1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 Tires

A 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 uses two primary tire sizes: 175R13 in radial construction and 6.70-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes use a 13-inch rim, so the vehicle's basic wheel diameter stays the same even though the sizing systems and tire constructions differ.

The practical choice is deciding which construction suits the car and its intended use. A period-style restoration may favor the 6.70-13 bias-ply route, while a car already set up for radial use may point toward 175R13. Wheel width, actual wheel condition, and clearance should still be confirmed before final selection, especially on an older car that may have had changes over time.

The 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies whether the car is running the 175R13 radial size or the 6.70-13 bias-ply size, so the rim diameter remains consistent across the covered fitments.

That consistency simplifies the first step, but wheel diameter alone does not settle the entire fitment question. It still helps to verify the actual wheel on the car, since replacement wheels or older restorations can differ from expected setup. Once the 13-inch diameter is confirmed, construction choice, wheel width, and the car's current suspension and clearance become the next things to review.

Yes. The 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 A & S uses the same two tire-size options associated with this model: 175R13 as a radial fitment and 6.70-13 as a bias-ply fitment. There is no separate tire-size split between the covered A and S sub-model grouping here.

That means the buyer does not need to sort through different sub-model-specific wheel diameters before choosing a tire. Instead, the more important decision is whether the car is being kept in a traditional bias-ply style or set up around the radial size. Checking the actual wheels on the vehicle remains worthwhile, particularly if the car has been restored, stored long-term, or modified previously.

6.70-13 is the bias-ply tire size for the 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. It uses the older numeric sizing format common to vintage American and European applications, and on this car it represents the traditional construction choice on a 13-inch rim.

That matters because a bias-ply tire affects both the look of the car and the path you take when replacing a full set. Owners trying to preserve a period-style presentation often start there, while owners considering radial construction should evaluate the separate 175R13 fitment instead. Mixing constructions on the same car deserves extra caution, and wheel condition and overall setup should be checked before making a change.

Either choice can make sense on a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 because both a 6.70-13 bias-ply size and a 175R13 radial size are associated with the model. The better choice depends on whether the car is being kept closer to a traditional period-style presentation or prepared for use with the radial construction already tied to this fitment.

Construction choice should be made as a full-vehicle decision rather than casually one tire at a time. A buyer should confirm the actual wheel setup, compare the car's current tires, and look at suspension condition and clearance before changing direction. For a restoration-focused car, appearance may drive the decision. For a car used more regularly, the radial fitment may be the more relevant path to evaluate.

Start by confirming that the car is set up for the 175R13 radial size rather than the 6.70-13 bias-ply size currently on it. Both use a 13-inch rim, but the wheel itself, its width, and the car's present tire-to-body and tire-to-suspension clearance still need to be checked before making the switch.

An older Mercedes may have replacement wheels, worn suspension parts, or prior restoration work that changes how a different construction behaves on the car. Comparing the current tire size, inspecting wheel condition, and checking steering clearance at full lock are sensible steps. Keeping the tires matched as a complete set is also important when changing construction, rather than mixing radial and bias-ply tires casually.

The first thing to decide is whether the car should use the 175R13 radial fitment or the 6.70-13 bias-ply fitment. Both are 13-inch sizes, but they represent different construction types and different ownership goals, especially for a car that may be restored, preserved, or driven only occasionally.

After settling on size and construction, look at the car's actual wheels, its intended use, and the kind of appearance you want. A more traditional presentation may point toward the bias-ply size, while a radial setup should be evaluated in the radial size already associated with the model. Age, storage history, and the car's current suspension condition are also worth considering before replacement.

Choosing between the available fitments starts with construction. The 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 uses 6.70-13 as the bias-ply option and 175R13 as the radial option, so the decision is really about how the car is being used and how closely the owner wants to stay with a traditional tire format.

A car being sorted for a period-style restoration may lead naturally toward the numeric bias-ply size, while a car intended for broader road use may steer the buyer toward the radial size already tied to this model. It helps to inspect the wheels currently on the car and compare them with the tires being removed so that construction changes do not create avoidable clearance or setup issues.

The most basic rim-fitment detail is diameter, and both primary tire sizes for the 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 use a 13-inch rim. Beyond that, the important comparison points are the actual wheel width, overall wheel condition, and whether the wheels on the car are original-style pieces or later replacements.

Those checks matter because two tires can share the same rim diameter while still asking different things from the wheel and the car's available space. Looking at the current tire size, checking how the tire sits on the rim, and inspecting steering and fender clearance can prevent surprises. That is especially helpful on collector cars that may have gone through decades of repairs, storage, or modifications.

For a period-style 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220, the 6.70-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it uses the older numeric format and traditional construction associated with vintage fitment practice. It gives the buyer a tire direction that aligns more closely with the car's late-1950s character.

That does not automatically make every bias-ply tire the right restoration answer, especially if exact originality matters. Owners pursuing a highly specific restoration standard should compare tire details with marque references, historical photos, and vehicle-specific documentation. For many drivers, though, choosing the proper bias-ply size is the first meaningful step toward preserving the visual tone of the car.

Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 restoration because tire size and construction influence both the appearance of the car and how appropriate the finished wheel-and-tire package looks. Using either the 6.70-13 bias-ply size or the 175R13 radial size keeps the car within the fitment paths associated with this model.

For a restoration-oriented owner, the issue is not just whether the tire mounts on a 13-inch wheel. The tire's visual proportions, construction type, and overall presentation all affect how authentic the car feels when viewed at curbside. Even when appearance is the top priority, the actual wheel setup and the car's present clearances should still be checked before settling on a final tire choice.

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 even when the intended tire size is one of the correct 13-inch options. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all change how a 175R13 radial or 6.70-13 bias-ply tire sits in the wheel opening.

That is why it helps to inspect the car as it exists today rather than assuming every restored or older vehicle still matches its original setup. Turn the steering from lock to lock, look at fender and suspension clearance, and confirm the wheel dimensions before mounting new tires. Small differences in an old car's setup can matter more than the nominal tire size alone suggests.

Before driving a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, verify the tire size and construction match the intended setup, and make sure the tires seat properly on the rims. It also makes sense to check valve stems, look for any rubbing points, and confirm that inflation is set appropriately for the tires being installed.

A short, careful test drive is a good follow-up after installation. Listen for rubbing, watch for pulling or unusual vibration, and recheck air pressure once the tires have settled. Since many collector cars spend long periods parked, it is also wise to inspect suspension bushings, steering parts, and brake condition before treating the tire change as the only road-readiness step.

Tires on a collector 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and close attention to age-related condition even if tread wear looks minimal. On a car that is driven infrequently, sidewall cracking, flat-spotting, bulges, cuts, and slow air loss can become more important than tread depth alone.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as miles driven. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires over time, and moving the car occasionally can reduce long stationary loading. Before any longer trip, it is smart to inspect all four tires carefully and confirm that the spare, if carried, is roadworthy as well.