1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 Tires

The 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 uses two primary tire sizes: 175R14 in radial construction and 695-14 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are built for 14-inch wheels, but they represent different tire types and different buying decisions rather than two random interchangeable choices.

Selecting between them starts with identifying the wheel setup already on the car and deciding whether the goal is a radial road-use setup or a more traditional bias-ply presentation. Even though both use the same rim diameter, wheel width, tire dimensions, and vehicle clearance should still be checked before changing from one construction style to the other.

The 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 uses a 14-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies to the 175R14 radial fitment and the 695-14 bias-ply fitment, so the key shared dimension is the 14-inch wheel.

Rim diameter alone does not settle the entire fitment question. Width also matters, especially when comparing radial and bias-ply choices or evaluating radial equivalents for the 695-14 size. Measuring the wheel already on the car is a smart step before ordering, particularly if the Mercedes has replacement wheels or has been changed from its earlier tire construction.

The covered 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 Base and D/8 sub-models are both associated with the same two primary tire sizes: 175R14 radial and 695-14 bias-ply. That means fitment stays consistent across those sub-models in terms of size choices and 14-inch rim diameter.

The practical difference is not between sub-models, but between tire constructions and the way the car is being equipped today. One owner may want a radial setup that keeps a European touring character, while another may want a bias-ply tire for traditional appearance. Confirming the wheels currently on the car remains the next step before narrowing the tire selection.

On the 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220, 695-14 is a bias-ply tire size. The radial primary fitment associated with this model is 175R14, so the two sizes reflect different construction paths for the same 14-inch wheel diameter.

That distinction matters because a bias-ply tire changes both appearance and setup considerations compared with a radial. A 695-14 tire may suit a restoration-oriented presentation, especially with whitewall, redline, or raised white letter styling, while 175R14 keeps the car in a radial format. Before changing construction, compare wheel width and make sure the overall tire package still suits the car.

Radial equivalents for 695-14 include 175R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P185/75R14 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P195/70R14 as a P-metric 70-series radial. No bias-look radial equivalent is associated with this size here, so the radial alternatives stay within standard metric and P-metric formats.

Those equivalent sizes give different ways to move from a vintage numeric bias-ply code into modern radial sizing language. The recommended rim-width range attached to the equivalents is 4 to 6 inches, which makes wheel measurement especially important. Clearance around the fenders and suspension should also be checked before treating any equivalent as a workable alternative on a specific car.

Start by confirming the car’s current wheel diameter and width, then compare the intended radial size against the existing 695-14 bias-ply fitment. For this Mercedes, 175R14, P185/75R14, and P195/70R14 are the radial-equivalent paths associated with 695-14, and the recommended rim-width range is 4 to 6 inches.

Construction changes should also prompt a look at steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and the overall stance of the car. A radial equivalent may be the right direction for road use, but it still needs to suit the actual wheels and chassis. Cars that have been modified, lowered, or fitted with aftermarket wheels deserve extra attention before the swap.

Begin with the correct primary size and construction for the way the car is set up now. The 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 can use a 175R14 radial or a 695-14 bias-ply, and that choice shapes everything that follows, from sidewall appearance to wheel-width compatibility and the overall character of the tire.

After size and construction, compare the details that affect use and presentation. Radial 175R14 choices center on blackwall European-style tires, while 695-14 opens up a broader range of vintage sidewall treatments and series. Rim width, load figures where shown, and whether the car is being restored or regularly driven all help narrow the final decision.

Sidewall choice depends on which primary tire size you select. The 175R14 radial options are available in blackwall, while the 695-14 bias-ply range includes blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, raised white letter, and a raised white letter Blue Streak-style presentation.

That range gives the 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 very different visual directions without changing the vehicle itself. A blackwall radial keeps the look restrained and European, while whitewall or redline bias-ply options create a more styled vintage appearance. The best choice usually comes down to whether the car is being preserved with a conservative sedan look or a more period-custom presentation.

The available brands for the 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 include Michelin and Vredestein in 175R14 radial fitment, plus BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear in 695-14 bias-ply fitment. Those brands span both construction types used on this car’s 14-inch wheel diameter.

Brand choice should be considered alongside tire size, construction, and sidewall treatment rather than by name alone. Michelin XAS and the Vredestein Sprint lines speak to the radial side of the decision, while BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear offer several classic bias-ply series and appearances. Matching the tire to the car’s visual goal and wheel setup is more useful than focusing on branding by itself.

A period-style 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 can be approached in two different ways. A 175R14 radial keeps the car in a traditional European radial format, while a 695-14 bias-ply leans more strongly into vintage presentation and opens the door to blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, and raised white letter styling.

The better choice depends on what kind of period impression matters most. Some owners want the composed look of a blackwall radial sedan, while others want the stronger visual character of a bias-ply sidewall treatment. When exact originality matters, compare the tire choice against marque-specific historical references rather than assuming any current sidewall style is automatically correct.

Tire construction changes more than the casing under the tread; it changes the overall visual language of the car. On a restored 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220, 175R14 radial tires present a cleaner European look, while 695-14 bias-ply tires create a more distinctly vintage appearance, especially when paired with whitewall, redline, or lettered sidewalls.

That means construction choice should be made early in the restoration process rather than treated as an afterthought. The tire’s profile, sidewall style, and brand family all influence how the car sits visually. Owners building a restrained sedan will often choose differently than owners aiming for a more expressive period-style finish.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 even when the tire size itself is correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, suspension work, or a lowered stance can all change the space available for a 175R14 radial or 695-14 bias-ply tire.

That is why the actual car should be inspected before finalizing a tire choice, especially if its history is uncertain. Clearance at full steering lock, room around the fenders, and the relationship between tire width and wheel width all deserve attention. A collector car that has been modified at some point can differ meaningfully from a stock-wheel reference setup.

Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall wheel condition, then confirm that the tires are mounted in the correct size and construction for the car’s setup. On a 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220, that means verifying whether the car is on 175R14 radial tires or 695-14 bias-ply tires and checking inflation carefully.

It also helps to look over steering and suspension condition so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for worn components. A slow test drive should confirm there is no rubbing, vibration, or unusual pull. Cars that sit for long periods deserve extra caution, since old wheel issues and dormant mechanical problems often show up once the car returns to the road.

Collector-car tire maintenance starts with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and keeping the tires clean and properly stored. On a 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220, both 175R14 radial and 695-14 bias-ply tires should be watched for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of air loss, especially if the car is only driven occasionally.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a low-use car. Keeping the Mercedes away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber over time. It is also wise to inspect the tires before each outing rather than assuming low annual mileage means they are automatically ready for a longer drive.