Blackraven

The Lexus GS350 F Sport RWD uses OEM factory tires provided by Bridgestone:

Bridgestone Potenza RE050A (Asymmetric Staggered)
Dimensions are:

Front: 235/40 R19
Rear: 265/35 R19

UNFORTUNATELY HERE IS THE PROBLEM

Bridgestone Philippines DOES NOT offer Potenza RE050A in 235/40 19 tires in my country.

http://www.sheehan.com.ph/bridgeston...-high-end.html

So given this situation, I have come to ask for your suggestions by presenting to you different plausible options:

Option #1 = Use 265/35 R19 Potenza RE050A for the front (just like in the rear)

In this theoretical setup, both front and rear tires will use the exact same tire dimensions. Sure I might lose the staggered setup (since this an RWD version)......but if it means that all four wheels use the same Potenza RE050A, then I guess that could work

Option #2 = Use Potenza S001 for the front wheels in OEM front dimension 235/40/19 while using Potenza RE050A rears 265/35

This setup will use different tire variant than the rear......but what is interesting to note is that based on what I've read: The S001 is more superior compared to the RE050A. In short: S001 > RE050A

Regardless, if I go for this option, then I can still adhere to the Lexus factory tire dimensions for the car.

Option #3 = Rear wheels will now use Potenza S001 BUT WITH SMALLER ASPECT RATIO (aka 265/30)

I'd like to know as to what is the effect of using different aspect ratio aka 265/30 instead of the Lexus factory rear tire of 265/35

So that's basically it.

Personally, I'm guessing that out of the three possible options, Option#2 might be the more preferred choice I think:

Front:
Bridgestone S001
235/40/R19

Rear:
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A
265/35/R19

Nevertheless, I'd like to know as to what you guys think =)

NOTE:
For a Japanese car like a Lexus GS350 F sport, the OEM for RWD variant are Bridgestone Potenza so I'd like to stick to it.

Hence, Michellin, Pirelli, Continental, and Dunlop are out of the question here. I leave those tire brands to other car brands. =)

ZbynekZ

I don't understand why you want stick with Bridgestone, but it's your decision.

I think #2 is the best of yours. Or you can buy tires online abroad where they have right size for your GS.

Did you try to buy tires through your Lexus dealer?

Blackraven

Our local Lexus dealer will only have 18 inchers for this car

Because the GS350 F SPORT sold here comes with these ugly-*** **** wheels



Similar to what they offer in Guam and the rest of South East Asia.

P.S.
On a slightly-related note, I noticed that the RC350 F Sport sold in Guam uses OEM Bridgestone Potenza RE050A similar to the GS350 F SPORT.

We'll see how that goes....

Rexus300

iTrader: (1)

I would highly recommend you to buy from www.tirerack.com and give them a call to get the tires shipped internationally with insurance. You can get amazing set of Michelins for this car. Please don't say that sticking with OEM bridgestone is the best way to go. I fail to believe thats true. The Lexus in general along with all my german cars do far better with non-OEM tires. There are far better choices such as the Pilot Super Sport or the Continetal DW or DWS etc.

ZbynekZ

I have also good experience with international delivery on www.tirerack.com. But the delivery costs almost the same like tires, because it's heavy.

Blackraven

I just read that Bridgestone advises people not to mix different tire variants......since the S001 and RE050A have different tread patterns.

dchar

I've had experience with the Bridgestone RE050A on my 2013 RWD F-sport. It was OEM factory setup, but Lexus made a bad choice putting that on. Those tires wore out quickly, were loud on the freeway, and grip was just ok. When it came time to change tires (19K miles), I quickly changed to the Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Immediately, I felt a huge difference in ride quality, noise, and grip. Michelin Pilot Super Sport is what Lexus should've put on the GS from the factory. Tire shop also rates the Michelin higher than the Bridgestones, and the Michelins were even $10-20 cheaper per tire. They were barely worn 15K miles later when I returned it at the end of the lease. My current 2015 RWD F-sport is fitted with the Dunlop Sport Maxx from the factory, and these are just as bad as the Bridgestones. IMO, don't even bother with the Bridgestone RE050A and go for either the S001 (haven't experienced) on all four, or change to Michelin Pilot Super Sport.

Blackraven

Do they still honor your warranty over there in the States if you decide to switch tires within the waranty period?

dchar

Warranty doesn't have anything to do with tires. Dealers even sell Michelins, Bridgestones, and Dunlops. It's not the same as putting on aftermarket parts.

ItzFilyO

So the FSport over there comes with those 18" wheels? That's sad and must be a pain to clean the brake dust on those wheels.