kenmills

I recently traded in my old 95 ES 300 for a 2013 ES 300H. I prefer the ride quality of the older model. I realize that many people prefer the new ride quality, but I don't. I have Michelin tires, and I have reduced the pressure to about 29 PSI, which helped, but I'd like to soften the ride more. Is it possible to adjust the suspension or shocks to make the ride softer?

KennyLexus

Unfortunately, the stock suspension can't be adjusted. Currently, the only suspension available for your car are the BC coilovers. They are fully adjustable; at their highest setting your car will be 1" lower. Keep in mind, you still may not match your previous Lexus ride quality but you can come pretty close.

I upgraded from a 2011 Lexus ES with Michelin Primacy. The ride quality was soft and floaty but I liked it over the stock 2013 Lexus. Now I have coilovers and can get close to the 2011 ride quality even though I'm riding on 20s.

12jimmyjam

The ride quality has gone down a bit since your last car along with the quietness of the interior. When I switched from an 00 to an 07 (and then an another 07 and now an 09), I noticed the change. These newer models corner a bit better though.

PirelliRC

I highly doubt the BC Racing even on the softest setting will be softer than the stock shocks and struts. After all they do advertise their products as "street racing", so i dont see how it would be softer.

If anyone has coilovers on their 300h, i would pay you money to take it for a 5 minute spin to feel the difference. If anyone is in the Southern California please let me know.

Superes350

I think your biggest improvement will be installing 17" wheels and 55-series tires. You could always go to a junkyard and pull springs off of an equivalent generation Camry, since its sprung for a several hundred pound lighter vehicle. Might give you that wallowing feel that the 95 has.

dchar

If you're unsatisfied by the ride and it bothers you so much, you shouldn't have bought the car. The old ES ride could probably still be found in Buick. Lexus has changed a lot since 1995, and seems to be more focused on making their cars handle better rather than offering floaty rides now.
I feel the current ES is still floaty compared to my GS though

kenmills

BTW, I have 215/55R17 Michelin Primacy tires.........

By having asked this question, I am exploring (with your help) what possibilities there are for softening the ride. I don't necessarily need to have a "floaty" ride, and I am not so disappointed with the ride that I would get rid of the car. I would simply like to soften the bumps if it is possible.

Thanks to those of you who have offered suggestions for taking your time to do so.

biglexfan

I am probably in the same situation as you are. I love my 2014 ES for its quiet ride, looks and interior space but would also like to have a slightly softer ride. I am also currently using a 17" wheel with stock Yokohama E70 tire. As my tire is due for a change soon, I was thinking if I should at the same time downsize my wheels to 16" to get that little bit more "cushion" between the car and the road. A 16” 60 profile would have the same overall tire diameter as a 17” 55 profile.

Have you considered doing this? Has anyone else done this on their 2014 ES? I do know that a stock 16" Camry wheel has identical spec as the ES 17" other than the diameter. The only concern is whether a 16" would provide sufficient clearance for the brake calipers in the front wheel.

kenmills

Very interesting. I hadn't considered this and would like to know the results if you do it.

KennyLexus

kenmills,

BC Racing coilovers are made to order. In other words, the customer tells the vendor what spring rates they want. I told them I wanted my springs the same as OEM. You can also adjust the dampeners (how hard or how soft) to your liking. I have mine currently set at 22 clicks (on the soft side). If you want to see how my car looks with coilovers, I just posted on the 'post your picture Now' thread.

kenmills

Looks good!