Hello,
I have an 83 300D. I just want to make sure of this instead of google,
so thought I'd ask the experts. I need a spare tire. I've read 195/60 14,
and 195/70 14. I do remember getting a tire in the past, and the
shop said it did not see many in this size 14...
Which size should I be looking at? - Thanks

195/70 R14 is the correct size for the W123.

Thanks, Great. All I need to know.
A tire guy here is going to try and
get one for me...

I've had good luck finding tires on ebay, especially if you're just looking for one sometimes you can find a good deal.
Especially if it's just a spare you don't need the best namebrand tire.

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1984 300TD -- summer daily driver
Many others that aren't Mercedes...

Right, Ebay....thanks, I'd have to have free shipping to make it worthwhile.
This guy in town says it'll be about $40 for a used tire, if/when he finds one.
Do you know why these are so rare?...Are they only used for older cars?

They're not ultra rare or anything, it's just that few cars use 14s anymore.

That said, I had no problem finding a set of tires for my Benz.

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Milan Brown 1979 240D, rebuilt OM617.952 turbo diesel, rebuilt 722.315 transmission (my only daily driver)

Instagram: @maximed93

Wow, shocking, alot of selection on Ebay, And Free Shipping, I would
have never checked....makes things much easier.

If possible, avoid buying a used tire which has been repaired. While there nothing wrong with a good patch, the fact that the tire has a patch means that it may have been "run flat."

I have had good luck with Ebay seller "champtires." They will tell you (if you ask) whether a tire has been patched or not.

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When cryptography is outlawed, bayl bhgynjf jvyy unir cevinpl.

lj:

As to size, in the event that there are tires on the car, you may want to match their size with the spare.

Wal Mart. Hankook Optimo whitewalls. 205/70R14.

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1983 300D Midnight Blue
4 speed, W115 intake mani, non-EGR exhaust mani, KKK K26, 3 pc Euro bumpers, Lo-spec Euro headlights, AL129X, hubcaps, custom A/C

1987 300TD Smoke Silver
Euro headlights, thermostat relocation, coolant bypass mod, rebuilt Becker + Jehnert + Helix audio, OEM Oris roof boxes and surfboard racks, Euro towbar

1983 300TD Reed (Moss) Green / Dark Olive MB Tex Euro spec

1983 300TD Silver Blue / Blue cloth Euro spec, OM648 and 722.6, 15" hubcaps, W126 S2 brakes

14 inch tires are a little harder to find but they are out there. I definitely would not run a used tire that has been patched. Often, we take chances with used or worn tires, but when it blows out you are putting not only yourself and your passengers at risk but also others on the road.

Hey lindajane, I may have a suitable spare for you, mounted and balanced, all you need is drive down to San Mateo and get it. I offered it to a friend a year ago but he never came for it.
Its a 14in tire, I think its a Sumitomo or some Japanese brand.
Its on a OE steel wheel and it came off my wife's 83 300D. Its not a new tire but it didn't see sunlight and isn't worn at all. I wouldn't hesitate to drive with it.
If you want a Bundt wheel for it I have one to sell.

I'll check it and report to you the size if you are still looking for a spare.
Reid

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'95 E320 Wagon my favorite road car. '99 E300D wolf in sheeps body, '87 300D Sportline suspension, '79 300TD w/ 617.952 engine at 367,750 and counting!

I’m getting 4 brand spanking new 185/70R14’s installed on the 240D tomorrow. All 4 out the door for $210.

Why buy used?

I’d give you one of my take offs if you were nearby, two of them are pretty good.

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1981 240D Four on the floor, Orient Red over Parchment, bought with 154,000 but it's a daily driver and up to 180,000 miles, mostly original paint and all original interior.

I buy used because I can get a quality tire with 90% life remaining for 25% of what a new tire costs.

Not to mention that sometimes it's good to match the wear level of existing tires when replacing just one damaged tire.

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When cryptography is outlawed, bayl bhgynjf jvyy unir cevinpl.

Beware of old tires. There is a date code on used or older new tires to scrutinize. Seven years is the expected lifespan of a tire. I believe Used or not. Depends somewhat on storage conditions as well. So read the date codes.


A good source oddly enough is cars with fairly new 14 inch tires on them may be hitting the auto wreckers now. Plus not selling well as that size is no longer all that common.