1955 Mercedes-Benz 220 Tires

A 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220 can use 175R13, 6.70-13, 175R15, or 640-15, depending on the exact sub-model and wheel setup. The 220 A & S uses the 13-inch fitment group, while the 220 Base uses the 15-inch fitment group. Within each group, both radial and bias-ply sizing appear.

The key is not choosing from all four sizes at once, but confirming which sub-model the car is and which wheel diameter is actually installed. Many vintage Mercedes-Benz cars have seen wheel or tire changes over time, so checking the rim before ordering helps avoid choosing the right style in the wrong diameter.

The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220 uses either a 13-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on the specific sub-model. The 220 A & S falls into the 13-inch group, while the 220 Base uses the 15-inch group. Tire size must match that wheel diameter before any other selection factor comes into play.

A radial or bias-ply choice only matters after the rim diameter is confirmed, because a 13-inch tire cannot be substituted onto a 15-inch wheel or the reverse. Measuring the wheel and reading the existing tire size are both worthwhile on an older car, especially if its wheels may have been changed during past service or restoration work.

No. The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220 has different tire-size groups by sub-model. The 220 A & S uses 13-inch sizes, specifically 175R13 and 6.70-13, while the 220 Base uses 15-inch sizes, specifically 175R15 and 640-15. That means the fitment question starts with identifying the exact version of the car.

This matters because two cars wearing the same 220 badge may need completely different wheel-diameter fitments. Looking only at the current tire brand or sidewall style is not enough. A buyer should match the sub-model, check the wheel diameter, and then decide whether a period-style bias-ply or a radial-format option better suits the intended look and driving use.

640-15 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220. It belongs to the 15-inch fitment group used on the 220 Base and is available in traditional bias-ply construction across several product lines and sidewall treatments. It should not be confused with the radial size 175R15, which also uses a 15-inch rim.

That distinction matters because a bias-ply tire affects both the car’s appearance and the overall selection process. A buyer comparing 640-15 to a radial alternative should verify wheel width, vehicle clearance, and the intended use of the car rather than assuming any 15-inch tire in a similar size family can simply take its place.

Radial equivalents for 640-15 include 175R15 as the 80-series metric radial option, P175/75R15 as the P-metric 75-series radial option, and P185/70R15 as the P-metric 70-series radial option. A recommended rim-width range of 5 to 6 inches is associated with these radial-equivalent comparisons for the original 640-15 size.

Each of those sizes gives a different way to approach radial conversion, but they should be treated as alternatives to evaluate rather than automatic replacements. Matching the wheel width is only part of the process. It is also wise to compare the car’s available clearance and overall setup so the selected radial remains compatible with the 15-inch Mercedes-Benz wheel arrangement.

Start by confirming the original bias-ply size and the wheel diameter on the car, then compare only the radial equivalents that match that fitment family. For a 640-15 setup, the recognized radial alternatives are 175R15, P175/75R15, and P185/70R15. The wheel should also fall within the relevant rim-width range before moving further.

Beyond size labels, the important checks are wheel width, physical tire clearance, and the condition of the suspension and steering components. A collector car may have replacement wheels, altered ride height, or worn bushings that change how a radial sits and behaves. Confirming those basics first helps keep the conversion thoughtful rather than guesswork.

Choosing a 640-15 tire starts with confirming that the car is using the 15-inch fitment group associated with the 220 Base. From there, the meaningful differences are construction consistency, sidewall treatment, brand, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility. In this size, the available products remain bias-ply, so the choice is largely about presentation and specification details within that construction type.

A blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall can change the car’s visual character just as much as the brand name on the sidewall. Rim-width requirements also deserve attention, since some 640-15 products call for slightly different wheel-width ranges. Matching the tire to the car’s wheels and restoration goals usually leads to a better outcome than choosing by appearance alone.

Within the 640-15 fitment for the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220, available sidewall styles include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. That gives the owner a meaningful appearance choice without changing the basic size family. The sidewall treatment can make the car look more understated, more formal, or more visibly period-inspired depending on the presentation desired.

Sidewall style should still come after the basic fitment questions are settled. A whitewall does not change the need to confirm the correct 15-inch wheel setup, and a blackwall does not automatically make one tire more suitable for the car. Once the size and wheel match are settled, appearance becomes the useful tiebreaker between otherwise appropriate options.

For the 640-15 fitment used on the 15-inch 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220 setup, available brands include BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, and Excelsior. Those choices appear across several bias-ply series, including Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Super Safety Crossply, and Excelsior Bias Ply. The differences are more about style and specification than simple brand name alone.

A useful way to compare them is by looking at sidewall presentation, rim-width suitability, and the overall look you want on the car. Some owners prefer a plainer blackwall appearance, while others want a stronger whitewall statement for a restoration-oriented finish. Brand matters, but it works best as one part of a broader fitment and appearance decision.

A period-style 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220 usually starts with the correct wheel-diameter family and the corresponding bias-ply size for that sub-model. For the 13-inch group, that means 6.70-13, while the 15-inch group uses 640-15. Bias-ply construction generally gives the most traditional presentation when the goal is to keep the car visually rooted in its mid-1950s character.

Appearance still depends on how the particular car is being restored or presented. A formal sedan may look different on blackwalls than on whitewalls, even within the same size. If exact originality matters beyond period-style fitment, marque references and vehicle-specific historical documentation are worth consulting before choosing a sidewall treatment or brand presentation.

Tire construction changes more than road feel on a restored 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220; it also influences the car’s overall stance and visual tone. A bias-ply tire such as 6.70-13 or 640-15 usually supports a more traditional mid-century appearance, while radial formats such as 175R13 or 175R15 read as a later sizing convention even when they remain visually restrained.

That does not mean one construction is automatically right for every restoration. Some owners prioritize historical presentation, while others want a road-use-minded setup that still respects the car’s era. The best result usually comes from pairing the proper wheel diameter and sub-model fitment with a sidewall style that suits the intended finish of the completed car.

Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220 even when the chosen size is otherwise appropriate for the sub-model. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all alter how much space the tire has. That matters on both the 13-inch and 15-inch fitment groups.

A car that has been restored over several decades may no longer match its original wheel or suspension setup, so the size alone should not be the only checkpoint. Verifying wheel diameter, wheel width, and steering and fender clearance before mounting tires helps avoid choosing a historically sensible size that turns out to be impractical on the modified car.

Before putting a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220 back on the road, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and the overall condition of the steering and suspension around the new tires. It is also worth confirming that the selected tire size matches the car’s actual wheel diameter and that the tires seat properly on the rims without clearance concerns.

Road readiness involves more than fresh rubber, especially on a vintage Mercedes-Benz that may sit for long periods. Checking tire pressure, watching for any unusual rubbing, and rechecking for air loss after the first drives can catch problems early. A short local drive and follow-up inspection are often smarter than heading straight into sustained highway use.

640-15 tires on a collector 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Look for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and any slow air loss, especially if the car spends much of its life parked. Bias-ply tires on low-use collector cars still age even when tread wear remains limited.

Storage conditions have a real effect on how well vintage tires hold up over time. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tire casing and sidewalls. It also makes sense to inspect the tires before every driving season so a handsome period-style set does not become the weak point on an otherwise well-kept car.