1959 Mercedes-Benz Tire Fitment Guide

1959 Mercedes-Benz vehicles use 10 sizes across six model lines: 640-13 for the 180 and 219, 700-13 for the 180 and 190, 185R13 for the 190, 175R13 for the 219 and 220, 6.70-13 for the 220, 195R14 and 735-14 for the 280, and 760-15, 670-15, and 6.50-15 for the 300. Rim diameters span 13, 14, and 15 inches depending on model. Published rim-width ranges are 4.00 to 4.50 inches for 640-13, 4.00 to 5.00 for 700-13, 5.00 to 5.50 for 735-14, 5.50 to 6.00 for 760-15, and 4.50 to 6.00 across the listed 670-15 products.

The practical takeaway is that year and make alone are not enough for a correct tire choice on 1959 Mercedes-Benz cars. A 13-inch Ponton sedan, a 14-inch 280, and a 15-inch 300 live in very different fitment worlds. Start by identifying the exact model, then match the size to the wheel diameter already on the car and verify the tire against the actual rim before making a final selection.

On a 1959 Mercedes-Benz, 640-13 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 640 is the old-style nominal section-width code, and the 13 indicates a 13-inch rim diameter. It is used on the 180 and 219, not across the full 1959 Mercedes-Benz range. The listed example in this size is a bias-ply wide whitewall built for 4.00 to 4.50 inch rims, with a published maximum load of 1045 pounds at 32 psi.

That size code matters because it points to an older tire-sizing system rather than a modern metric radial format. If your car wears 640-13, you are in the period-correct bias-ply category and should evaluate the tire not just by diameter, but also by sidewall look and intended restoration style. It is wise to compare the mounted wheel to the published rim-width range before moving ahead.

On a 1959 Mercedes-Benz, 185R13 is a Euro-metric radial size. The 185 indicates section width in millimeters, the R identifies radial construction, and the 13 is the rim diameter in inches. In the currently available 185R13 fitment, Michelin offers a blackwall tubeless tire marked 185HR13 88H TL, which means it carries an H speed rating with a 130 mph ceiling. This size applies to the 190 rather than the whole 1959 Mercedes-Benz lineup.

The main point is that 185R13 belongs to a different tire vocabulary and driving character than the old numeric bias-ply sizes. Owners of a 190 often narrow the choice by deciding whether they want the more traditional presentation of 700-13 or the radial format and blackwall appearance of 185R13. Once that choice is made, the wheel diameter and sidewall style become much easier to confirm.

No, 1959 Mercedes-Benz models do not all use the same tire size. The 180, 190, 219, and 220 stay on 13-inch sizes, but they do not all share the same codes; the 280 moves to 14-inch fitments, and the 300 uses 15-inch fitments. Some sizes overlap between two models, such as 700-13 on the 180 and 190 or 175R13 on the 219 and 220, while others belong to only one model family.

That matters because an owner cannot safely choose a tire by browsing the year and make alone. On a 1959 Mercedes-Benz, the exact model determines the wheel diameter first, then the size, and in a few cases the construction type. If the car has been restored or modified over the years, check the wheel itself and compare what is on the car now against the size range appropriate to that specific model.

For a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190, the choice between 700-13 and 185R13 is primarily a choice between bias-ply and radial construction, not simply two interchangeable labels. The 700-13 is a numeric bias-ply size associated with a traditional period look, while the 185R13 is a Euro-metric radial offered as a Michelin blackwall tubeless tire with an H speed rating to 130 mph. Both fit 13-inch wheels, but they represent different eras of tire design and appearance.

Owners usually settle this by deciding what role the car will play. A restoration that emphasizes original visual character often leans toward the bias-ply path, especially when whitewall styling matters. A driver-focused 190 that will spend more time on modern roads may point you toward the radial-format option. Before making the final call, verify the actual wheel and decide whether sidewall appearance or driving feel is the higher priority.

Sidewall styles for 1959 Mercedes-Benz tires vary by size. The 640-13 and 700-13 offerings are listed with wide whitewalls, 185R13 appears as a blackwall, 735-14 is available in blackwall and narrow whitewall, 760-15 comes in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall forms, and 670-15 is offered in blackwall and wide whitewall versions. The larger 300 sizes show the widest variety, while the smaller Ponton sizes split more clearly between whitewall bias-ply and blackwall radial presentation.

Choosing the sidewall style should follow the character of the car and the restoration goal. A formal sedan such as the 300 often looks natural with a fuller whitewall treatment, while a European radial blackwall can suit a road-driven 190 very well. If event judging matters, size, construction, and sidewall width should all be checked against the standard expected for your model and market before you commit.

