The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 belongs to the postwar period when Mercedes-Benz was building durable, formal-looking passenger cars with a strong emphasis on engineering and everyday usability. For collectors today, that means tire selection is as much about preserving the car’s character as it is about basic fitment. The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 uses a 550-16 bias-ply tire on a 16-inch rim, and that same primary size carries across the covered sub-models. Within that size, there are period-style choices that range from blackwall to wide whitewall, along with several established vintage tire series. The key decision is choosing the right appearance and product details while staying true to the car’s original-style tire format.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170
The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 uses one primary tire size: 550-16. It is a bias-ply fitment for a 16-inch rim, and the same size is used across the covered sub-models. That means the main decision is not sorting through multiple primary sizes, but choosing the right 550-16 tire based on sidewall style, tire series, rim compatibility, and the kind of restoration or road-use presentation you want.
A 550-16 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 5.50 designation refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches, while 16 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170, this size maintains the traditional bias-ply construction and overall period look that suits the car’s postwar engineering and styling. Available choices include blackwall and wide whitewall versions from Excelsior, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone across several vintage tire series. It is the right starting point when the goal is to keep the car in its proper original-style sizing format while selecting the appearance and product details that best match the vehicle.
Tire fitment for the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 is straightforward across the covered sub-models because they share the same primary size. Checking the exact sub-model still matters, but the decision usually centers on the type of 550-16 tire you want rather than sorting through different sizes.
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1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 DS, S & D
The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 DS, S & D uses the same 550-16 bias-ply fitment as the rest of the covered range. That keeps tire selection focused on period-style appearance, brand preference, and details such as blackwall versus wide whitewall rather than on changing wheel diameter or construction type.
The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 S & V also uses the 550-16 bias-ply size. For this sub-model, the practical choice is selecting among the available tire series and sidewall styles while confirming the wheel matches the intended 16-inch bias-ply application.
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 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 Tires for Sale
Available 550-16 tires for the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 include offerings from Excelsior, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Choices vary by tire series, blackwall or wide whitewall presentation, and in some cases rim-width and load-capacity details that can help narrow the right vintage-style option.
Owners of a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 usually want clarity on the 550-16 fitment, 16-inch rim compatibility, bias-ply construction, sidewall appearance, and what to inspect before putting a collector-era car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170?
The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 uses a 550-16 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment mounted on a 16-inch rim, and it is the primary size used across the covered 170 sub-models for this year.
That makes the selection process more about choosing the right version of 550-16 than deciding between multiple primary sizes. Once the wheel diameter is confirmed, the next step is comparing sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility so the tire matches the car’s restoration goals and intended road use.
What size rim does a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 use?
The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 uses a 16-inch rim with its 550-16 tire size. Product offerings in this size include wheel-width guidance in the 3.25-inch to 4.00-inch range on certain tires, which is useful when confirming wheel compatibility.
Rim diameter should be verified before ordering because a 16-inch tire must be matched to a 16-inch wheel. On a collector car, it is also smart to check whether the car still has its original-style wheels or has been changed at some point, since wheel width can influence which specific 550-16 tire is the better match.
Do all 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 sub-models use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 sub-models, including DS, S & D and S & V, use the same 550-16 bias-ply tire size. There is no split here between different primary tire sizes or different rim diameters.
That consistency simplifies fitment, but it does not eliminate the need to inspect the car itself. A buyer should still confirm the wheel is a 16-inch application and compare the available 550-16 options by sidewall treatment and tire series, especially when balancing restoration appearance against regular driving expectations.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 550-16 tire for a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170?
Start with the correct 550-16 size and bias-ply construction, since that is the primary fitment for the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170. From there, compare sidewall style, brand, tire series, and any stated wheel-width or load details that may matter for the car’s exact wheel setup.
The right choice often depends on the look you want and how the car will be used. A blackwall can suit a more understated presentation, while a wide whitewall gives a more decorative vintage appearance. It also helps to confirm that the existing wheels match the intended tire’s diameter and width requirements before final selection.
What sidewall styles are available for 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 tires?
The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 has 550-16 tire options in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles. Those choices allow the same primary fitment to be presented with a simpler, more restrained look or with a brighter restoration-oriented appearance.
Sidewall style does not change the underlying tire size, but it can significantly affect how the car looks once mounted. Choosing between blackwall and wide whitewall usually comes down to the vehicle’s intended presentation, the era-specific aesthetic you prefer, and whether the rest of the restoration leans toward understated touring style or a more formal show-oriented finish.
What brands offer tires for the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170?
Available 550-16 tires for the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 come from Excelsior, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. The product range also spans several vintage tire series, including Excelsior Bias Ply, Tourist Crossply, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, and Firestone Classic Bias Ply.
Brand choice should be weighed alongside sidewall style and wheel compatibility rather than treated as a stand-alone decision. Two tires may share the same 550-16 size while differing in presentation or specification details, so it is worth comparing the full tire description to make sure the selected product suits the car’s appearance and intended use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170?
A 550-16 bias-ply tire is the proper period-style starting point for a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170. Staying with the original-style numeric bias-ply format preserves the car’s visual character much more closely than shifting to a modern-looking tire design.
From there, the decision usually comes down to the presentation you want. Blackwall and wide whitewall versions are both available, and each creates a different impression on the finished car. When exact historical authenticity matters, marque-specific references and restoration documentation are the best guide for narrowing the final appearance choice.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170?
Tire construction has a noticeable effect on how a restored 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 looks. Its primary fitment is a bias-ply 550-16, and that construction carries the proportions and traditional visual character most buyers expect to see on a mid-1950s Mercedes passenger car.
Appearance is only part of the decision, but it matters on a restoration-oriented vehicle. Even within the same construction and size, blackwall and wide whitewall treatments can change the overall presentation substantially. Matching the tire’s visual style to the car’s trim, finish level, and restoration intent usually leads to a more coherent result.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170?
Yes. Even though the primary fitment for a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 is 550-16 on a 16-inch rim, modifications can change what works safely and cleanly on the car. Wheel width changes, replacement wheels, suspension alterations, or body repairs can all affect usable tire fitment.
A car that has been lowered, widened, or fitted with non-original wheels should be checked carefully before selecting a tire. Measuring the actual wheel diameter and width, then checking steering travel and fender clearance, helps prevent surprises. On an older vehicle, it is also wise to inspect for uneven stance or worn suspension components that may influence clearance.
What should I inspect before driving a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and the overall condition of the suspension and steering components. The tire itself should be mounted to the correct 16-inch wheel, inflated appropriately for the application, and checked for proper seating, clearances, and any signs of rubbing during steering movement.
A collector-era car benefits from a broader pre-drive check as well. Look for fluid leaks that could reach the tire, make sure the brakes are functioning evenly, and verify that lug hardware is secure. A short test drive followed by a second inspection can reveal clearance or handling issues before the car is used more extensively.
How should 550-16 tires on a collector 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 be maintained?
550-16 tires on a collector 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 should be inspected regularly for pressure loss, tread wear, cracking, bulges, and cuts. Cars that spend long periods in storage need extra attention because tires can age even when they are not accumulating many miles.
Good maintenance also includes storing the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources, and moving it occasionally to reduce flat-spotting. Keeping the wheels aligned and the suspension in sound condition helps the tires wear more evenly. Any tire that shows visible deterioration should be evaluated before the car returns to regular road use.
