MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

Seeking a little advice on new potential new tires...

Right now I am on 235 50R 17 Bridgestone Turanza Serenity tires and I have LOVED them - smooth, quiet ride, great grip, perfect in all weather, reasonable wear...I can't say enough good things about them. I drive a '03 GS 300 but upgraded to the 17 x 8" 5spoke OEM wheels from the GS 430. Before these wheels I had 215 35 17 Michelin Pilots on the 1IS 17" wheels and hated them - very loud, poor ride quality, bad traction in the rain, etc.

When I got the newer wheels, I knew that I needed to increase the sidewall to improve ride quality but even then, the difference between the two tires has been incredible. Now, I come from a "Michelin family" where almost every car has Michelins on it. I became the black sheep for buying Bridgestones but I have never been so happy with tires as I am with these.

Now I am considering going with the 18 x 8" wheels from the SC 430 and will not be able to fit 50 series tires on 18" wheels under my wheel wells without rubbing, and I would prefer not to do fender modifications. So, I'm quite sure that I am going to have to look at 40 series tires once again. That has led me to two potential options:

Michelin Primacy MXM4: 235 40R 18 (possibly 235 45R 18, but I don't know if they would fit. What is the sidewall size difference between 50 and 45 series?)

Bridgestone Turanza Serenity: 235 40R 18

Both are grand touring all season tires and they seem very comparable, but I would like to hear opinions or experiences with both. I am concerned with going from a 50 to 40 series tires for the sake of ride quality because Atlanta roads are so bad, but probably don't have a choice with an 18" wheels. As noted above, I've had a great experience with my current Bridgestones but know that Michelin obviously makes great tires.

Thoughts? Opinions? Thanks in advance.

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

Get the Bridgestones if you have been happy with them... Both are great manufacturers, Bridgestone has surpassed even Michelin in total sales and value worldwide... The Serenity is an amazing tire as you have already seen, and it is usually cheaper than a comparable Michelin as well...

I would go with 245/40-18 all around on your car... it will fit no problem, give you a little extra width and height without rubbing...

Plus, Bridgestone has way cooler commercials!

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

I had the Bridgestones and have the Michelins now. Both are great tires, but i will say go with the bridgstones. They are just as quiet and comfortable as the Michelins, but offer better handling, at least thas how it felt to me. I can' t comment on wear for the Michelins, but thwy seem to be holding up much better then the Yokohama Avid Envigors that only lasted me one year and 15k miles, this is what i had between the Bridgestones and the michelins

zig@tr

The 245/40R18 size is the largest sidewall I show you can put on that vehicle. As far as the choice between Bridgestone Turanza Serenity and he Michelin Primacy MXM4 both tires do very well in or customer feedback results. If you have had experience in the past with the Bridgestone and "Loved" them as you said why risk changing to something you may not like as much.

Grand Touring All-Season Survey Results

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for all of the feedback, guys. I was leaning towards the Bridgestones but wanted to at least seek input on the Michelins. I will most likely go with the Bridgestones, considering how happy I have been with my current set.

Zig, good catch on 245 instead of 235. Thanks!

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

I would rather go mxm4 Primacy. But that's just me if I'm gonna spend close to $200/tire.

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

based on??

the tires both have almost identical reviews on TR, and the Serenity is 253 a tire vs 291 for the MXM... over a set, that is $132... he already knows he likes the Serenitys, why pay more for something that is no better reviewed and unknown to him... Bridgestone has a better warranty IMO too... Plus you get a higher speed rating with the Serenity...

Don't get me wrong, I've driven both, they are both great, but one is definitely better value...

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

Last I looked, the Bridgestones were actually a bit pricier.

EDIT - not anymore. Michelins were $235 a tire on sale, and are now $291. The Bridgestones are $253, so $152 less overall.

That pretty much seals the deal, I think. Thanks for everyone's input

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

245/40/18 - Michellin Primacy is not available anyways, so I guess you should go with the Turanza Serenity. That's according to tirerack.com

rome99LS

Bridgestone serenity is the best, I had them on my last car and plan on gettin them on my LS once my taxes gets here. I've never owned michelins but I know IT'S BRIDGESTONE OR IT NOTHING!! lol I agree and am co- signing on how good the Serenities are!!!