Several brands cover 1959 Mercedes-Benz fitments. BFGoodrich appears in 640-13, 735-14, and 760-15; Firestone appears in 700-13 and 670-15; Michelin covers 185R13; Coker Classic appears in 760-15 and 670-15; Universal Vintage Tire appears in 760-15 and 670-15; and US Royal appears in 670-15. Brand choice depends heavily on size, because not every brand is represented in every fitment across the model range.

The useful way to shop these is by size first and brand second. Once the correct size is established, brand differences often come down to sidewall treatment, published load figures where available, and how closely the tire matches the visual tone of the car. A 190 using 185R13 is essentially a Michelin radial conversation, while a 300 using 670-15 or 760-15 opens the door to several period-style bias-ply brands.

Published rim-width guidance for 1959 Mercedes-Benz tires varies by size. The 640-13 is listed for 4.00 to 4.50 inch rims, 700-13 for 4.00 to 5.00 inch rims, 735-14 for 5.00 to 5.50 inch rims, 760-15 for 5.50 to 6.00 inch rims, and the listed 670-15 products span 4.50 to 6.00 inches depending on brand and version. A few sizes in the year range do not have current rim-width figures shown here, so the exact tire should always be matched to the wheel it will actually mount on.

That range matters because wheel diameter alone is not enough. Two tires may both fit a 15-inch rim, but they can call for different rim widths, especially across the 300 fitments. If your wheels are original, restored, or sourced from another Mercedes-Benz model, measure them before choosing. Staying within the tire maker’s published rim-width window helps preserve the intended section shape and mounting behavior.

Tube requirements on 1959 Mercedes-Benz tires depend on the exact product and size. The available 185R13 Michelin radial is marked TL, meaning tubeless. The listed bias-ply products in sizes such as 640-13, 700-13, 735-14, 760-15, and 670-15 are not marked TL in the size line shown here, so tube fitment should be confirmed against the exact tire and wheel combination before installation. Older wheels also play a role, because a tire’s construction and a wheel’s design have to be compatible with the final setup.

The practical step is to treat tube fitment as part of the wheel-and-tire package, not as an afterthought. If you are fitting a radial 185R13 on a 190, the listed tire is a tubeless design. If you are fitting one of the older bias-ply sizes, especially on original wheels, verify the specific tire’s sidewall marking and the wheel condition before assembly. That prevents guesswork and avoids mixing modern assumptions with vintage hardware.

A 1959 Mercedes-Benz should be stored out of direct sunlight, away from ozone-producing equipment such as electric motors and compressors, and in a dry, stable environment. Keep the tires clean, maintain proper inflation, and move the car periodically so one contact patch does not carry the load for months at a time. Bias-ply tires, which make up most of the sizes in the 1959 Mercedes-Benz range, are generally more prone to temporary flat-spotting during long static storage than radial tires.

Collectors who store the car for a season often do well by rolling it occasionally or using properly positioned stands to reduce constant load. A mixed fleet owner should remember that a radial-equipped 190 may wake up differently than a bias-ply 300 after a long rest. Good storage habits help preserve both the appearance and the service life of the tire, especially on low-mileage classics that spend more time parked than driving.

Tires on a 1959 Mercedes-Benz should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage alone. A collector car can have tread that still looks usable while the rubber has already aged beyond its ideal service window. As a general rule, start evaluating tires closely once they reach five to seven years of age, and treat around 10 years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration regardless of miles. The DOT date code on the tire helps establish age.

That timeline is especially important on hobby cars because infrequent use can hide deterioration. A 300 that spends most of its life at shows may age out its bias-ply tires long before wearing them out, while a regularly driven 190 on radial tires still needs the same age-based scrutiny. If the tire shows cracking, hardening, bulges, or pressure-loss problems before those milestones, condition should override calendar habits immediately.

Tires on a 1959 Mercedes-Benz should be inspected before every drive and again before any extended outing. Look for visible sidewall cracking, tread separation, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and signs that the tire has lost pressure while sitting. On cars using older-style bias-ply tires, pay close attention to the sidewalls after long storage. If a tube is part of the final installation, valve stems and pressure retention deserve the same attention as the tire casing itself.

A quick walk-around catches more problems than many owners expect, especially on cars that are driven only occasionally. Make that inspection routine part of your pre-drive ritual along with checking fluids and brakes. A short local drive can sometimes be a better test than a long trip if the car has been dormant, because it gives you a chance to feel for vibration, pull, or flat-spotting before committing the Mercedes-Benz to sustained road time.

