New WW tires needed for W111

[wwheeler]

In the ever changing world of tire availability, just wondering what people are using for the 14" W 111 tire. I highly prefer WW and have the Coker Phoenix tires now. I am not wild about the build quality of the Phoenix, but I like the look. I have 13" Vredestein Sprint Classics on my '60 W 128 with the large WW. I like this but not sure they have a 14" version with the narrow WW.

Thanks.

[neelyrc]

Have a look at the narrow stripe Maxxis, Wheeler!  A lot cheaper and I am pleased with the set I put on my 113 a couple of years ago.

[wwheeler]

Those do look nice. What size did you get? Not a bad price compared to the Phoenix tires.

[neelyrc]

I bought 195/75 as they are the closest match to the diameter/circumference of the original tires.  See here:

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=15847.msg184433#msg184433

[Jonny B]

Wallace, I also have the Maxxis tires on my 250 SL, you will be able to look - "up close and personal" at PagodaFest. And for comparison I have the Hankook white walls on my 280 SL, another attendee will have his car there, and he also has the Hankook tires.

[wwheeler]

Thanks for the input!
So far, I like the look of the Maxxis the best. I know Diamond back can install a WW on the Toyo and many others. But that, and the price of the Phoenix tire, are just too much for something that will only last 10 years given we still have a few options. If you had a trailer queen and were not going to drive the car, that is something else.

I don't drive more than 500 miles a year, but fresh tires are a must. It only takes one blow out with old tires to change your life forever. 

[TJMart]

Wallace, I also have the Maxxis tires on my 250 SL, you will be able to look - "up close and personal" at PagodaFest. And for comparison I have the Hankook white walls on my 280 SL, another attendee will have his car there, and he also has the Hankook tires.

I also happened to be looking for tires. Jonny since you have driven both tires which ones do you prefer? It appears from the specs that each one is very similar in quality and construction. Coker has the Maxxis in a 205/70R14 (my preferred size) for $114 and Summit has the Hankook for $75.99.

[neelyrc]

On tire size, everyone has their preference of course.  My size choice on the last set was explained in my earlier post above.

Another point which I did not consider before purchase concerns the spare.  I want to always carry a spare matching the tires on the ground particular on trips of several hundred miles one way. I bought five tires for this reason. 

It turns out that the 195/75 I chose, although a little fatter than the original Firestone Phoenix, will still fit in the tire cover and can still be stowed (barely) in the normal position in the trunk. Any larger spare will most probably not stow normally.  This may not be important to all.

[Benz Dr.]

Be careful what you ask for; your car might not fit it.

[tcstraker]

Hi there.  I just purchased a 1965 220SEb W111 on BAT.   White with Cream Leather/Safari seats.   I'm not crazy about the wide WW tires.  what did you land on for narrow WW?  I know it's supposed to have 13", but I think mine has 14".  I haven't taken delivery yet, but will soon.  just researching what the cost might be to change them out (shame since they are almost new)   thanks!

[Vander]

The cost of the correct 13" wheels will cost more than the tires. I wonder if they are the same part # as the 300SE sedan?

[PeterPortugal]

The 13" wheels are readily available in Europe so I am guessing they will be in the USA too.

Cabrios came with 5.5" wide rather than the standard 5" and these are harder to find. If you have safari seats I am guessing it is a cabrio?