Tires for Recently Acquired ‘71 280SL

[will_t]

Hello all, 

I recently purchased a ‘71 280SL which is a local car (Denver) and has not had much use in the last ten or so years due to the passing of the husband and wife who owned it.  Of course there is a bit to take care of before I can really drive it much, including the tires, which are virtually brand new, but have 2009 date codes on them.  Additionally, I found a set of five w123 400 1502 six-inch by fourteen inch aluminum rims which I plan to use on the car.  Decent tires that fit the rims are few, and I have narrowed down my choice to two, Phoenix tires for about 280 each, and Michelin MVX tires for about 345 each.  I am inclined to go with the Michelins, with the thinking being that they are really for driving and not for show.  But I have no experience with the w113 and so would like to know what you all think.  I plan to order them in the next couple of days so am hoping that good advice will come forth here.  Thank you!

[plobner]

Will,
I have a similar question regarding replacement of 10-year old tires on a 280SL.  My current Michelin Defender tires are no longer made in 70 aspect ratio. I'm looking at the Michelin XWX in 205/70/14. This is the same size I've used for 38 years.  The MVX doesn't come in this size.

Does anyone in Pagoda SL Group have any experience with the Michelin XWX?

Pete

[will_t]

The size I am seeing for the Michelin MVX’s is simply 185 R14.  This is a substantially narrower tire than the 205 but it is what the book says.  The aspect ratio is not mentioned but I have a feeling it is probably 75 or greater?  Another reason they are expensive is I would like white walls. 

Any thoughts about size are welcomed.  I am new to all this.

Thanks!

[will_t]

Will,
I have a similar question regarding replacement of 10-year old tires on a 280SL.  My current Michelin Defender tires are no longer made in 70 aspect ratio. I'm looking at the Michelin XWX in 205/70/14. This is the same size I've used for 38 years.  The MVX doesn't come in this size.

Does anyone in Pagoda SL Group have any experience with the Michelin XWX?

Pete

Hi Pete, I would love a set of defenders, and I would not be afraid to use a different aspect ratio.  Do any exist?  Thanks

[Vander]

The size I am seeing for the Michelin MVX’s is simply 185 R14.  This is a substantially narrower tire than the 205 but it is what the book says.  The aspect ratio is not mentioned but I have a feeling it is probably 75 or greater?  Another reason they are expensive is I would like white walls. 

Any thoughts about size are welcomed.  I am new to all this.

Thanks!

Anytime an aspect ratio is not mentioned it is 80. 185/R14 is the original size. I have a 230SL here now with that exact tire and they were 400 Euro each!

I run Hankook Kinergy 195/75/14 with the whitewall on my car, and they are great for a driver quality car . Probably $400 for all 4. I feel that this is the most commonly used size other than the original.

The Michelin XWX is expensive because it is a new production of an old tread pattern that is considered concours correct for some cars. Ferrari 308 is the first that comes to mind.

[will_t]

Thank you, Vander.  I would have been fine with the Hankook Kinergy tires but my search has turned up no white walls in this tire.  My white wall requirement is what is costing so much it seems. 

[mdsalemi]

Don’t forget Blockley.

https://www.blockleytyre.com/make/mercedes/mercedes-280sl

A number of us are using these. I’m quite satisfied with mine. They offered us a discount a couple of years ago.

I have WW.

[will_t]

Don’t forget Blockley.

https://www.blockleytyre.com/make/mercedes/mercedes-280sl

A number of us are using these. I’m quite satisfied with mine. They offered us a discount a couple of years ago.

I have WW.

Thank you, Michael, I will look into those, too!