[W126 Coupe] what size tires for '82 SL

[Vance Rowley]

HI Bob,

 Firstly it would have been better to have the 205's on the rear and the 195's on the front. If your tires are in good condition, then just swapping front and rear should be a better combination. If however, your tires are badly worn and you are due to get new ones anyway, the best sizes available would depend on what kind of driving you do and what kind of weather you drive in most of the time. The original size for your car was 205/70/14 which would give an overall diameter closer to 26" (25.738"actually). So the 205/60/15 size is fine and isn't that much difference in the overall diameter. There are a number of things to consider when choosing tires. Having wider tires is fine for good dry road conditions, but can be a bummer for aquaplaning in the wet. Also when you go for wider tires (225's for example) you would need a lower profile tire to match the overall diameter as not to throw out the accuracy of your speedo. In having lower profile tires, your ride could be adversely effected and not be as smooth. Also if you have a number of potholes on the routes you drive on regularly, then a lower profile could mean potential damage to your wheels.Whatever your choice to match your driving, you would be better with the smaller width on the front.

Hope this is of some help.
Regards,
Vance
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Bob Rodgers 
  To: mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com 
  Sent: Friday, March 03, 2006 11:32 PM
  Subject: [W126 Coupe] what size tires for '82 SL


  I recently bought a 1982 380SL and it has 15" rims.  I just had the rims powder coated and they look great.  What size tires should I buy  I had 205/60R15 on the front and 195/65R15 on the rear.  What does the group, experts recommend I use.  Thanks in advance.  This is a GREAT group.
  BOB


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