even if it is good. I don't like the word "harmony" on a tire either. Anybody use the Pirelli P3000M, they look cool. I like a good looking tire as much as good handling.

Get the cool looking tires.  Unless you drive daily, why would want a 80,000 mile tire. If I did not drive daily it would definitely be a factory syle tire. Remember to check the date codes on your tires. Goodyear, Sears etc... and many others have sold "new" three to four year old tires.

[paulr]

I have the mxv 185 80 14 on mine and they are brilliant, worth every penny. I didn't like the word "energy" on my previous tyres either.

[scoot]

quote:Originally posted by paulr

I have the mxv 185 80 14 on mine and they are brilliant, worth every penny. I didn't like the word "energy" on my previous tyres either.

I have those also, but mine are probably about 10 years old and to the best of my knowledge, they are not for sale anymore, at least not in the states...   If you know otherwise please point me in that direction...

[paulr]

They are available from Longstone tyres in the UK. They are expensive though, about $300 each.

quote:Originally posted by scoot

quote:Originally posted by paulr

I have the mxv 185 80 14 on mine and they are brilliant, worth every penny. I didn't like the word "energy" on my previous tyres either.

I have those also, but mine are probably about 10 years old and to the best of my knowledge, they are not for sale anymore, at least not in the states...   If you know otherwise please point me in that direction...

[zoegrlh]

Hello all,
It was time for new tires on my SL, so as I always do, I researched this site for infomation on what tires members are wearing, and the availablity of current produced tires.  There was much discussion on 185s vs 195s and 205s.  Also concern about 80R to 70R, and the speed ratings.  There was also a concern about the curb guard not being on the new design tires.

I wanted to keep with the original aspect ratio to assure that the speedometer and odometer stay close to accurate as possible.  Also I wanted to retain the original look and height of the SL. And last I wanted to assure that load index and speed rating was close to original specs.
 
I currently have a set of Michelin XVS 185/HR/14 BW, and a spare of the Phoenix original that is now time to replace.  Of the new tires currently on the market many members like the Michelin Harmony 195/70R/14, but speed rating is only "S" (180KMs), the Dunlop SP40, handling issues, the Pirelli P4000 205/70R/14, a little wider then I would like, the Yokohama Avid T4s 205/70R/14, sidewalls not stiff, wishy-washy feel, the Sumitomo TR, the Cooper, and the Coker reproduction of the Phoenix 185/HR/14, but only in whitewalls, and priced "really" high at $306.

So I did have a few to choose from, but I was not happy with any of these selections, so I continued to around for any other brands that would fit my bill.  I found Goodyear Assurance 195/75R/14, a close fit, but still not happy, Then I found the tire that I think is as close as you can get to original specs.  It is the Vredestein Sprint Classis 185/HR/14.  This tire is a import from Holland and is built for performance.  It is made for use on the  Autobahn.  It has a classic tread and side wall design.

This tire is produced in many sizes of the classic sports cars of the 50s & 60s.  The sidewall is stiff, the load is 90, the rubber compound is hard, and of course the speed rating is "H" 210KMs.  This tire is priced at $139. each and you can order them from Tiresbyweb.com.

I truly believe that this tire should be added to your list of replacement tires.  I will give you an update on handling aspects of this tire once mounted.  I am currently on steel wheels, but will replace with original MB part numbered alloy "Brunt" style wheels that were available as optional equipment when my SL was produced.  Took months to locate four wheels with original part numbers (108 400 0902, Jx14H2) that were in good shape.

So if anyone has any questions, or needs futher infomation concerning these Vredestein tires, please contact me.

[Markp]

Ditto on the Vredestein Sprint Classics. I've used them for years on my 356 Porsches with excellent results. By far the most period correct looking tire (with modern performance) out there.

[Raymond]

I've had the 205/70 Yokohama Avid T-4s on my car for 11,000 miles over 5 years.  I don't find the sidewalls too soft or "wishy-washy" at all.  The wet weather braking is far superior to the Bridgestone Potenza 960s on my BMW. The best tire I ever had on my Acura was the Goodrich T/A sport.  

On the Pagoda the Yokahamas are predictable in hard cornering and don't jump free like the Michelins I've owned.  Michelins get 80K miles by being hard which makes their braking and cornering less effective.  The Yokohamas are soft tread, and that makes them better in the corners and panic stops.  My Yokos were manufactured in the 51st week of 2001, so I will replace them next year regardless of mileage.  Never push a tire that's over 8 years old.  I would buy Yokohamas again, but not the Bridgestones, and not Michelin's Harmony.

[Cees Klumper]

quote:Originally posted by graphic66

Anybody use the Pirelli P3000M, they look cool. I like a good looking tire as much as good handling.

I have the Pirelli P400's (205 size), put them on after one of my Michelins lost a big piece of rubber on the highway (too old) now about 8 years ago. So it's time for me to get new ones based on age - the only problem is that, even after almost 60,000 kms (about 37 thousand miles) they still look new, having worn little. Still, they are getting old.

I will for sure try out the Vredestein vintage ones. Mostly because I really want to go back to the original width (185). The 205s look brawny, but a bit too much so. The Vredestein (a Dutch) company by the way was saved from bankruptcy earlier this week through a reverse-takeover by one of the largest Russian tire makers. The new combination is now in the top-8 largest tire makers in the world (probably they're no. .

[zoegrlh]

Cees,
It is good news to hear that the company is going to continue.  From what I hear they make really good tires, and they are among a few only making vintage tires for the classis sports cars.  Keep me informed of the progess of the company.
Thanks,
Bob

[zoegrlh]

-UPDATE=
I just wanted to update you that I got the Vredestein 185HR14 tires from UPS yesterday and was pleasently surprised.  The side wall is classic with the curb bumper ring, and the tread design is also very classic.  I had them mounted on my steel wheels for the time being, till I get the alloys back from painting.  Anyway, the ride on these is alwsome, and I am compairing these to the tires I just took off ( Michelin XVS 185HR14).  Traction is wonderful, ride is comfortable and quiet.  I would highly recommand these tires.  If you are currently or will in the future be looking for tires that meet the design specs of the W113, or just want a tire that will show well at shows as a classic tire, then I say look at these tires.  Contact Josh Springer at jspangler@tirefactory.net for additional infomation and tell him I sent you.
Bob

[graphic66]

Any pictures of those mounted? I would like to see how they look. I am for sure looking hard at the Vredstiens, now 185 or 205...

[Markp]

I believe they also have a 195/75HR/15

[glennard]

a

[Sigman]

It's a good thing this thread resurfaced.  My tires are cracking due to its history of being under L/T storage.  I need to replace them preferably with 185HR14 tires.  

Do any of you have the contact info for the other tire vendor(s) who sells that vintage spec?

Cheers,
Michael