205 or 195 for W124 with 15" rims? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Zeus · #1 05-17-2006, 11:23 AM

I'm buying new summer/performance tires for my 1989 300E. Probably Toyo Proxes TPT.

The rims I use for the summer came from a newer Benz and they're the 8-hole type. 6.5, ET37, 15".

1) Should I go with the stock 195-65-15 or should I go up to the 205-65-15?

2) I can get either H or V-rated. I'm thinking of the H rated?

TIA!

Zeus · #2 05-17-2006, 03:19 PM

Thanks diesel, but the rims are 15". So I was basically wondering if the extra width (and cost) is worth it?

dieseldiehard · #3 05-17-2006, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeus

I'm buying new summer/performance tires for my 1989 300E. Probably Toyo Proxes TPT.

The rims I use for the summer came from a newer Benz and they're the 8-hole type. 6.5, ET37, 15".

1) Should I go with the stock 195-65-15 or should I go up to the 205-65-15?

2) I can get either H or V-rated. I'm thinking of the H rated?

TIA!

Say I saw my error and deleted that post and replaced it with this response:
stay with the std size unless you are planning on getting new wheels, in which case a 205-55-16 would be super! (better handling than the 15 wheels!)
V rated are likely to handle better but generally have softer compond, an H rated tire will usually outlast a "performance" tire. I've had good rsults with Yokohama Avid V4S

Zeus · #4 05-17-2006, 03:33 PM

lol, np. Thanks for the reply. I think I will go for the 195, H-rated. As you mentioned - the tread longevity is an issue for me.

dieseldiehard · #5 05-17-2006, 03:50 PM

The std size is 205-60-15 BTW but a 215-60-15 will fit fine and is also rated for that chassis.
Tracking is better with a wider tire but wear starts to be worse on wider tires if rear camber is off or tire pressure isn't kept up, a wider tire has a tendency to start showing wear at the edges more so IMHO. Rolling friction is less with the thinner tire and you will feel a difference in the way the car corners with a narrower tire giving slightly quicker response, if you even notice it.

DuckMuck · #6 05-18-2006, 10:31 AM

I would not get the stock 195/65-15's if you are changing tires...the stock rims will easily handle 205/60-15 and even 215/60-15...the increased width really helps with high speed stability and increases cornering capacity...I think 205/60-15 would be more than sufficient for a 300E...it will also look better aesthetically...this particular size is also pretty common, giving you quite a good range of choices in terms of tire brands, performance ratings, etc.

Zeus · #7 05-18-2006, 02:27 PM

Thanks DuckMuck. I did some more searching and found out that Lee also recommends either of these sizes for the stock W124 15" rims:

195/65-15
205/60-15
215/60-15

I'll now thinking I'll probably go for the 205/60-15s, as you suggested.

Last question : My stock rims are 6.5 x 15, 49mm offset. These new rims come from a newer Mercedes they are 6.5 x 15, 37mm offset.

Given that I'll be putting on a wider tire, should I be ok with the offset difference?

timreid · #8 05-19-2006, 01:41 PM

I personally would stay away from the 215/60/15 tires, your 195/65/15 tires have diameter of approximately 25 in, the 215/60/15 tires are approximately 26 in. To much of a ride height change in my view.

lkchris · #9 05-19-2006, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeus

I'm buying new summer/performance tires for my 1989 300E. Probably Toyo Proxes TPT.

The rims I use for the summer came from a newer Benz and they're the 8-hole type. 6.5, ET37, 15".

1) Should I go with the stock 195-65-15 or should I go up to the 205-65-15?

2) I can get either H or V-rated. I'm thinking of the H rated?

TIA!

If you go 205, make it 205/60.

DuckMuck · #10 05-19-2006, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timreid

I personally would stay away from the 215/60/15 tires, your 195/65/15 tires have diameter of approximately 25 in, the 215/60/15 tires are approximately 26 in. To much of a ride height change in my view.

Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/km Difference
195/65-15 127mm 317mm 634mm 1993mm 502 0.0%
205/60-15 123mm 314mm 627mm 1970mm 508 -1.2%
215/60-15 129mm 320mm 639mm 2007mm 498 0.7%

Ride height should be determined by the radius (center of wheel/axle to outer edge of tire), not the diameter...215/60-15 vs. 195/65-15 results in only a 3mm difference in ride height, which is more or less negligable...

Zeus · #11 06-19-2006, 12:59 PM

Just to close the thread - I went with the Toyo TPT H-rated 205-60-R15. They fit and work perfectly. These are on Mercedes 8-hole, 15x6.5 ET37 alloy rims. Thanks again for all the advice.

ambush276 · #12 08-16-2021, 08:42 PM

why not ride 205/65 ?