Garwow

I'm new to this group. I have a question that I would appreciate any infromation I can get.
I own a 1999 ES300. I got it preowned. It currently has 15" wheels, (I have no idea why they even bothered), and I want to put on 16" wheels from a 2002 ES300. I was originally told by Lexus that the 1999 had the option to go to 16" wheels, so I went and purchased some. When I called back to get the recommended tire size for the wheels, they tell me that the ES300 can't take 16" wheels, only 15" wheels. It almost sounds like they don't want to commit to an answer for fear of a law suit. Anyway, now I have wheels that I supposedly can't put on my car. They say that the wheels will fit the 2000 model, but isn't it the same body style? I'm confused!

My question: Can the ES300 take 16" wheels straight up, without modifying the suspension? If so, what tire size would be best? (I was thinking of a BS 205/60R-16vr92) What issues are there if any.

If not, what do I need to do to get these wheels on my car without spending a fortune?

I've seen pictures on this forum of others with 17" & 18" wheels on their ES300s, so I know it can be done.

Thanks in advance for your help.

G.

XenonES3

I was in a VERY similiar situation yesterday.

I bought 1999 16x6.5 SC400 CHROME rims from another CL member and was told by other CL members the rims would fit no problem.

I received the rims and took them to the Lexus dealer to have them installed yesterday, and they rubbed the rear suspension parts badly. Clearly, the mechanics could have put in a spacer and it should have prevented rubbing.

I feel Lexus dealers don't want to make any modifications that put the car's mechanical components in jeapordy.

Mechanically, Spacers are NOT necessarily GOOD for a car and I would prefer not to use them, which is why I am selling these rims and tires.

In your situation the dealer probably felt 99's were meant for 15's and not designed for newer 16's. I'm sure it's definately possible to use 2000 model 16's but Lexus wouldn't want to take the blame if something went wrong. Try and seek an independent shop.

Good Luck!

LexDiamond

I had 16" 17" and 18" on my 1997 ES300 Never had any problems.

Make sure you use a narrow rim tho like 16X6 or 18X7 nothing wider then 235 try to stay at 225.

I had no problem running 225/40/18 on my 92 ES300 92 SC300 and 97 ES300

IRA Lexus was well aware of it and even helped take off a stripped locking lug for me!! No1 else would! The dealer charged me $130 but hey Town Fair tire wanted to torch the wheel so I'm happy

Garwow

I went ahead and put the tires on. Everything I read, or heard led me to believe that it would work.
It did fit! It only has about an inch clearance on the back tire and does sometimes hit when making quick hard turns, or big bumps, but other than that it works okay. I had put 16-6.5 wheels using 205-60R-16 tires on it. I probably should have went with a slightly smaller profile tire, but since I'm not racing the car, it should work out fine (I hope).

Thanks for the responses

G.

squarehat

If the wheels fit the 2000, they should fit the 1999 just fine. I don't think the cleared taillights on the 00 had anything to do with wheel fitment 205/60-16 was the OEM size for the 00-01 cars with 16" rims, so you should be good.

Garwow

That's exactly what I thought. Lexus would not comment to that fact at all.

The fronts are fine. The backs are a little tighter than I'd like, but they fit. The car looks 1000% better. Even the ride feels better, but the new tires could have done that. The old ones were worn bad.

G.

Nixsun79

I have 18x8's from an SC430 on my 97ES3, it fit no problem and has never rubbed. I did have to use a 3mm spacer, but that will not hurt the car. The only time a spacer will damage the wheel bearring if you go with a large spacer, 3mm is nothing. I can't belive your car rubs with the 16's on there. The actual diameter of the wheel/tire does not change from the 15 to 16, this is do to a lower profile tire on the 16. If you do it right the diameter of the 15 with the tire should be exactly the same as the 16 with the tire. This is even true when going even larger with 17, 18, or even 19" wheel sizes. The 205/60-16 is perfect for car, not changing the diameter at all. If you are getting a rub, it might be due to the offset of the wheel, but coming off of a 2000 ES3 I doubt the offset is wrong.

Check out this website to get a clearer picture of what Im saying.

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Garwow

I'm not 100% sure it is rubbing. I may just be paranoid. If it is rubbing it is very little on extreme turns. It is about an inch away from the gaurd in the rear wheel well. The wheel offsets were suppose to be the same.
I'm going to keep my eye on it, but I don't think it will be a problem.
By the way, I used the Miata Calc. That is what convinced me to go ahead with it.
Thanks.

G.