1959 Mercedes-Benz 219 Tires

The 1959 Mercedes-Benz 219 uses two primary tire sizes: 175R13 in radial construction and 640-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with the same 13-inch rim diameter, so the main fitment decision is tied to tire construction and size format rather than a different wheel diameter.

That means the next step is confirming whether the car is staying with a traditional bias-ply setup or moving to a radial-format tire. On a collector sedan like the 219, it also helps to verify the actual wheels on the car, especially if they may have been changed during restoration or long-term ownership.

The 1959 Mercedes-Benz 219 uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. The radial 175R13 and the bias-ply 640-13 are both built around that same 13-inch wheel diameter, so rim diameter stays consistent across the covered fitment choices.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture, though. Before choosing between the two size formats or considering a radial equivalent for 640-13, it is smart to confirm the wheel width as well, since wheel width can affect how appropriately a given tire size and construction works on the car.

Yes. The 1959 Mercedes-Benz 219 Base uses the same primary fitment choices found on this model core: 175R13 in radial construction and 640-13 in bias-ply construction. There is no separate alternate sub-model tire size here that changes the basic fitment direction.

That keeps selection fairly simple, but the owner still needs to decide which construction matches the car’s goals. A period-style restoration may lean toward the numeric bias-ply size, while a road-use-focused setup may lead the buyer to compare radial-format options and verify the car’s current wheel and clearance setup.

640-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1959 Mercedes-Benz 219. It uses the older numeric bias-ply sizing format, and on this car it represents the traditional construction choice compared with the radial-format 175R13 fitment.

That distinction matters because a bias-ply tire affects both appearance and selection strategy. Buyers looking for a late-1950s presentation may prefer the numeric bias-ply route, while anyone considering a radial alternative should compare wheel width, vehicle clearance, and the car’s intended use before changing construction.

Radial equivalents for 640-13 include 175R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, P185/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial, and 650R13 as a bias-look radial equivalent. These options keep the discussion centered on a 13-inch wheel while offering different radial sizing conventions.

Each equivalent should be treated as an alternative, not as an automatic interchange. The recommended rim-width range is 4 to 6 inches, and the final choice should be checked against the wheel’s actual width, the space available around the fenders and suspension, and the kind of appearance the 219 owner wants to preserve.

Either approach can make sense on a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 219 because both a bias-ply and a radial primary fitment are associated with the model. A 640-13 bias-ply keeps the vintage numeric format, while 175R13 represents the radial-format primary size and radial equivalents also exist for the bias-ply size.

The better choice depends on how the car is being finished and used. A restoration-oriented car may call for the traditional look of a bias-ply tire, while a driver-focused setup may lead the owner toward radial construction after confirming wheel width, wheel condition, and basic clearance on the car as it sits today.

Start with the intended role of the tire on the car. A 640-13 tire on a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 219 is the bias-ply fitment, so the decision usually centers on keeping the traditional construction and selecting a sidewall treatment that suits the car’s restoration direction.

The available 640-13 product includes BFGoodrich’s Silvertown Classic Bias Ply with a 2.25-inch wide whitewall, so appearance is a major factor alongside basic wheel compatibility. It also helps to compare the wheel width against the tire’s stated rim-width range before committing to a bias-ply setup on a collector sedan.

The available sidewall style in the current 640-13 product assortment for the 1959 Mercedes-Benz 219 is a wide whitewall. That sidewall treatment appears on the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply offering and gives the car a distinctly traditional late-1950s visual presentation.

Sidewall style is not just a cosmetic detail on a collector car, because it shapes how the entire car reads from the curb. A wide whitewall can complement a restoration-oriented approach, but it should still be chosen only after confirming the correct tire size, construction, and wheel fitment for the specific 219.

BFGoodrich is represented in the current product selection for the 1959 Mercedes-Benz 219 through a 640-13 Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tire. That gives buyers a recognizable period-style brand option within the traditional bias-ply size used on this model.

Brand alone should not decide the purchase on a car like this. It makes more sense to first settle the fitment path, meaning whether the 219 will remain with the 640-13 bias-ply presentation or move toward the radial 175R13 side of the fitment range, then compare the products that match that direction.

For a period-style 1959 Mercedes-Benz 219, the 640-13 bias-ply size is the strongest starting point because it preserves the vintage numeric sizing format and traditional construction associated with the car’s era. It aligns more naturally with a restoration-minded presentation than a modern-looking metric radial size code.

That does not make every 640-13 tire automatically correct for every restoration standard. Buyers concerned with exact historical authenticity should compare sidewall treatment and overall presentation against marque references, period photography, or restoration documentation, especially before choosing a prominent visual feature like a wide whitewall.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1959 Mercedes-Benz 219 as much as the sidewall style does. A 640-13 bias-ply keeps the earlier numeric size format and a more traditional visual character, while a 175R13 radial introduces a later metric-style designation and a different presentation on the car.

That difference becomes especially noticeable on a sedan with clean body lines and substantial side profile. Owners aiming for a restoration-oriented finish often start by deciding whether they want a true bias-ply appearance, a radial look, or a bias-look radial equivalent, then match that choice to the wheels already on the car.

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 219 even when the chosen tire is one of the correct primary sizes. Changes to wheel width, wheel offset, suspension height, or body clearances can all alter how a 175R13, 640-13, or a radial equivalent behaves once installed.

A 219 that has stayed original is one situation, but a car with later wheels or suspension work deserves closer measurement. Checking wheel dimensions, turning clearance, and space at the fender openings helps prevent surprises, especially when moving away from the original-style bias-ply construction toward a radial alternative.

Before driving a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 219 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm that the tire size and construction match the intended setup, and make sure the tires seat properly on the rims. It is also wise to verify that there is no rubbing at steering lock or normal suspension movement.

A collector car often sits longer than a modern daily driver, so the rest of the chassis deserves attention too. Check alignment-related wear, look over suspension and steering components, and confirm stable air pressure after installation so the car is ready for dependable road use rather than just display.

640-13 tires on a collector 1959 Mercedes-Benz 219 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and periodic reviews of overall condition even if the car is driven sparingly. Low annual mileage does not stop tires from aging on a stored collector vehicle.

Storage conditions also matter. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, standing moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps preserve the tires between drives. On a rarely used Mercedes-Benz sedan, it is smart to inspect the tires before each outing rather than assuming a good-looking tire is automatically road-ready.