What tires do you choose for you W123 diesel? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

regsatx · #16 03-02-2007, 02:04 AM

I LOVE Michelins...but for the price, Kumho...and Sumitomos also, CAN'T be BEAT!

Just got a new set of Kumhos for my 560SL. When the 300SD needs new shoes...it'll be Kumhos or Sumitomos.

#17 03-02-2007, 03:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ara T.

I want to get 15" rims and H rated summer tires for my W123. Is there a big difference in handling on the H-rated tire versus the S rated? I figure the stiffer sidewall would help handling. The W123 seems to just smash S rated tires in the corners when the body rolls over on them.

I do like H rated tires on the W123 because of the heavy sidewall. You will have a lot more choice of tires in 15-inch, but in 14-inch, the Firestone was the best 205/70 tires I could find. I've never seen a 15-inch rim that looks correct on a W123, so I'm "stuck" with 14-inch. IMHO, the H rated tires do feel a little tighter, some people may think the ride is too harsh.

Ara T. · #18 03-02-2007, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

I do like H rated tires on the W123 because of the heavy sidewall. You will have a lot more choice of tires in 15-inch, but in 14-inch, the Firestone was the best 205/70 tires I could find. I've never seen a 15-inch rim that looks correct on a W123, so I'm "stuck" with 14-inch. IMHO, the H rated tires do feel a little tighter, some people may think the ride is too harsh.

Those pizza dish rims that were on the long wheel base S classes of 86 and onwards look okay on them and fit right. I think a set of those recent C class rims look great on a W123.

zill · #19 03-02-2007, 06:29 AM

I could not get the OE size for my 240D in Continental black wall. I had to settle for Yokohama. Turned the white wall to the inside.

I went with Michelin MXV4 Energies on my 300CD. Very nice. Weights only on the inside wheel.

I always go with the OE size recommendation.

Zill.

#20 03-02-2007, 07:01 AM

In maintaining and driving most of a million miles, I found the best tire to use on a 123 to be a 195-75 14. This is a highway tire with a hard rubber compound and will last a LONG time on one of these cars. I strongly prefer Michelin for these tires and the long life in this size warrants the extra cost IMHO.

The ABSOLUTE KEY to long and pleasant tire life and driving experience on these cars is a DYNAMIC balance. What this means is that it is balanced radially and axially. 98% of the tire stores in the US have a spin balancer that will do a great job of this IF the operator will set it up for a dynamic balance and use weights on the inboard AND outboard edge of the rim.

It is EXTREMELY common for the tire store kids to balance with weights inboard only because people complain about scratching their rims or the weights being ugly. Believe me on this, if you think the weights are ugly, then draw some art on your wheels to cover them up. On these cars it is IMPERATIVE to have a dynamic balance which means weights on the outboard lip.

WD8CDH · #21 03-02-2007, 12:58 PM

Michelin X-Ice all year around. Bought them at a good price and they are excellent in the rain and dry too.

Rashakor · #22 03-02-2007, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ara T.

Those pizza dish rims that were on the long wheel base S classes of 86 and onwards look okay on them and fit right. I think a set of those recent C class rims look great on a W123.

I agree with this. the 17"x7.5 5-spokes from the c-class are a modern and elegant choice for the 123. my concern is the 37mm offset they have compared to the 23mm i believe the stock wheels have.

I concur with Larry about the tires on the 5cylinders diesels and the 280.
For a 240D i actually prefer the stock tire 170x85 14 (i know they kind of hard to find nowadays with all the giant wheels outthere). But the car feels so much nimbler. So i sacrifice in thiscase handling for acceleration and mpg.

SwampYankee · #23 03-02-2007, 01:28 PM

I've got Kuhmo Power Star 758's (205/70R14) on my TD only because that's what the PO put on it. I don't know anything about them other than they kind of suck in the snow. On dry and wet pavement they seem fine.

thorsen · #24 03-02-2007, 01:47 PM

The only tires I buy know are the Goodyear Assurance TripleTreds. I just put a set on my wife's ML, I put them on my E300 this winter, and I put them on my 300SD (twice) before I sold it. They are expensive, but are the best tires I have ever owned.

300sdToronto · #25 03-02-2007, 01:52 PM

I have 195/70 R14 Michelin Harmony's on my 300sd from the PO. Good in the wet or dry but lousy in snow and ice as the tread compound is too hard - in order to offer good mileage in hotter climes.

But I tend to keep the SD off the road anyway when there's salt and crap around.

I would buy the BEST tires you can afford - when it comes time to stop or change direction in a hurry that wonderful MB engineering is only as good as your tire adhesion

derherr65 · #26 03-02-2007, 02:33 PM

Discount tire has some 85,000 mile kuhmos for $52ea. With their mileage warrenty you get a pro rated amount off the next purchase. In other words if they last 42,500, you get a $26ea discount on the next tire. Sounds pretty good. Just wondering if the Arizonian Silver Edition @ $69ea or Michelin Destiny @ $79ea are worth the extra cost.

tobybul · #27 03-02-2007, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy5848

My '85 came with a set of Pirelli Cinturato P3000. They have been fine for my first year and 12,000 miles. I'll see how long they last, then decide whether to stick with them or go to something harder. Sticky tires are nice sometimes.

I have the same tires on my 85 D. I put them in this summer cuz it had a good rebate ($100). So far, so good. I probably will try BF Goodrich's Touring TA's from Sams or Costco next time. They have the best deal.

Just stay away from Dominators!! They have problems.

240Joe · #28 03-02-2007, 04:04 PM

The best tires for our old diesels are the round kind, the cheaper the better. Anyone putting high dollar tires on these cars is just putting lipstick on a pig, and I do mean PIG!

Never change your oil, and save the EARTH and possibly your children's limbs or life!
__________
Thanks
240Joe

1980 240D Auto >300kmiles - never blown up!
1983 300D >150kmiles - also never blown up!
1987 300SDL >170kmiles- SOLD before I blew it up!

#29 03-02-2007, 08:00 PM

Speaking of pigs, someone once said, "Never wrestle with a pig. Both of you will get dirty and only the pig will enjoy it." and "Never argue with a pig. It wastes your time, and it annoys the pig." Good advice for trolls, too.

t walgamuth · #30 03-02-2007, 08:27 PM

i was thinking of that quote the other day in respect to the troll, too.

why come to a benz forum if you feel that way?

tom w