1958 Mercedes-Benz 180 Tires

The 1958 Mercedes-Benz 180 uses two primary tire sizes: 640-13 and 700-13. Both are bias-ply sizes designed for 13-inch rims, and both apply within the covered 180 Base & D fitment range rather than representing one universal size for every individual car still on the road today.

That means the right choice starts with confirming the actual wheel and tire setup on the car. Many collector vehicles have had wheels, replacement tires, or suspension parts changed over the years, so matching the car’s present configuration is more important than assuming either size will suit every 1958 Mercedes-Benz 180.

The covered tire fitments for the 1958 Mercedes-Benz 180 use a 13-inch rim diameter. Both primary sizes, 640-13 and 700-13, are built around that same rim diameter, so the main fitment difference is tire width rather than a change in wheel diameter.

Even with the same 13-inch rim diameter, wheel width still matters when selecting a replacement tire. A car wearing original-style wheels may differ from one that has been changed over the years, so it is smart to confirm the wheel width and compare it with the tire’s rim-width specification before choosing between the two covered sizes.

The covered 1958 Mercedes-Benz 180 Base & D grouping does not narrow fitment to one single size. Both 640-13 and 700-13 are associated with that sub-model grouping, and both are bias-ply tires for 13-inch rims.

That makes the sub-model name only part of the decision. The more important next step is checking what wheels and tires are actually on the car now, since the Base & D grouping can point you to the correct family of fitments without automatically telling you which of the two widths belongs on a specific vehicle.

For the 1958 Mercedes-Benz 180, 640-13 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the vintage numeric bias-ply sizing system, where the 6.40 figure refers to the nominal section width and the 13 indicates the rim diameter in inches.

That matters because a buyer deciding on 640-13 is really deciding whether to stay with traditional bias-ply construction or move to one of the available radial equivalents. Keeping the original construction style supports a more period-style presentation, while a radial alternative should be checked carefully for wheel-width suitability and clearance on the car.

For 640-13, the radial equivalents are 175R13, P175/75R13, P185/70R13, and 650R13 as a bias-look radial. For 700-13, the radial equivalents are 185R13, P185/75R13, and P205/70R13. These alternatives span Euro-metric, P-metric, and bias-look radial formats rather than one single replacement style.

The practical difference is that each equivalent follows a different sizing convention and may present a different profile or visual character on the car. Both sets reference a 4-6 inch recommended rim-width range, but wheel width, overall dimensions, and available fender or steering clearance still need to be confirmed before changing from the original bias-ply fitment.

Start by confirming which original size the car uses, either 640-13 or 700-13, then compare the radial equivalent choices tied to that specific size. The wheel diameter remains 13 inches, but the wheel width, tire dimensions, and the type of radial being considered all affect whether the conversion is sensible for the car.

A careful conversion also includes checking front and rear clearance, steering travel, suspension condition, and the age and condition of the existing wheels. Owners who want to retain more of the car’s traditional look may also want to compare a bias-look radial against standard metric radial options before making the final construction change.

The first consideration is choosing the correct primary size for the car’s actual setup, since a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 180 can use either 640-13 or 700-13. Both are bias-ply 13-inch fitments, so the next points of comparison are wheel-width compatibility, load capacity, and the overall appearance you want the car to have.

After size is confirmed, compare the available tire series and sidewall presentation rather than treating all 13-inch bias-ply options as interchangeable. A collector car used mainly for shows may call for a different visual emphasis than one driven more regularly, and that is where width, whitewall treatment, and construction choice become more meaningful.

The available tire choices for the 1958 Mercedes-Benz 180 currently emphasize wide whitewall styling. The 640-13 option is offered with a 2.25 inch whitewall, while the 700-13 option is offered with a 5/8 inch whitewall, giving the two sizes noticeably different visual presentations within the same vintage theme.

That makes sidewall style part of the fitment decision, not just a cosmetic afterthought. Owners focused on restoration appearance may prefer one whitewall treatment over another, but the tire still needs to match the car’s correct size and wheel setup first, since a preferred sidewall style does not override basic size and compatibility requirements.

Current tire options for the 1958 Mercedes-Benz 180 include BFGoodrich and Firestone. BFGoodrich appears in the 640-13 fitment through the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, while Firestone appears in the 700-13 fitment through the Firestone Classic Bias Ply series.

Brand choice should be treated as one part of a broader selection process rather than the only decision point. Since the two brands are tied to different primary sizes here, the right size, wheel-width compatibility, whitewall treatment, and intended use all matter more than simply preferring one name over another.

A period-style approach for a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 180 usually starts with staying in one of its original bias-ply fitment families, either 640-13 or 700-13, depending on the car’s actual setup. That preserves the vintage sizing convention, 13-inch rim relationship, and traditional construction that visually suits a late-1950s Mercedes sedan.

Appearance still needs to be balanced with accuracy and practicality. The available options also differ in whitewall presentation, so owners focused on historical detail should compare the tire’s look with photographs, marque-club guidance, and the car’s own history before settling on a restoration-oriented choice within the correct size.

Tire construction changes the way a restored 1958 Mercedes-Benz 180 presents itself, even when rim diameter stays the same. A bias-ply tire keeps the car in its traditional construction type, while a radial equivalent can alter the visual impression through a different sizing format, profile family, or sidewall character.

That does not mean a radial is automatically wrong for a restoration-minded car, especially when regular road use is part of the plan. It does mean the owner should decide whether the priority is maintaining a stronger vintage look, using a bias-look radial, or accepting a more modern radial presentation after checking wheel and clearance compatibility.

Yes, modifications can change tire fitment on a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 180 even when the cataloged sizes remain 640-13 and 700-13. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, brake changes, or body repairs can all influence which tire width has the best chance of working properly on the car.

A modified car should be measured rather than assumed to match a stock setup. Checking wheel width, steering clearance, fender space, and the current ride height helps prevent problems that may not appear until the car is fully loaded or turning, especially when moving between the narrower and wider primary tire fitments.

Before driving a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 180 on new tires, inspect the wheels, lug hardware, valve stems, and general condition of the suspension and steering components. The tires themselves should be checked for proper inflation, secure seating on the rim, and adequate clearance at full steering lock and normal ride height.

A short local test drive is the best first step after installation. Pay attention to rubbing, vibration, pulling, or uneven behavior, then recheck air pressure and look for any signs of contact inside the wheelhouse, because a vintage sedan can reveal fitment issues only after the tires have been loaded and the steering has cycled.

Collector-car tires in 640-13 or 700-13 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Even a low-mileage 1958 Mercedes-Benz 180 can develop tire issues from age, long stationary periods, heat, sunlight, or ozone exposure rather than from tread wear alone.

Maintenance should include watching for sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, or gradual air loss, then correcting any issue before road use. Moving the car occasionally, keeping it on a clean dry surface, and inspecting the tires before longer drives can help preserve both safety and the appearance of a vintage bias-ply setup.