1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 Tires

The 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 uses two tire sizes: 700-13 in bias-ply form and 185R13 in radial form. Both sizes are associated with the 190 Series and both use a 13-inch rim, so the basic fitment decision centers on construction rather than a change in wheel diameter.

That means the next step is deciding whether the car should stay with a traditional bias-ply presentation or move to a radial setup. Tire size alone does not settle the conversion question, so it is worth checking the actual wheels on the car, how much clearance is available, and whether the suspension and steering are still in stock condition.

The tire sizes associated with the 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. Both the 700-13 bias-ply size and the 185R13 radial size share that same rim diameter, which keeps wheel diameter consistent even though the tire constructions differ.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a collector car that may have changed wheels over the years. Wheel width should still be checked before selecting a tire, and that becomes especially important when comparing a traditional 700-13 bias-ply with radial alternatives that may place different demands on the wheel and overall package.

The covered 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 sub-model fitment is consistent within the 190 Series, with both 700-13 bias-ply and 185R13 radial sizes appearing in the fitment range. In practical terms, the sub-model does not introduce a separate wheel diameter or a unique third size in this application.

That consistency simplifies the search, but the car itself still needs to be checked before choosing a tire. A 190 that already runs radial tires, replacement wheels, or suspension changes may point you toward one fitment path over the other, while a more restoration-oriented car may be better served by staying with the traditional bias-ply size.

For the 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190, 700-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing convention common to the period, and in this application it represents the traditional construction choice rather than a modern radial format.

That matters because a bias-ply tire influences both appearance and setup. Owners choosing 700-13 often want a more period-style look, especially with a wide whitewall option available, while anyone considering a change to radial construction should compare wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance before assuming a radial alternative suits the car as currently configured.

Radial equivalents for 700-13 include 185R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P185/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P205/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial. These are equivalent-size alternatives for the original bias-ply fitment, not additional primary bias-ply sizes.

Each option follows a different sizing convention, so the practical comparison goes beyond the number on the sidewall. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 6 inches applies when evaluating these radial alternatives, and it is smart to confirm wheel width, body clearance, and the car's actual stance before changing from the original-style bias-ply format.

A conversion from 700-13 bias-ply to a radial equivalent on a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 starts with the wheel itself. The radial alternatives associated with 700-13 include 185R13, P185/75R13, and P205/70R13, with a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 6 inches for the equivalent radial fitment path.

The most useful checks are wheel width, tire-to-fender clearance, steering clearance at full lock, and the general condition of suspension and steering components. A collector car may also have replacement wheels or a lowered stance, so the conversion should be treated as a full fitment review rather than as a simple change from one sidewall marking to another.

Start with the main fitment choice: 700-13 bias-ply or 185R13 radial. That decision shapes the car's overall presentation and determines which product path you are actually comparing, since the available options separate into a traditional Firestone bias-ply with a wide whitewall and a Michelin radial in Blackwall form.

From there, check the wheels on the car and match the tire to the way the car will be used. A restoration-oriented sedan may call for the period-style character of the bias-ply size, while a driver-focused setup may favor the radial route, provided wheel width, clearance, and the rest of the chassis support that change.

Two distinct sidewall presentations are available for the 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 in the covered tire sizes. The 185R13 radial option appears in Blackwall form, while the 700-13 bias-ply option is available with a 5/8 inch wide whitewall for a more traditional visual treatment.

That sidewall choice has a strong effect on the car's finished appearance, especially on a late-1950s Mercedes sedan where the tire is part of the overall period impression. The sidewall style should be chosen alongside the size and construction, since changing from wide whitewall bias-ply to blackwall radial also changes the car's visual character.

The available tire brands for the 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 are Michelin and Firestone. Michelin covers the 185R13 radial fitment through the XAS-FF series, while Firestone covers the 700-13 bias-ply fitment through the Classic Bias Ply line with a wide whitewall presentation.

The brand decision is tied closely to size and construction, so this is not simply a matter of choosing one maker over another in the same tire. It is better to first decide whether the car should run the radial-size path or the period-style bias-ply path, then compare the available product details within that chosen format.

For a period-style 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190, the 700-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point. It uses the traditional numeric bias-ply format associated with the car's era, and the available Firestone Classic Bias Ply with a 5/8 inch wide whitewall supports a distinctly vintage presentation.

That approach suits owners who want the tire to contribute to the car's visual authenticity and period road feel. Exact originality can involve details beyond size alone, so anyone pursuing a highly exact restoration should compare sidewall treatment and overall presentation with marque-specific references before making a final choice.

Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 as much as it changes the fitment path. A 700-13 bias-ply presents the car in a more traditional way, especially with a wide whitewall, while the 185R13 radial and its Blackwall presentation create a more restrained, later-style look.

That difference matters because the tire sidewall, profile, and overall character are highly visible on a 1950s sedan. Owners restoring for event presentation, preserved originality, or a specific historical appearance usually benefit from deciding on construction first, then matching the sidewall style to the story they want the finished car to tell.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 even when the tire size itself is correct. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension lowering, replacement springs, or brake updates can change how a 700-13 bias-ply or 185R13 radial sits within the wheel opening.

The safest approach is to treat the car as it exists today, not as it left the factory decades ago. Measure the actual wheel diameter and width, look at steering clearance at full lock, and inspect the space around the fender lip and suspension before committing to a tire, especially if the car has been modified over time.

Before putting a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 back into regular road use on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and the visible condition of suspension and steering components. It also helps to confirm that the tires clear the fenders and steering components through the full range of motion, not just when the car is standing still.

A collector sedan can spend long periods parked, so the rest of the chassis may need just as much attention as the tires themselves. Check alignment-related wear patterns, look for fluid leaks that might reach the tires, and confirm that air pressure is stable after installation before planning longer local use or touring.

Tires on a collector 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and storage habits that limit avoidable aging. Look for sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular tread wear, and signs of slow air loss, since a low-mileage collector car can still have tire problems that develop while parked.

Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on a seldom-driven car. Keeping the vehicle away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, standing moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires, and occasional inspections of wheel condition and valve stems can prevent small issues from becoming road-use problems later.