Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: kelseytara on September 17, 2025, 17:59:25

Title: Tires for 1969 280 SL
Post by: kelseytara on September 17, 2025, 17:59:25

I need to have the tires replaced on my newly acquired 280 SL before a long drive in a few weeks. I'm really new to the car world and had poked around on a number of threads, but there seem to be a lot of different opinions on sizes. I know that 185 is the original size but harder to find now. The car currently has Goodyears that are 195/70R14. My local tire place that comes reccommended by the mechanic that is working on the car appears to mostly have Hankook tires. I've seen mention of the Hankook Kinergy and I'm wondering if that's going to be my best bet. The car will have a 4-5 hour drive with at least a portion on freeways, then after that will mostly be used on city streets with occasional freeway trips. I don't plan on driving it much (if at all) in the rain. Advice is welcome!

Title: Re: Tires for 1969 280 SL
Post by: kelseytara on September 17, 2025, 18:05:03

Other options (195s) appear to be:
Hankook Optimo
Michelin Defender
Firestone All-Season

Title: Re: Tires for 1969 280 SL
Post by: JamesL on September 17, 2025, 19:16:50

Can you get Vredestein Sprint Classics? They seem to be well regarded

Title: Re: Tires for 1969 280 SL
Post by: Cees Klumper on September 17, 2025, 19:36:38

x2 on the Vredesteins, not only do I like them on my 280 SL (since around 2009) but it's also a Dutch brand ...

Title: Re: Tires for 1969 280 SL
Post by: lowpad on September 17, 2025, 20:08:09

I'm not a fan of modern tires with huge logos all over the sidewalls -- seems in conflict with the subtlety of our cars. I'm prefer the Michelin MXV-P. They aren't cheap ($270 for BW), but they are the closest thing out there to a true original appearance. Vredesteins are a good alternative, and also come in larger profiles if you want a beefier look.

Title: Re: Tires for 1969 280 SL
Post by: BobH on September 17, 2025, 20:14:36

There's a list of recommended tyres (why does everyone keep spelling this incorrectly?) on here, with some brief reviews and links to websites

You may need to register as a full member to access it

https://www.sl113.org/wiki/WheelsTires/Tires

Title: Re: Tires for 1969 280 SL
Post by: kelseytara on September 17, 2025, 22:26:37

Thank you for this, Bob! I went ahead and registered as a full member, and I'm enjoying wading through all of the information.

Title: Re: Tires for 1969 280 SL
Post by: roymil on September 17, 2025, 23:37:04

I can recommend Michelin Defender 195/70R14 blackwalls.    Michelin has always been ranked well above most other brands.  Continental or Goodyear are good choices too for this size range.   Just stay away from Firestone/Bridgestone.

Title: Re: Tires for 1969 280 SL
Post by: rwmastel on September 18, 2025, 02:06:49

Quote from: kelseytara on September 17, 2025, 17:59:25

I need to have the tires replaced on my newly acquired 280 SL before a long drive in a few weeks.

To Pagoda Fest in Knoxville?

Title: Re: Tires for 1969 280 SL
Post by: Duncan200 on September 18, 2025, 09:28:36

Quote from: BobH on September 17, 2025, 20:14:36

There's a list of recommended tyres (why does everyone keep spelling this incorrectly?)

I’m with you Bob, it’s tiring seeing tyre spelt incorrectly 😁

Doug