The 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170 sits at an important point in the marque’s postwar return, with practical sedan engineering and restrained styling that appeal to restoration-minded owners today. Tire fitment on this model is not a one-answer situation, because the 170 family spans both 16-inch and 15-inch wheel applications and includes bias-ply as well as radial-era fitment paths depending on the sub-model. Sizes used here include 550-16, 640-15, and 175R15. That opens the door to choices in blackwall and whitewall styling, traditional bias-ply series, and radial equivalents for certain 15-inch applications. The right decision starts with the exact 170 variant and the wheels currently on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170
Three primary tire sizes apply to the 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170, and they do not all serve the same configurations. Fitment varies by sub-model, construction type, and wheel diameter, so the first step is confirming whether the car uses a 16-inch or 15-inch rim and then matching that to the exact 170 variant. Once that is clear, the real choice becomes selecting the right tire style and deciding whether to stay with a bias-ply presentation or consider a radial alternative where one applies.
A 550-16 size uses an older numeric bias-ply convention in which the 5.50 figure refers to nominal section width in inches and the 16 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170, this is a traditional bias-ply fitment used on certain sub-models with 16-inch wheels, making it especially relevant for owners preserving an earlier postwar driving and visual character. Available choices include Excelsior, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone, with both blackwall and wide whitewall styles represented across several classic bias-ply series. This size makes the most sense when the car retains its correct 16-inch wheel setup and a period-style bias-ply appearance is the priority.
A 175R15 is a Euro-metric radial size, with 175 indicating nominal section width in millimeters, the R denoting radial construction, and 15 identifying the wheel diameter. On the 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170, this size belongs to specific 15-inch applications rather than the full model range, so it should be tied carefully to the exact sub-model and wheel setup. Its main significance is as a radial-format fitment path within the 170 family and as part of the broader comparison against 640-15 bias-ply sizing on related variants. This size is the one to evaluate when the car already runs 15-inch wheels and the goal is a radial-format tire selection rather than a traditional numeric bias-ply presentation.
A 640-15 size follows the classic numeric bias-ply system, where the 6.40 figure reflects nominal section width in inches and the 15 designates the rim diameter. For the 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170, this is a 15-inch bias-ply fitment used on certain sub-models, giving owners a traditional alternative within the smaller wheel diameter group. Product choices include BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, and Excelsior, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments offered across several vintage bias-ply series. This size deserves a close look when maintaining a restoration-oriented appearance on a 15-inch-wheel car while keeping the original-style bias-ply construction approach.
Sub-model identification matters on the 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170 because tire fitment is not shared across the entire range. Some versions use 16-inch 550-16 bias-ply tires, while others use 15-inch 640-15 bias-ply or 175R15 radial sizing, so the exact variant should be confirmed before choosing a tire.
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1949 Mercedes-Benz 170 D, Da & Db
The 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170 D, Da & Db uses the 550-16 bias-ply size. That points the selection process toward 16-inch traditional tires and then into the visual choice between blackwall and whitewall styles, along with brand and series preferences suited to a restoration-oriented car.
The 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170 S & Sb is the variant where 15-inch fitment becomes the key distinction, with both 640-15 bias-ply and 175R15 radial sizing associated with the sub-model. Tire selection here starts with confirming the wheel setup on the car and then deciding whether the goal is a period-style bias-ply look or a radial-format alternative.
The 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170 V, Va & Vb uses the 550-16 bias-ply size, placing it with the 16-inch traditional fitment group. Owners choosing tires for these versions will usually be comparing classic bias-ply brands, series, and sidewall presentation rather than sorting through multiple primary wheel diameters.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170
For the 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170, the 640-15 bias-ply size has three radial-equivalent options. Those are 175R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P185/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial. The choices move from a conventional Euro-metric radial format to progressively different P-metric profiles, while no bias-look radial equivalent is available here. A 5-6 inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, and wheel fit, overall dimensions, and clearance should be checked before making the change.
Modern Radial Equivalents
175R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (640-15)
P175/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (640-15)
P185/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (640-15)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (5-6 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170 Tires for Sale
Available 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170 tires span 550-16 and 640-15 bias-ply options from Excelsior, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Buyers can compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations across classic series with different rim-width specifications depending on size.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170, how fitment changes by sub-model and rim diameter, and what to consider when comparing bias-ply, radial-equivalent, and restoration-oriented tire choices.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170?
The 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170 uses three primary tire sizes across its covered variants: 550-16, 640-15, and 175R15. The 550-16 and 640-15 sizes are bias-ply, while 175R15 is a radial size tied to certain 15-inch applications within the 170 range.
The right choice depends first on the exact sub-model and the wheels currently on the car. A 170 D, Da, Db, V, Va, or Vb points you toward 550-16 on a 16-inch rim, while a 170 S or Sb requires a closer check because both 640-15 and 175R15 appear there on 15-inch wheels.
What size rim does a 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170 use?
A 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170 can use either a 16-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on the sub-model and tire size. The 550-16 size goes with a 16-inch wheel, while both 640-15 and 175R15 are 15-inch fitments.
That makes wheel confirmation the first practical step before ordering tires, especially on cars that may have changed wheels during restoration or long-term ownership. Measuring the wheel and checking the exact variant helps prevent confusion between the 16-inch 550-16 setup and the 15-inch 640-15 or 175R15 arrangements.
Why does the 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170 have more than one tire size?
