mcat

I know there are options for new rims on my '99 ls400 with low profile tires, but i'd like to get new rims for stocks size tires.
What are my options?
Thanks for suggestions.

cat

Kansas

Few and far between. What is your object? Aftermarket wheels in the standard 16" size for the 95-00 LS400 and 01-02 LS430 are drying up.

When I bought aftermarket wheels in the standard 16" size for snow tires on my 00 LS400 in 2003, Tire Rack had a huge selection. Now they sell only one model in standard or chrome finish.

If your wheels are worn and you are OK with the style, you could have them refurbished if you can do without your car for a few weeks or already have another set of wheels.

If you don't already have an extra set of wheels, you could buy a set of new or refurbished LS430 or LS430 16" OEM style wheels in a style you like from one of the wheel refinishing companies. Or see what you can find on eBay or Craigslist. One nice feature of buying OEM style wheels is that it is easier and sometimes less expensive to assemble a full set by buying one or two at a time.

I wish I had bought a set of Lexus wheels instead of the aftermarket wheels for my snow tires in 2003. Hammer on balancing wheels can't be used on many/most aftermarket 16" wheels and the 98-00 LS doesn't have room between the front brake calipers and the inside of the wheel rim for the stick-on balancing weights needed to do a dynamic balance. And if I were to ever damage one of the aftermarket wheels, I doubt if I could find a replacement -- they were discontinued years ago.

If like me, your reason for using 16" wheels is to preserve the cushy ride, consider going with the optional 17" wheels from the 01-02 LS430 or the standard 17" wheels from the 03-06 LS430 and with 225/55-17 tires. The ride probably won't be all that much harsher if you use decent tires although the tires will likely wear out substantially sooner and 225/55-17 tires cost more than corresponding 225/60-16 tires.

I've gotten this down to a science since I buy cars and keep them a long. LONG, time: 79 Mercedes from 79 to 90, 210,000 miles; 90 LS from 90 to 03, 183,000 miles; 00 LS purchased in 03 at 38,000 miles, currently at 125,000 miles and plan to sell in 2015 when I purchase what may be my final car.

mcat

Jim,
Thanks for the detailed response. The chrome is peeling in a couple places on a couple rims and I suspect I'm losing air pressure on a couple rims since I have relatively new tires on.

I like the idea of refurbished rims or even 17" tires/rims; I just don't want too much of a radical look to the car.

What are options on refurbished rims?

THanks,

Cat

Kansas

There are plenty of on-line wheel shops that sell refurbished rims on an exchange basis -- search the Internet for companies like http://www.phenixwheels.com/ . My next door neighbor took his LS chrome rims to a nearby wheel shop here in the Kansas City metro and they sent them out to be refinished and re-chromed.