Brklynesq

I have recently purchased a 2009 Lexus ES 350 that came with the factory 17x7 wheels. I am considering purchasing a set of 17 inch aftermarket wheels, however all of the wheels that I have seen on sites such as tirerack.com that will supposedly fit my vehicld are either 17x7.5 or 17x8. My dealer told me that as these rims are wider than the factory wheels I have, they coould potentially rub against the wheelwell durning sharp cornering. I was wondering if anyone in this forum has replaced their factory wheels with wider aftermarket wheels and if it caused any problems with their vehicle? Thanks.

flowrider

iTrader: (9)

If the offsets are correct a 17 X 7.5" wheel will absolutely cause you no problems.

Lou

MadMax96

I'm pretty sure, also, that if Tire Rack says the wheel will fit your particular car, you should be fine. I think they're showing more than just a wheel that has the same lug pattern.

The only benefit of going with another 7" wide wheel is if you want to re-use your tires.

If you end up finding something you like - I'd possibly be interested in your OEM wheels if you want to sell them.

Brklynesq

Thanks, however after going through site, I'm thinking about getting either a set of 18's or 19's.

safford197

As you increase your wheel size you decrease the tire sidewall height. I did try cheating and putting an extra 5mm side wall height on my '07 ES and it does rub slightly at full lock. So if you go with 18" you'll have a 45 series tire vs. 55 series at 17". In my experience that's as far as you want to go if you live in an area like DC where there are pot holes everywhere. When I had my IS300 the 35 series tires didn't do much to protect the rims and I was replacing a warped rim here and there every few months.

Brklynesq

Thanks for the advice Safford. You must really know D.C. because there are potholes everywhere. Based on your recommendation, I am now looking at a set of 17 inch Lexus IS wheels for my ES, but I have a question. My ES wheels are 17x7 and have 215/R55/17 wheels. The IS wheels are 17x8. As such, if I purchase the IS wheels, am I going to have to purchase new tires tires or will the current ones fit? I thank you in advance for any assistance you may have.

SteadyEddy

iTrader: (1)

You could go with some e-sport wheels. That's what I did back in 07 when I first got the ES. I looked them up on Sewell's they only say 17", they don't tell you how wide they are. I used my stock tires when I whiched and haven't had any problems and I now have over 55000 on the odemeter.

flowrider

iTrader: (9)

The tire manufacturer's say the width range for a 215/55/17 tire is from 6" to 7.5". Will the stock tires fit, yes they will, but the will have that stretched look. I wouldn't do it. As far as an 18" wheel goes, many of the folks on this forum are using GS wheels with no issues. I lived for a time in Herndon Va. IMHO, you should not have a problem using 18" wheels, but you will get a more plush softer ride with 17s. The 18 " size with the same OD as your current tires would be 235/45/18.

Lou

Brklynesq

Thanks fellas, sounds like it is back to the drawing board.

Brklynesq

Here we go again. I found a guy who is selling a set of LS 18inch rims and wheels with the following configurations: 18" X 7.5" , 5 Lugs, 120mm w/ 32mm Offset. Will these fit my ES or will the offset throw it off? Thanks in advance.

Brklynesq

Disregard. I did a little research on my own and the won't fit.

Brklynesq

First and foremost, I want to thank you guys for your responses. I purchased my ES two weeks ago and my dealer said that I should check out this site and it has proved itself to be a valuable resource. With that on to my next question.

As stated about my ES has the God awful 17x7 factory standard wheels that I want to replace ASAP. I found a set of Lexus IS rims (17x8.5) online. My Lexus guy said that should keep the width of any wheels I buy under 8.8 to avoid wheel well rubbing so I may be cutting it close if I go with this purchase. Any thoughts?

SteadyEddy

iTrader: (1)

Would it be possible to do a fitment test before you buy? Just a thought.

Brklynesq

Buying them online so I don't thing so. I think I am just going to buy a set of 17x7.5 I saw on eBay that I really like. While my tires are 17x7, everything that I have read and everyone I have spoke with has stated that the .5 inch difference in the wheel size shouldn't affect the ride of my car and I will be able to keep my factory tires.

imherenow

post the pics of the rims