The 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170 has more than one tire size because the 170 family includes different sub-model groups with different wheel diameters and fitment paths. Some versions use 550-16 bias-ply tires, while the 170 S and Sb are associated with 15-inch sizing in either 640-15 bias-ply or 175R15 radial form.
That means tire selection is not just a year-and-model exercise. The best starting point is to identify the exact sub-model, confirm the wheel diameter on the car, and then decide whether the goal is to preserve a traditional bias-ply presentation or evaluate a radial-format setup within the correct 15-inch application.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 640-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170?
On the 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170, 640-15 is a bias-ply tire size. It belongs to certain 15-inch applications, especially within the 170 S and Sb grouping, and it represents the traditional numeric sizing format rather than a radial designation.
That matters because a 640-15 bias-ply tire keeps the vintage construction style and opens up several period-style sidewall choices, including blackwall and whitewall options. Owners considering a radial instead should treat that as a separate fitment decision and compare wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance before changing construction.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 640-15?
Radial equivalents for 640-15 include 175R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P185/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial. These are all 15-inch radial alternatives tied to the 640-15 bias-ply size.
Each one represents a slightly different sizing convention, so the decision is not simply about choosing any 15-inch radial. A 5-6 inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalent sizes, and the owner should also confirm wheel compatibility, physical dimensions, and steering or fender clearance before making the switch.
What should I check before converting my 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming that the car is one of the 15-inch applications where a radial equivalent is relevant, such as a 170 S or Sb using the 640-15 fitment path. Then compare the intended radial size, the wheel diameter, and the recommended rim-width range before deciding on the conversion.
A careful check should also include the actual wheel width, suspension condition, and tire clearance at the fender and steering points. On an older car, modifications made over the years can change fitment, so the radial choice should be matched to the vehicle as it sits now rather than assumed from model-year identification alone.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 550-16 or 640-15 tire for a 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170?
Begin with the correct primary size for the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, since the 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170 uses both 16-inch and 15-inch fitments. From there, compare construction, sidewall style, tire series, and any rim-width specifications that apply to the size you are considering.
A 550-16 buyer may be focused on a traditional 16-inch bias-ply presentation, while a 640-15 buyer may also be weighing radial-equivalent options for a 15-inch setup. Appearance goals, wheel compatibility, and how the car will be driven all matter more here than simply picking the first tire in the correct numeric size.
What sidewall styles are available for 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170 tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170 include blackwall, wide whitewall, and narrow whitewall, depending on the tire size and product line. The 550-16 offerings include blackwall and wide whitewall styles, while 640-15 expands the selection with blackwall, wide whitewall, and narrow whitewall options.
That gives owners room to shape the car’s visual presentation without changing the primary size. A darker blackwall look tends to keep the focus on the wheel and body, while whitewall treatments add a more formal postwar appearance, so the best choice depends on the restoration direction and the exact sub-model’s overall look.
What brands offer tires for the 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170?
Tires for the 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170 are available from Excelsior, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone within the applicable 550-16 and 640-15 bias-ply sizes. These brands appear across several classic series and include both blackwall and whitewall-style options depending on the size.
Brand comparison is most useful after the correct size and wheel diameter are settled. Once that is clear, buyers can look at series character, sidewall presentation, rim-width details where shown, and load information where available, instead of treating all tires in the same size as identical.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170?
A period-style 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170 usually starts with the correct primary size for the exact sub-model and the traditional bias-ply construction associated with that setup. That means 550-16 on the 16-inch applications or 640-15 on the relevant 15-inch applications when the goal is to preserve an authentic vintage tire presentation.
From there, the appearance decision shifts to blackwall or whitewall styling and the character of the available tire series. Buyers seeking exact historical originality should still compare their car against marque references, surviving photos, or restoration records, since period-style fitment is not the same thing as proving one exact factory-delivered tire specification.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170?
Tire construction can change the visual character of a restored 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170 even when rim diameter stays the same. Bias-ply tires preserve the classic numeric sizing language and traditional vintage look, while a radial-format tire such as 175R15 gives the car a more modern sizing presentation on the wheel.
That difference matters most on the 15-inch 170 S and Sb applications, where both bias-ply and radial-format choices are part of the fitment picture. Owners balancing touring use against restoration appearance often start by deciding whether the car should read visually as a traditional postwar Mercedes or as a sympathetically updated driver.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170, especially because this model range already spans both 15-inch and 16-inch wheel applications. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension work, or body adjustments can all influence which tire size and construction can be used safely.
A car that began life with 550-16 bias-ply tires may no longer have the same wheel setup today, and the same caution applies to 640-15 or 175R15 applications. Verifying actual wheel dimensions and checking clearance at full steering lock is a smart step before choosing any replacement tire for a modified or restored example.
What should I inspect before driving a 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170 on new tires?
Before driving a 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm that the tires seat properly, and check inflation carefully. It is also wise to look over steering and suspension components so the tire is not asked to compensate for worn hardware.
After installation, watch for adequate clearance around fenders and suspension parts, especially if the car uses a 15-inch fitment with a radial equivalent or has seen prior modifications. A short initial drive followed by a second inspection for rubbing, air loss, or uneven seating helps catch issues early on an older vehicle.
How should tires on a collector 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Even on low-mileage cars, aging matters, so the sidewalls and tread should be examined for cracking, bulges, cuts, and any signs of slow air loss.
Collector vehicles often spend long periods parked, which makes clean storage conditions important. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps protect the rubber, and periodic movement or inspection is useful whether the car wears 550-16 bias-ply tires or a 15-inch 640-15 or 175R15 setup.
