Tire pressure, lug bolts

[gugel]

The (original) tire pressure sticker in the trunk of my Euro 230SL specifies that the tire pressures are to be 1.8 atü front, and 2.2 atü rear.  That converts to 26.1 psi front and 31.9 psi rear.  Is that really correct, with today's tires?  I assume the car handles best with those pressures, but I worry a bit about putting too much strain on the sidewalls with that low a pressure in front.

Incidentally, I just had occasion to mount the spare for the first time, and discovered that the lug bolts from my alloy wheels were too long for the steel spare wheel.  Luckily, this happened in my garage, and I was able to get the shorter bolts easily, but if you have alloys and a steel spare, you might want to check the lug bolts.

Chris Earnest

[J. Huber]

Hey Chris, not sure if its correct but I keep mine at 28.5 in the front and 31.5 in the back. I've tried more but this seems to work out.

PS Michelin X-Ones (195/70/14)

James
63 230SL

[ja17]

Hello Chris,

After the alloy wheels were introduced, all the cars came with a warning tag in the trunk describing the long and short lug bolt situation.

Actually the longer bolts and steel wheels will not cause a problem in front, however as you noticed, the long lug bolts when fitted to the steel wheels in the rear will protrude through the flange and collide with the emergency brake shoes as the wheel turns. Not an ideal situation!

Occassionally these tags will turn up still intact. Here is a view of one;


Download Attachment: Trunk tag.JPG
79.24 KB

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[RBurg]

Chris
I have found that I started out with 35 lbs - little rough lowered to 32 front & rear. Handles very nicely  with 205/70/14 alloy wheels.

Ron - Minnesota
71 280SL Tobacco "O GIGI"
97 E420 Silver Mist