mawatte

Getting ready to purchase a 2013 ES 350 but looking to get 18" wheels. The dealers in my area do not have the color I want with 18" , only 17". They stated they would swap the wheels from another ES 350.
Are there any differences in the ES with 17" vs 18" other than the wheels? Any difference in suspension, etc.? Would change them change the speedometer reading?

Thanks

Dave Mac

I'm not sure how willing your dealer will be to swap wheels for you unless (1) they really want your business or (2) they have someone (like me) who doesn't want 18" wheels and tires on their new ES. The mechanics are simple - no change to speedometer, rebalancing or anything, just move the wheels over. The problem for them becomes the window sticker, price etc. on the donor car are now wrong. I have enough trouble just getting them to change tires (with wheels) from one car to another. But like I said if they want the deal bad enough they won't find it to be a problem. Good luck.

Dave Mac

mawatte

Thanks Dave,
I just received a call and was told they couldn't swap. I think I'll just stick with the 17". The car does have Michelin's on it. Trying find out which.

Mark

vacarman02

I have the 17" and Michelins and so far very satisfied!

rtrider

I have the Michelin 17"s and they are the Primacy MXV4's....

sdloeffler

@DaveMac just curious why you don't want the 18's?

Dave Mac

I wanted the standard wheels - don't like the optional wheel that has been on every 2013 ES350 I've seen and Michelin 17 Primacy MXV4's so had to special order (for the wheels not the tires which can't be done). I was planning on having either the standard wheels or 2012 wheels chromed but after seeing them I kept them as they were.

And in response to your question I was hoping for just a little better ride with 17's over 18's and maybe more tire life. My car is a 36K lease and I'm hoping that with the Michelin Primacy tires I just might get through the lease without having to buy tires - something I have never come even close to doing with other OEM tires.

Dave Mac

Dave Mac

Mark: If the car you are looking at has Michelins they will be Michelin Primacy MXV4's which I think is a very good tire. There is a newer Michelin, I believe called the Defender or something that sounds to be even better but it is not an OEM tire on any new car that I know of.

Dave Mac

sdloeffler

@davemac - my car has the 18" wheels and the ride was horrible when I first got it. Lexus told me it was due to the wheels because it had low profile tires on it. I won't go through all the different hijinks I went through, but will skip straight to the end. Numerous people, including a different Lexus dealer told me to swap out the tires. Lexus uses three or four OEM tires on their cars and it's luck of the draw as to what you get. They use Michelin, Dunlop, and mostly Bridgestone. My car had the Bridgestone's, which are a very hard rubber. They handle better, but they ride horribly. I went to a tire dealer who gave me a great deal on trade in. I went from the Bridgestone's to the Michelin's MXM4's and the ride was unbelievably different. The Michelin's should last well past your lease. My MXM4's are rated to 55k and I've had MXV4's easily go to 60k without issue. Michelin easily makes the best overall tire for a combination of performance, ride, and wear. Good luck.

@mawatte - the 17" Michelin's are MXV4's. the 18" Michelin's are MXM4's. Both great tires. the MXM4's are more of a touring performance tire. Both are sweet.

UTAS

I believe that 18-inch wheels require low-profile tires, which will not provide much cushion between the vehicle and the pavement - ergo, a "sporty" ride, if that's what one wants. Also, be aware that the low-profile tires have a tendency to wear out quicker than the "normal" tire on a 17-inch rim. Expect about 15K miles - there is a disclaimer on the cars sticker, when these wheels / tires are provided.

Another thought: The Michelin Primacy MXV4 is an excellent tire - it has the Michelin "Green X" technology that combines a good ride with exceptionally low rolling resistence (for better mpg). I prefer the 17-inch wheels and the MXV4 combination. FWIW

sdloeffler

my 18" wheels with the Michelin MXM4's rides just as good as the 17" with the MXV4 tires. I've tried them both. the 18's handle better, but the Michelin's give it a great ride.