The 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 sits in the era when Mercedes sedans balanced formal styling, durable engineering, and understated road manners that still appeal to collectors today. For owners keeping one on the road or returning one to a more period-minded presentation, tire choice plays a major role in both appearance and driving character. This model uses 13-inch fitments in both bias-ply and radial form, with size choice depending on the specific 220 sub-model. Available options range from traditional blackwall and wide whitewall bias-ply tires to Michelin radial coverage, and one bias-ply size also carries modern radial equivalents. The key is matching the correct sub-model, size, and construction to the car’s wheels and intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220
The 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 uses four primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model rather than a universal fitment across the full 220 range. All of these tires mount on 13-inch rims, but the choices split between bias-ply and radial construction, so the first step is confirming whether the car is a 220 B, SB & SEB or a 220 G, SG & SEG before selecting a tire.
185R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 185 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220, this size gives the buyer a radial-format option on the correct 13-inch rim for the sub-models that use it. Michelin offers this fitment in the XAS-FF series with a blackwall presentation, giving it a distinctly European, road-oriented character. It is the size to evaluate when the goal is a radial tire in the larger 220 fitment group without moving away from the original wheel diameter.
725-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 7.25 representing the nominal section width in inches and 13 identifying the wheel diameter. This is the traditional bias-ply fitment for the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 sub-models that use the larger 13-inch size, making it especially relevant for owners who want a more period-style construction and profile. Available choices include BFGoodrich products in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with either blackwall or wide whitewall sidewall styling. It is the key size to consider when appearance, restoration-minded presentation, or retaining bias-ply construction matters most.
175R13 is a Euro-metric radial size, where 175 marks the nominal section width in millimeters, R denotes radial construction, and 13 matches the wheel diameter in inches. For the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220, this size belongs to the smaller of the two primary fitment groups and should not be confused with the 185R13 applications used elsewhere in the model range. Its radial construction makes it the relevant path for owners seeking a metric radial setup on the correct 13-inch wheel for those sub-models. Choosing it starts with confirming that the car falls into the 220 G, SG & SEG fitment group.
6.70-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.70 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 13 identifies the rim diameter. On the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220, it serves as the bias-ply counterpart to the smaller radial fitment group rather than the larger 725-13 application. Its value is mainly for owners who want to stay with a traditional bias-ply construction on the proper 13-inch wheel for the sub-models that use this size. Before choosing it, verify that the car is in the 220 G, SG & SEG group so the smaller bias-ply size matches the intended fitment.
Sub-model fitment is not uniform across the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 range. The 220 B, SB & SEB use one size group, while the 220 G, SG & SEG use a different one, so identifying the exact sub-model is the first step before comparing bias-ply and radial options.
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1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 B, SB & SEB
The 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 B, SB & SEB use the larger of the two 13-inch fitment groups, with both a radial and a bias-ply path available. That gives owners a choice between a more traditional period-style presentation and a radial-format tire while staying within the correct sub-model fitment family.
The 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 G, SG & SEG use the smaller 13-inch tire-size group rather than the larger B, SB & SEB fitment. Tire selection here starts with matching that specific sub-model group, then deciding whether the car should remain on bias-ply construction or use the corresponding radial size.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220
For the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220, the 725-13 bias-ply size has three radial-equivalent options. Those are 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. No bias-look radial equivalent appears for this size. The three choices differ mainly by sizing system and profile family, and the recommended rim-width range is 4 to 6 inches. Any conversion should be checked against wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance at the suspension and body.
Modern Radial Equivalents
185R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (725-13)
P185/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (725-13)
P205/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (725-13)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-6 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 Tires for Sale
Available products for the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 include Michelin radial coverage and BFGoodrich bias-ply options. Buyers can compare construction, tire series, and sidewall presentation, including blackwall and wide whitewall choices, while staying with the correct 13-inch fitment family for the car’s sub-model.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used by the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220, how sub-model fitment changes the decision, and what to consider when comparing bias-ply, radial, appearance, and road-use factors.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220?
The 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 does not use one universal tire size across every sub-model. The 220 B, SB & SEB use 185R13 radial or 725-13 bias-ply, while the 220 G, SG & SEG use 175R13 radial or 6.70-13 bias-ply. All of these fitments are built around a 13-inch rim.
That means the right answer starts with identifying the exact sub-model, not just the year and model name. Once that is confirmed, the next choice is whether the car should stay with a traditional bias-ply setup or move to the radial size used within that same sub-model fitment group.
What size rim does a 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 use?
The tire sizes used on the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 are all built for a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to both radial and bias-ply fitments across the covered 220 sub-models, including 185R13, 725-13, 175R13, and 6.70-13.
Rim diameter is only one part of fitment, so it should not be treated as the only check before selecting a tire. The exact sub-model still matters, and wheel width should also be verified, especially when comparing a bias-ply tire with a radial alternative or when the car may have had wheel changes over time.
Why does the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 have more than one tire size?
More than one tire size applies because the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 range is split by sub-model. The 220 B, SB & SEB use one fitment group, while the 220 G, SG & SEG use another, and each group includes both a radial and a bias-ply size.
