1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 Tires

The 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 uses two primary tire sizes: 185R13 in radial construction and 700-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are built for a 13-inch rim, so the fitment question is centered more on tire type and vehicle setup than on changing wheel diameter.

That matters because a car already running radial tires may call for a different replacement approach than one kept in a traditional bias-ply format. Before choosing either size, confirm what is currently on the car, check the actual wheel width, and make sure the tire choice matches the appearance and driving use you want from the Mercedes-Benz.

The 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. The radial 185R13 and the bias-ply 700-13 are both matched to that same rim diameter, so the basic wheel diameter remains consistent across the two fitment paths.

Even with the same 13-inch diameter, it is still smart to verify the wheel actually on the car before ordering tires. Older vehicles are often changed over the years, and wheel width can affect whether a given tire is appropriate. Checking the wheel stamping or measuring the rim can prevent choosing a tire that suits the car in theory but not its present setup.

The covered 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 Series sub-model uses the same two tire-size choices found on the model overall: 185R13 radial and 700-13 bias-ply. There is no separate size split within the covered sub-model listing, so fitment is consistent at the sub-model level.

That consistency simplifies shopping, but the choice between the two sizes still matters. One buyer may want the traditional look of a numeric bias-ply with a wide whitewall, while another may prefer a metric radial format. Since many collector cars have been updated over time, it is still worth checking the current wheel and tire setup before making a final selection.

700-13 is the bias-ply tire size for the 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190. It uses a vintage numeric bias-ply sizing format, and in this application it represents the more traditional construction choice compared with the radial 185R13 option.

That distinction affects both appearance and replacement strategy. A 700-13 bias-ply keeps the car in a more period-style presentation, especially with a wide whitewall option available. If the Mercedes-Benz has already been converted to radial tires, or if radial road manners are a priority, the buyer should compare the radial fitment path carefully rather than assuming the same selection criteria apply.

Radial equivalents for 700-13 include 185R13 as the 80-series metric radial, P185/75R13 as the P-metric 75-series radial, and P205/70R13 as the P-metric 70-series radial. These are alternative radial sizing formats associated with the original 700-13 bias-ply fitment.

Each equivalent should be treated as a comparison point rather than an automatic swap. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 6 inches applies to the conversion path, and the buyer should also compare the actual wheel width, section fit on the rim, and available clearance around the suspension and body before moving away from the original bias-ply size.

The answer depends on how the 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 is being used and presented. A 700-13 bias-ply suits owners who want a more traditional vintage look, while 185R13 gives the car a radial fitment option in a Euro-metric format that aligns with later tire construction practice.

Appearance, wheel compatibility, and the car's current setup should guide the decision. A Mercedes-Benz already sorted around bias-ply tires may be kept that way for restoration-minded reasons, while a car used more regularly on the road may lead the owner to evaluate radial alternatives. In either case, verify wheel width and clearance before changing construction types.

Start with the correct primary size and construction for the car: 700-13 if the goal is a traditional bias-ply fitment, or 185R13 if the car is using the radial option. Both fit a 13-inch rim, but they represent different tire formats, visual character, and replacement paths.

After confirming size, compare the details that actually shape the ownership experience. Sidewall appearance, tire series, brand, and wheel-width compatibility all matter, especially on a collector vehicle where stance and presentation are part of the decision. Matching the tire to the car's current wheel setup and intended use is more useful than chasing a one-size-fits-all answer.

The available sidewall styles for the 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 are Blackwall and Wide Whitewall. The 185R13 radial option appears as a Blackwall Michelin XAS-FF, while the 700-13 bias-ply option is available as a Firestone with a 5/8 inch wide whitewall.

That gives the car two very different visual directions. A Blackwall radial tends to create a cleaner, later-European look, while a wide whitewall bias-ply adds stronger vintage character. The better choice depends on whether the priority is a restrained touring appearance or a more traditional restoration-oriented presentation that emphasizes the car's late-1950s presence.

Michelin and Firestone both offer tires for the 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 within its supported 13-inch fitment options. Michelin covers the radial side with the XAS-FF in 185R13, while Firestone covers the bias-ply side with a Classic Bias Ply tire in 700-13.

Brand choice here is tied closely to construction and visual style, not just the name on the sidewall. Michelin suits the buyer looking at a Euro-metric radial format, and Firestone suits the buyer wanting a traditional numeric bias-ply with a wide whitewall appearance. The practical next step is deciding which tire type belongs on the car as it sits today.

For a period-style 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190, the 700-13 bias-ply tire is the more traditional starting point. Its vintage numeric sizing and available wide whitewall presentation make it the closer visual match for buyers trying to preserve a distinctly late-1950s tire profile and sidewall look.

That does not automatically make it the only acceptable restoration choice, especially on a car that has already been set up for radial use. Buyers balancing authenticity and road use often compare the visual effect of the tire as much as the size itself. When exact originality matters, marque-specific historical references are still the best way to refine the final decision.

Tire construction changes more than ride characteristics on a restored 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190; it also changes how the car sits and presents visually. A 700-13 bias-ply gives the car a more traditional vintage look, while a 185R13 radial introduces a later metric format and a cleaner Blackwall presentation.

That visual difference becomes especially noticeable on a carefully restored sedan where wheel opening proportion and sidewall style are part of the finished impression. Buyers aiming for a stronger period-style result usually study both construction and sidewall treatment together. Looking at the car's current wheels, trim, and restoration direction often makes the better choice more obvious.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 even when the tire size itself is correct on paper. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, or body adjustments can all influence how a 700-13 or 185R13 tire sits and clears.

That is why an owner should check the actual wheel dimensions and inspect clearance at the fenders, steering, and suspension before changing tires. A collector car that has lived through decades of repairs or upgrades may not match its original setup exactly. Confirming those details helps avoid rubbing, poor seating on the rim, or an unintended change in appearance.

Before driving a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, verify that the tires are mounted on the correct 13-inch rims, and confirm inflation is appropriate for the tire being used. It is also wise to look over the valve stems, lug hardware, and overall seating of the tire on the wheel.

A short test drive should be paired with a close recheck for clearance, especially at full steering lock and over suspension movement. Older cars can reveal issues only after the tires are loaded and rolling. Watching for vibration, air loss, rubbing, or unusual stance helps catch setup problems early before longer road use.

Tires on a collector 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 should be inspected regularly for pressure loss, tread wear, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and any signs of age-related hardening. Even a car that is driven sparingly can develop tire issues simply from time, storage conditions, or extended periods of sitting.

Good maintenance also means protecting the car from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, excess moisture, and ozone sources during storage. Moving the vehicle periodically and keeping inflation consistent can help reduce flat-spotting and stress on the casing. A vintage Mercedes-Benz that looks road-ready at a glance still deserves a careful tire inspection before any meaningful drive.