A 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 belongs to an era when bias-ply tires were still common, but radial use was becoming increasingly relevant in European applications. The listed fitments for the 190 are 700-13 in bias-ply form and 185R13 in radial form, both on 13-inch wheels. That means the 190 sits in a transitional tire conversation rather than a single-format one. No original-equipment brand should be assumed from that alone, because factory delivery could vary by market and specification.

For an owner restoring a 190, the right answer depends on the standard you are trying to meet. If visual authenticity and period character are the priority, a bias-ply path often makes sense. If you are replicating a later European radial-equipped look, the metric radial route may be appropriate. Marque clubs, factory literature, and period photos are the best places to confirm what was correct for your market and build.

Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when showing a 1959 Mercedes-Benz. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the car wears the proper overall size family, the expected construction type for the class of restoration, and a sidewall style that fits the period image of the specific model. A radial blackwall on a car judged for strict originality can draw attention, just as an oversized whitewall or the wrong rim diameter would. The closer the event is to concours standards, the more important those details become.

That does not mean every owner needs the same answer. A touring-focused 190 may sensibly wear a radial, while a formally restored 300 may look more appropriate on one of the available bias-ply whitewall options. The key is to match the tire to the goal of the car. Before a judged event, confirm the expected size, construction, and sidewall style with marque-club guidance so there are no surprises on the field.

For the 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300, both 760-15 and 670-15 are bias-ply 15-inch sizes, but they are not the same fitment story. The 760-15 products shown are offered by BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles and a published rim-width range of 5.50 to 6.00 inches where listed. The 670-15 range includes Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire, with blackwall and wide whitewall options and published rim-width ranges from 4.50 to 6.00 inches depending on the product.

That means a 300 owner should compare the actual wheel, desired sidewall look, and the exact tire series rather than treating all 15-inch bias-ply options as interchangeable. One size may better suit a formal whitewall presentation, while another opens a broader mix of blackwall and whitewall choices. If authenticity is the goal, it is worth checking period references for the preferred 300 look before choosing among these two size families.

1959 Mercedes-Benz tires can be safe for highway driving when they are the correct size, in sound condition, and used within their design limits. The only published speed rating in the currently available range is the Michelin 185R13 with an H rating, which carries a 130 mph ceiling. The listed bias-ply sizes do not show modern speed-letter markings here, so they should be treated with the conservative expectations appropriate to vintage-style construction. On many 1959 Mercedes-Benz models, overall vehicle condition may be just as important as the tire itself.

For real-world use, the smarter question is whether the entire car is prepared for sustained highway travel. Brakes, steering, suspension, wheel bearings, and alignment all influence stability on a late-1950s car. If your Mercedes-Benz is on bias-ply tires, expect a more vintage road feel than a radial-equipped example. A thorough inspection and realistic cruising expectations matter more than chasing the upper edge of any tire’s published capability.

Inflation pressure on 1959 Mercedes-Benz tires should be set by the exact tire size, the actual product, and the factory recommendations for the model. Several available sizes carry published load-and-pressure figures: 640-13 at 1045 pounds at 32 psi, 700-13 at 1270 pounds at 32 psi, 735-14 at 1360 pounds at 32 psi, 760-15 at 1710 pounds at 32 psi on some versions, and 670-15 from 1450 pounds at 32 psi up to 1550 pounds at 32 psi depending on the product. Those figures are product ratings, not a blanket inflation rule for every 1959 Mercedes-Benz.

Use the owner’s manual or factory placard for the vehicle’s intended operating pressure, then compare that with the tire maker’s limits for the exact product you are fitting. A published 32 psi load rating should never be transferred casually from one size to another or from a 300 to a Ponton sedan. If the car is being driven loaded, unloaded, or mostly for show, pressure strategy may differ, so start with the correct reference for that model and tire.

Before taking a 1959 Mercedes-Benz on a longer drive, inspect every tire for sidewall cracking, cuts, punctures, bulges, uneven wear, and air retention. Check the spare as carefully as the four road tires, because many collector cars still carry an old spare that has aged out quietly. If your setup uses a tube or older-style valve stem arrangement, inspect those parts too. Tire condition should be treated as one part of a broader pre-trip inspection on a car of this age.

A longer drive also calls for confirming wheel fastener torque, steering feel, brake response, and whether the car tracks straight at speed. If the Mercedes-Benz has been sitting, take it on a shorter shakedown run first and feel for vibration, pull, or temporary flat-spotting. That extra step is especially helpful on bias-ply-equipped cars. A careful pre-drive routine turns a vintage road trip into a planned outing rather than a mechanical experiment.