That split keeps the tire decision from being a simple model-wide lookup. An owner should confirm the exact sub-model on the car first, then choose within that fitment group based on construction, appearance, and intended road use rather than assuming every 220 sedan or coupe uses the same tire size.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 725-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220?
725-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220. It is one of the primary fitments used on the 220 B, SB & SEB group, and it shares the same 13-inch rim diameter as the radial alternatives associated with that portion of the model range.
Choosing 725-13 keeps the car in a traditional bias-ply construction, which can matter for period-style appearance and restoration-minded presentation. A buyer considering a change to radial construction should compare wheel width, overall fitment, and clearance carefully rather than assuming every 13-inch radial alternative behaves the same on the car.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 725-13?
Radial equivalents for 725-13 include 185R13, P185/75R13, and P205/70R13. In that group, 185R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P185/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, and P205/70R13 is the P-metric 70-series radial equivalent.
Those options give the owner several radial sizing conventions to consider rather than one automatic substitute. The recommended rim-width range tied to the equivalent group is 4 to 6 inches, and the final choice should still be checked against the wheel setup, tire dimensions, and clearance at steering and suspension travel.
What should I check before converting my 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the exact 220 sub-model, because the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 uses two different fitment groups. A 220 B, SB & SEB follows the 725-13 and 185R13 path, while a 220 G, SG & SEG uses 6.70-13 and 175R13. Wheel diameter should remain 13 inches, and wheel width matters when evaluating radial equivalents.
Construction changes should also be checked against actual vehicle condition rather than size alone. Measure the wheels, inspect suspension and steering components, and make sure the chosen radial leaves adequate clearance at lock and through suspension movement, especially if the car has seen wheel changes, repairs, or other modifications over time.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220?
The first decision is identifying the exact 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 sub-model, because the B, SB & SEB group uses different sizes from the G, SG & SEG group. After that, the real choice becomes construction, with a radial and a bias-ply option attached to each fitment family on a 13-inch rim.
Once the size group is settled, compare the tire’s intended look and use. A bias-ply tire may suit a more traditional presentation, while a radial may appeal to owners pursuing a different road-use feel, and sidewall treatment can also shape the final appearance without changing the basic fitment family.
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 tires?
Available sidewall styles for the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 include blackwall and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size and product selected. The BFGoodrich 725-13 bias-ply options include both blackwall and wide whitewall versions, while the Michelin 185R13 radial offering is a blackwall tire.
Sidewall style affects the car’s visual presentation more than the core fitment itself, so it should be chosen after the correct sub-model and tire size are confirmed. For a more restoration-oriented or period-style look, whitewall may be appealing, while blackwall tends to keep the presentation more restrained and understated.
What brands offer tires for the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220?
The available tire brands for the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 include Michelin and BFGoodrich. Michelin covers the 185R13 radial fitment with the XAS-FF series, while BFGoodrich offers 725-13 bias-ply tires in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line with more than one sidewall presentation.
Brand choice should still come after fitment is narrowed to the right size and construction for the specific sub-model. The more useful comparison points are whether the tire is radial or bias-ply, how the sidewall looks on the car, and whether the wheel and intended use line up with the specifications of the tire being considered.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220?
A period-style 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 usually starts with the correct bias-ply size for the specific sub-model. That means 725-13 for the 220 B, SB & SEB group or 6.70-13 for the 220 G, SG & SEG group, both on 13-inch rims and with the more traditional construction associated with the car’s era.
Appearance goals should be balanced with how the car will actually be used. Owners pursuing an authentic-looking presentation often begin with the correct size and construction first, then refine the look through sidewall choice, while exact originality questions are best checked against marque references, period photos, or vehicle-specific restoration documentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220?
Tire construction can change the way a restored 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 presents visually, even when the wheel diameter remains the same. A bias-ply tire generally supports a more traditional period-style look, while a radial introduces a more modern sizing convention and overall presentation, especially when comparing numeric bias-ply with metric radial fitments.
That visual difference matters on a car with formal early-1960s Mercedes styling. Buyers who want the tire to blend into a restoration often focus on matching the correct sub-model fitment first, then decide whether the goal is a traditional blackwall, a wide whitewall treatment, or a radial look that still respects the car’s proportions.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 even when the tire size appears correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height adjustments, or body repairs can all change how a 13-inch tire sits and clears during steering and suspension movement.
That is especially important on a car with more than one sub-model fitment group. A buyer should confirm the actual wheel dimensions on the car, make sure the selected size matches the correct sub-model family, and check for clearance at the fenders, steering stops, and suspension before putting the car into regular road use.
What should I inspect before driving a 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 on new tires?
Before driving a 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, make sure the tires are mounted in the proper size for the sub-model, and verify inflation. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to work around existing wear or looseness.
A short initial road test is a sensible next step. Watch for rubbing at full steering lock, recheck air pressure after the first drive, and keep an eye on how the tires sit in the wheel openings, because small fitment issues often become visible quickly on collector cars that may not have been driven often.
How should tires on a collector 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 should be checked regularly for inflation, tread condition, cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low-use vintage cars can show tire aging long before the tread is worn out, so condition matters as much as mileage.
Storage habits also make a difference. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and it is smart to inspect them before any extended drive so age-related deterioration, flat spotting, or clearance issues are caught before the car is back on the road.
