The 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 belongs to an era when Mercedes sedans were engineered for durability, restrained style, and confident long-distance road manners rather than flash. Owners restoring or maintaining one today often want the same balanced character, especially when tire choice can change both the look and the feel of the car. This model uses either a 700-13 bias-ply tire or a 185R13 radial, both on 13-inch rims. That opens the door to a traditional wide-whitewall presentation or a more European radial-style setup through Michelin. The right choice depends on whether the priority is period-style appearance, road-use manners, or staying close to the car's original character.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230
The 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference comes down mainly to construction rather than wheel diameter. Both 700-13 bias-ply and 185R13 radial fit 13-inch rims, so the first step is deciding whether the car should keep a traditional bias-ply presentation or move toward a radial setup with a more modern driving feel.
185R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 185 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, R designates radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. On a 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230, this size suits buyers who want a radial-format tire that aligns with the car's European character. The available Michelin XAS-FF comes in a Blackwall treatment and reflects an 80-series metric radial style. It is worth considering when road use, steering feel, and a more radial-oriented presentation matter as much as period-style appearance.
700-13 is a numeric bias-ply size where 7.00 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 13 identifies the wheel diameter. This is the traditional bias-ply fitment style for the 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 and gives the car a distinctly vintage tire profile and stance. In this size, Firestone offers a Classic Bias Ply tire with a wide whitewall sidewall treatment for a strong restoration-oriented look. It makes sense for owners focused on period-style presentation, especially when the car is being kept visually faithful to its era.
Fitment is straightforward across the covered 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 sub-models because the same tire-size choices appear throughout. Checking the exact sub-model still helps confirm whether the car should stay with a traditional bias-ply setup or use the radial option on its 13-inch wheels.
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1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 Base & S
The 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 Base & S uses the same pair of fitment paths: 700-13 in bias-ply form or 185R13 in radial form. That means tire selection is less about sub-model differences and more about choosing the driving character, sidewall appearance, and construction style that best suits the car.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230
For the original 700-13 size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 185R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P185/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series radial alternative, and P205/70R13 is the P-metric 70-series radial option. These choices differ mainly by sizing convention and profile approach rather than serving as automatic substitutes. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 6 inches is associated with these equivalents, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should be checked before changing from the original bias-ply size.
Modern Radial Equivalents
185R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (700-13)
P185/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (700-13)
P205/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (700-13)
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 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 Tires for Sale
Available choices for the 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 include a Michelin radial in 185R13 Blackwall form and a Firestone Classic Bias Ply 700-13 with a wide whitewall. That gives buyers a clear contrast between European radial character and traditional restoration-style bias-ply appearance.
Common questions for the 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 usually center on choosing between 700-13 and 185R13, understanding radial equivalents, and deciding how tire construction and sidewall style affect the car's look, fitment, and road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230?
The 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 uses two tire sizes: 700-13 in bias-ply form and 185R13 in radial form. Both sizes are associated with the same 13-inch rim diameter, so the fitment question is less about wheel size and more about which construction and presentation best suit the car.
That means the next step is deciding whether the car should keep a traditional bias-ply appearance or use a radial-format tire. It is also wise to confirm the actual wheel width and inspect the car for any wheel, suspension, or ride-height changes before choosing between the two fitment paths.
What size rim does a 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 use?
The primary tire sizes used on a 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. Both the 700-13 bias-ply size and the 185R13 radial size share that same nominal wheel diameter, which keeps rim diameter simple even though the tire constructions differ.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on an older Mercedes sedan. Wheel width still matters when evaluating a bias-ply tire versus a radial equivalent, so the safest approach is to confirm the actual wheel dimensions on the car before selecting a replacement set.
Do all 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 sub-models use the same tire size?
The covered 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 Base & S sub-models share the same fitment choices. Both use the 700-13 bias-ply size and the 185R13 radial size, so there is no separate sub-model-specific tire size split within the covered range.
That makes selection more straightforward, but it does not eliminate the need to inspect the car itself. A 230 that has been fitted with different wheels over the years may need closer checking, and construction choice still affects the car's appearance and the way the tire presents on the wheel.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 700-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230?
On the 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230, 700-13 is the bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system and represents the traditional fitment style for the car, while 185R13 is the radial-format alternative on the same 13-inch wheel diameter.
