smarty666

Found out what the problem was. Quite the opposite of what we thought. The Lexus dealer underinflated the tires. Never had that before. Two of them were 30 PSI while the other two were 28 PSI.

I properly inflated them this morning to 34 PSI cold and the noise level is much better!!

SW17LS

There ya go! Glad it worked out...

RTSM

I thought I would follow up on my new tire purchase plans. Last week I had the larger 225/55/17 MXM4's V series installed and by my experience over the last week it looks like I will be going back to 215/55/17's until I can do a proper plus one upgrade. I did not like how the larger tire looked on the car in the front, almost balloon-like, the back looked ok but at the front of the car the tire looked out of place. Michelin's have a rounder look to them so with the 225 size to my eye they looked like 65 or 70 series tires. Also due to the few extra pounds per tire and slightly larger circumference the car felt a bit more sluggish off the line and I did not feel much of an improvement in cornering either. I'm not trying to make this car a sports car but just want enhance the steering feel a bit more.

So after my try-out with the larger tires it looks like I'll either go with the 215/55 MXM4's or MXV4's, I would prefer the MXM4's however according to Tire Rack the MXV4's have a wider profile so if the specs are accurate then I'll go with the MXV4's. One of these days' I'll do a proper plus one upgrade to go to 235's or 245's 45 or 50 series. Just my humble opinion and another data point for those who are looking for tire options.

jcat_350

god I hope the MXV4's you got weren't the S8's. THose tires are absolute JUNK.

Replaced the S8's (probably the original tires) that were on my car with a set of Hankook Optimo H426's that I got on closeout at a local tire place. $550 OTD with the full set mounted, balanced, old tires disposed, and TPMS sensor rebuild. They ride better, they're quieter, don't squeal when I'm turning into a parking space at 5mph, and handle better than those old Michelins did too. 40k mile tread warranty as well.

RTSM

Has anyone tried the 225/50/17 tire size? Curious if the smaller diameter tire would drastically change the ride and if they look too small.

jcat_350

Stock being 215/55/17, the breakdown is as follows:


215/50/17 = 3.32% smaller, speedo reads 3.32% slower than actual.

225/50/17 = 1.55% smaller, speedo reads 1.55% slower than actual.

225/55/17 = 1.7% bigger, speedo reads 1.7% faster than actual.

I don't think you'd see a huge difference in ride just from diameter increases that small, you're talking fractions of an inch. Sidewall stiffness etc. would have more effect.

RTSM

Thanks JCAT_350 for the info. I'll see if I can check out the Michelin AS-3 at 225/50 versus the MXV4's at 215/55.

TonyGulati

I was just recommended to go with Michelin Energy MXV4 - 4 tires $240 installed.


I also got a price quote for Michelin Primacy MXV4 225/55/R17 - 4 tires about 80-90% tread for $340 (does not include installation)

Thoughts?

RTSM

I just tried the MXV4 225/55/R17 on my 2011 ES and imho I did not like the way the car handled.
from a looks perspective they filled up the wheel wells but made the car handle more boat like and raised the car up a bit. Also Michelin tires are roundish so the larger tire had a balloon look to them in my personal opinion. I ended up with the MXV4 215/55/H17's, they are a bit bigger than the crappy EL400's that came with the car. I almost went with the A/S 3 in a 255/50/17, nice looking tire and much wider but was concerned about the additional road noise from a wider/lower profile tire.
Good luck to you, the MXV4' are super quiet, my wife had the Bridgestone Turanza's on before and the MXV4's are much quieter but the Turanza's were a bit better in handling imho.

jcat_350

Where the hell are you getting Michelins for 60-85 per tire? Are they used tires?

Either way, using a wider tire is going to give you the balloon look as the other member stated and you'll have adverse handling effects.

Honestly, look into the Hankook Optimo H426 in 215/55/17. I got a set of 4 installed on clearance for ~550, one of the best tires I've ever had on a car. Close second would be either a Uniroyal Tiger Paw or the Nitto Motivo.

lanb

Need to replace tires on my 2007 ES350 and decided to go with Primacy MXV4 H rated ones after CR report and discussions here.

Sears has a good price on them ($400 + tax) thru 8/31/2013 after Michelin $70 rebate, 70K SYW points
and coupon (DRIVE65 or ROUTE66). Price does not include installation.

BTW, what is the deal with the TPMS sensors ? Do they need to be rebuilt or replaced now that
they are about 6 years old ?

lanb

Any body ?

SW17LS

If they are working...they don't need to be replaced.

mckdaddy

It's time for new tires on my '12 es....33,700 miles. This thread has been very helpful. I'm going w/ the Primacy MXV4's for $840 installed, plus a $70 mail-in rebate to lower it to $770.

I'm not sure the difference b/t MXV and MXM's, but will google that in a second.

Tpcorr

So after about 45k miles I'm about ready to replace the oem Bridgestone Turanzas. I was thinking of waiting until the winter is over to save the new tires from the harsh weather this year. My current tires still have about 3/32" of tread with no real cupping or uneven wear. Does this thought have any merit, or should I just have Costco put on the Michelin Primacy MXV4 while my better half is on her weekly shopping spree?

Tom