The 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 sits in a refined part of the late-1960s luxury market, blending formal styling, high-speed road manners, and the engineering character that made big Mercedes sedans, coupes, and convertibles such enduring collector cars. Tire choice matters here because this model line spans more than one period-correct fitment approach. Depending on the exact sub-model, the 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 uses 185R14 radial, 735-14 bias-ply, or FR70-14 radial sizing on 14-inch rims. That creates meaningful choices in construction, sidewall presentation, and modern driving intent. The right decision starts with the exact sub-model, then balances restoration style, wheel compatibility, and how the car will actually be used.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300
Three primary tire sizes apply to the 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model rather than wheel diameter, since all of them use a 14-inch rim. Before choosing a tire, identify whether the car is a 300 SE/SEL Coupe & Conv., 300 SEL 6.3, or 300 SEL/8, then decide whether period-style bias-ply fitment or radial construction best matches the car's setup and intended use.
185R14 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 185 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R designates radial construction, and 14 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300, this size suits sub-models that use a traditional metric-style radial fitment on a 14-inch rim. Available choices include Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein options, with blackwall and narrow whitewall sidewall treatments. This size is a strong fitment path for owners who want a radial in the proper overall vintage sizing language while still comparing brand character and appearance.
735-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the 7.35 designation representing nominal section width in inches and 14 indicating the wheel diameter. For the 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300, it preserves the earlier bias-ply sizing convention used on certain sub-models and keeps the tire choice rooted in a more traditional presentation. BFGoodrich offers this size in Silvertown Classic Bias Ply form with blackwall and narrow whitewall versions. It is the size to evaluate when maintaining a restoration-oriented look or staying with the original bias-ply type used by the car's configuration.
FR70-14 is an alphanumeric radial size in which the letter code indicates the tire's size class, the 70 identifies its profile family, and the final 14 is the rim diameter. On the 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300, this size is tied to the 300 SEL 6.3 and represents a distinct radial fitment path within the model range. The available choice is a Goodyear Polyglas Radial with raised white letter sidewalls and a bias-look presentation. This is the size to confirm carefully on a 6.3 because it differs from the other 300 sub-model fitments.
Tire fitment varies within the 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 range, so the exact sub-model matters before any size or construction choice is made. Some versions can use either a radial or a bias-ply primary fitment, while the 300 SEL 6.3 follows its own FR70-14 radial specification.
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1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 SE/SEL, Coupe & Conv.
The 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 SE/SEL, Coupe & Conv. uses either 185R14 radial or 735-14 bias-ply sizing on a 14-inch rim. That gives the owner a clear choice between a more traditional bias-ply presentation and a metric radial fitment that still suits the car's vintage proportions.
The 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 uses FR70-14 radial sizing rather than the 185R14 or 735-14 fitments found elsewhere in the 300 range. Tire selection here starts with confirming that specific sub-model, then checking wheel compatibility and sidewall style preference within the available FR70-14 option.
The 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL/8 uses the same two primary fitment paths as the coupe and convertible group: 185R14 radial or 735-14 bias-ply. That means the decision centers less on sub-model difference and more on whether the car is being kept in a restoration-oriented bias-ply look or driven on a radial setup.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300
For the original 735-14 size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 185R14 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P195/75R14 is the 75-series P-metric radial equivalent, and P205/70R14 is the 70-series P-metric radial equivalent. These choices move from a vintage Euro-metric radial format to progressively different P-metric profile conventions. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 6 inches applies, and any conversion should still be checked against wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance.
Modern Radial Equivalents
185R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (735-14)
P195/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (735-14)
P205/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (735-14)
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 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 Tires for Sale
Available 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 tire choices span Michelin, Phoenix, Vredestein, BFGoodrich, and Goodyear, depending on size. Buyers can compare radial and bias-ply construction, blackwall, narrow whitewall, and raised white letter sidewalls, along with series such as Michelin MXV, Sprint Classic, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, and Polyglas Radial.
Common questions for the 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 usually center on which sub-model uses which size, how 185R14, 735-14, and FR70-14 differ, and what to check before choosing between bias-ply, radial, and radial-equivalent options.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300?
The 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 uses three primary tire sizes across the model range: 185R14 radial, 735-14 bias-ply, and FR70-14 radial. The correct size depends on the exact sub-model. The 300 SE/SEL, Coupe & Conv. and the 300 SEL/8 use 185R14 or 735-14, while the 300 SEL 6.3 uses FR70-14.
That makes sub-model identification the first step before comparing tires. Once the exact version is confirmed, the next decision is whether to stay with the original fitment style for that configuration or choose among the available constructions, brands, and sidewall treatments that suit the car's intended appearance and road use.
What size rim does a 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 use?
The tire fitments for the 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 use a 14-inch rim diameter. That is true across 185R14, 735-14, and FR70-14, even though the tire sizing systems differ between metric radial, numeric bias-ply, and alphanumeric radial formats.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it should not be the only measurement checked. Wheel width still matters, especially when moving between bias-ply and radial construction or considering an equivalent size, and any car with replacement wheels should have the actual wheel dimensions verified before tire selection.
Do all 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 range does not use one universal tire size. The 300 SE/SEL, Coupe & Conv. and the 300 SEL/8 can use either 185R14 radial or 735-14 bias-ply, while the 300 SEL 6.3 uses FR70-14 radial.
That difference is important because the sizes are not simply alternate labels for the same fitment path. A buyer should confirm the exact sub-model first, then make sure the tire choice matches the wheel setup, desired construction type, and the visual style expected for the particular car.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 735-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300?