Choosing between them affects more than the size marking on the sidewall. A bias-ply tire preserves a more vintage look and construction approach, while a radial-format option changes the setup direction, so wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance should be reviewed before switching.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 700-13?
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 comparison sizes for buyers evaluating a radial alternative to the original bias-ply format.
Each equivalent follows a different sizing convention, so the choice is not just about seeing another 13-inch tire. The recommended rim-width range associated with these radial equivalents is 4 to 6 inches, and the car's wheel dimensions, suspension condition, and available clearance should be checked before conversion.
What should I check before converting my 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, then compare the intended radial size against the current bias-ply setup. For a 700-13 conversion, radial-equivalent choices include 185R13, P185/75R13, and P205/70R13, with a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 6 inches.
It also helps to inspect steering and fender clearance, suspension condition, and any past modifications before making the change. A car that still has its original-style wheels may be straightforward, but one with replacement rims or altered ride height deserves closer checking before a radial setup is selected.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230?
The main decision is whether the car should use the traditional 700-13 bias-ply size or the 185R13 radial format. Both work with a 13-inch rim diameter, but they point the car in different directions for appearance, construction style, and the overall character of the finished setup.
After choosing the size path, compare practical details such as wheel-width compatibility, sidewall style, and how the tire fits the way the car will be used. A restoration-minded owner may lean toward the vintage bias-ply look, while a driver-focused owner may prefer the radial-style approach.
What sidewall styles are available for 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 tires?
The available sidewall styles for the 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 include Blackwall in the 185R13 radial offering and Wide Whitewall in the 700-13 bias-ply offering. Those two treatments create very different visual effects even before construction differences enter the conversation.
A Blackwall radial keeps the presentation restrained and European, while a wide whitewall leans harder into a traditional collector-car look. The right choice depends on whether the car is being preserved as a subtle driver, restored with more visual period flavor, or tailored to personal appearance preferences.
What brands offer tires for the 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230?
The 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 currently has tire choices from Michelin and Firestone in its primary fitment sizes. Michelin covers the 185R13 radial side of the fitment, while Firestone supplies a 700-13 bias-ply option with a distinctly traditional sidewall treatment.
That brand split makes the decision fairly easy to frame around the kind of car being built or maintained. One path emphasizes a classic European radial presentation, and the other supports a more vintage bias-ply look, so the better choice depends on appearance goals, wheel setup, and intended use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230?
For a period-style 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230, the 700-13 bias-ply size is the most natural starting point because it preserves the older construction format associated with the car's era. It also supports a more traditional visual profile than a modern radial-format substitution.
Appearance still depends on how faithfully the car is being restored and what visual direction is intended. Owners seeking exact historical accuracy should compare tire details against marque references and restoration documentation, while those aiming for a broadly era-appropriate look may focus on size, construction, and sidewall treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 as much as the sidewall itself. A 700-13 bias-ply setup gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation, while a 185R13 radial creates a more contemporary-looking profile even though both use 13-inch rims.
That difference matters on a car with understated Mercedes styling, where the tires can either reinforce the period feel or gently modernize it. Sidewall treatment adds another layer, with Blackwall and Wide Whitewall options pushing the appearance in noticeably different directions without changing the vehicle itself.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 even when the nominal tire size remains the same. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, or ride-height adjustments can all influence how either a 700-13 bias-ply or 185R13 radial sits on the car.
That is why an older car should be inspected as it exists today rather than assumed to match original specifications. Wheel dimensions, steering clearance, and fender space are especially important to verify when moving between bias-ply and radial formats or when the car has been modified over time.
What should I inspect before driving a 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, then verify tire pressure, bead seating, and visible clearance at the fenders and steering components. It is also smart to look over the suspension and steering system so the new tires are not being asked to mask worn parts.
A collector-era sedan can spend long periods parked, so tire age and general condition deserve attention even when tread looks good. Sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and unexplained air loss should be addressed early, especially before any longer drive where heat and speed place more demand on the tires.
How should tires on a collector 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Even low-mileage tires can age from time, sunlight, heat, and long stationary periods, so condition matters just as much as tread depth on a vintage Mercedes.
Keeping the car in a cool, dry space away from prolonged UV exposure and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. It also pays to move the car occasionally, monitor for flat spotting or air loss, and inspect the sidewalls before returning the car to regular seasonal use.