735-14 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300. It appears on the 300 SE/SEL, Coupe & Conv. and the 300 SEL/8 as one of the primary fitment paths, alongside the radial 185R14 option used on those same sub-models.
Choosing 735-14 keeps the car in a traditional numeric bias-ply format and points the buyer toward period-style appearance decisions such as blackwall or narrow whitewall. Anyone moving away from that construction should compare wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance before treating a radial alternative as suitable for the car.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 735-14?
Radial equivalents for 735-14 include 185R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P195/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P205/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial. These are equivalent sizing options for the bias-ply 735-14 fitment, but they represent different radial sizing conventions.
A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 6 inches applies to those equivalent choices. That range is helpful, but it does not replace a full fitment check, so wheel width, tire dimensions, and steering or fender clearance should still be confirmed before converting a 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 from 735-14 bias-ply to a radial equivalent.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300?
That depends on the exact sub-model and what matters most to the owner. Some 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 versions can be fitted with either 735-14 bias-ply or 185R14 radial, while the 300 SEL 6.3 uses FR70-14 radial. The decision is usually between preserving a traditional fitment style and choosing a radial presentation within the correct size family.
Bias-ply often suits restoration-minded appearance goals, while radial choices may better match owners focused on regular road use. The best approach is to confirm the wheel dimensions already on the car, review the tire size tied to that sub-model, and then choose the construction that fits both the vehicle setup and the intended use.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300?
Start with the exact sub-model, because the 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 does not use one universal size. Depending on configuration, the correct fitment may be 185R14 radial, 735-14 bias-ply, or FR70-14 radial. After size is confirmed, the next priorities are construction type, sidewall appearance, and wheel compatibility.
A restoration-oriented car may point toward a traditional bias-ply look, while a road-driven car may lead toward one of the radial choices already associated with the model range. It also helps to compare rim-width requirements, load figures where stated, and whether a blackwall, narrow whitewall, or raised white letter look suits the car.
What sidewall styles are available for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and raised white letter depending on the tire size selected. Blackwall and narrow whitewall treatments appear in both 185R14 and 735-14, while FR70-14 is available in a raised white letter Goodyear Polyglas Radial presentation.
That means sidewall style should be chosen only after the correct size and sub-model fitment are confirmed. A whitewall may support a more formal restoration-oriented appearance, while blackwall or raised white letter options can create a different period look, so the visual decision should follow the fitment decision, not replace it.
What brands offer tires for the 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300?
Tires for the 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 are available from Michelin, Phoenix, Vredestein, BFGoodrich, and Goodyear, depending on size. Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein cover 185R14 radial applications, BFGoodrich covers 735-14 bias-ply applications, and Goodyear supplies the FR70-14 radial option.
Brand choice should be matched to the tire size and construction that belong on the specific sub-model. Once that is settled, the meaningful comparison points become sidewall style, tire series, stated rim-width compatibility, and whether the tire's overall presentation suits a formal luxury sedan, coupe, convertible, or 6.3 performance-oriented configuration.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300?
A period-style choice starts with the sub-model's proper size family. For the 300 SE/SEL, Coupe & Conv. and the 300 SEL/8, 735-14 bias-ply keeps the traditional numeric fitment style, while 185R14 offers a vintage metric radial path. The 300 SEL 6.3 follows its own FR70-14 radial fitment.
Appearance goals should be balanced against how the car will be used. A restoration-minded owner may prefer the traditional look of the bias-ply option, while another may want a radial that still stays visually sympathetic to the car's era. For exact originality questions, marque-specific historical references remain the safest guide.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300?
Tire construction can noticeably influence how a restored 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 presents itself. A 735-14 bias-ply keeps the car in a traditional late-1960s sizing style, while 185R14 and FR70-14 radial choices introduce radial construction within vintage-appropriate formats for the sub-models that use them.
Sidewall treatment adds another layer to that appearance. Blackwall gives a restrained look, narrow whitewall can support a formal luxury presentation, and raised white letter on FR70-14 creates a much more distinctive visual statement. Matching construction and sidewall style to the car's restoration direction usually produces a more coherent result than choosing by size alone.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300?
Yes. A 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 can be affected by aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or body modifications just like any other vintage vehicle. Even when the correct tire size has been chosen for the sub-model, changes in wheel width or offset can alter how that tire sits and clears the car.
That matters most when moving between bias-ply and radial construction or when considering a radial equivalent for 735-14. The safest approach is to measure the wheels actually on the car and inspect fender, steering, and suspension clearance before assuming a period-size tire will behave the same on a modified setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheel condition, confirm that all four tires match the intended size and construction for the car, and make sure inflation is appropriate for the tires installed. It also helps to check for any signs of rubbing at full steering lock and to verify that valve stems, balance, and mounting are in good order.
A collector Mercedes may have old suspension components or wheels that look usable but still need attention. Looking over the alignment, brake condition, and general suspension health can prevent a new set of tires from masking a larger issue, especially on heavier luxury cars that place real demands on their tire and wheel setup.
How should tires on a collector 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 be maintained?
Collector-car tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and careful storage habits. On a 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300, that means watching for cracking, bulges, cuts, tread separation, or gradual air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally and the tires still appear to have ample tread.
Low-mileage use does not stop tires from aging, so condition matters as much as tread depth. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, extreme heat, and ozone-producing equipment helps preserve the tires, and moving the car periodically can reduce long stationary loading on one part of the casing.
