I, like many others, are looking for tires to replace the horrible Goodyear Invicta's on my 2000 GS300. It is basically down to the Yoko AVS db's, Dunlop SP 5000 or the Michelin Pilot XGT V/Z4's. I need a good all-season, high performance tire for my stock 16" rims.

My question is this. I noticed that on the customer survey ratings on Tirerack, that the Asymmetrical size of the Sp 5000 performs marginally better, particularly in the snow (had a horrible time with the Goodyears last winter up here in Northern New Jersey). I would love to be able to get Pole Positions for summer, and a good winter tire for winter, but cost and storage are a factor. Anywho, since the Asymmetrical's perform better, can any of those sizes be fitted on the stock rim? I believe that the current size/tire is 215/60/16, which would be the Symmetrical version. Would the 205/55/16 or 225/55/16's Asymmetrical's fit?

TIA.

 

Al,

welcome.

225/55/60 would be the ideal choice. it would be the same size as stock gs4. and the overall diameter is the closest to 215/60/16.

have you also looked at the bridge re730 and 950? they draw positive reviews as well. and several members here also like the re730. a bit more $$$ though.

will

 

i drove a friend's car with sp5000's - very nice quiet ride with lots of grip. he had just switched from Michelins which were really noisy compared to the Dunlops. i'm in NJ too - if we have another cold, snowy winter i don't think you'll do well with anything other than snows for a rear driver like the GS.

 

Thank you all for your information. I live in Central New Jersey and have the Invictas as well. I bought a set of Blizzaks (215/60/16) all around and they really make a difference in the snow. (I use them from December - March).

Do I need to go with an all season tire for the rest of the year (e.g. SP 5000) or should I be considering "summer" rubber?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

P,

if you already have a set of winter tyre, then by all means get a set of "summer" tyre for the full enjoyment of GS, if your budget allows.

the sp5000, to a certain extent, is all/season perfromance tyre. for about the same cost, i highly recommend either bridgestone re730, or toyo t1-s. they both received excellent reviews from the pros(industry people) and regular car lovers.

will

 

GS4Will:

I am somewhat reluctant to follow your advice as I am fearful that a "summer" tire will be worse than the Invictas with a slight amount of snow. It can snow here before and after I have the Blizzaks mounted, but not a lot. This car is my transportation on an 80 mi. round trip commute daily.

 

P,

being from s.cal, i can only advice members based on waht i have heard/read thru others on board, and friends from back east.

i first read about the re730 from tirerack review, and then 2 of my friends in cincinnati tired them on the gs.
perhaps you can also call Luke at tirerack for some more professional advice.

good luck

will

 

I have the 225/55-16 Dunlop SP5000's on my GS430, and am extremely impressed with them. My previous '98 GS400 had the Goodyear GT+4's as OE and they were awful, both in terms of noise and handling qualities. I have experience with the Firestone's highly rated SZ50's too. Neither compare favorably with the Dunlop SP5000.

 

Thanks for the replies. I've been going back and forth for weeks now. I don't need to replace them yet, but the stock Goodyears SUCK!

I think I'm now looking between the SP 5000's and the RE950. I know that any tire I get will be better than the stocks, but just want to get the best there is.

Anyone know how much louder (if any), the SP 5000's are over the Yoko AVS db's? I guess as long as they are quieter than the stock, it would be ok.

The main things I want to improve on over the stocks is noise, handling, wet weather traction, and snow traction.

 

I don't know how much this will help you buy I just put my second set of Dunlop SP5000 on my ES300. They've done OK except I had to replace one tire because of hitting a pot hole. It made a big bubble on the side wall. Also it wasn't covered under the manu. warranty. Only 10k miles when it happened. But other than that they are nice and quiet and grip well.

 

which tires does everyone suggest for the stock 16's during the winter?

 

I have used Michelin Pilot XGT Z4 before and now I'm using Yoko AVS dB.

Both are great ultra high performance 4 season tires with slight differences.

AVS db
-better dry and wet traction
-better steering response
-quieter
The only downside is that it tracks the road groove a bit but its not unbearable

Pilot XGT Z4
-noisier
-lighter steering feel (a bit too mushy for me)
-doesn't track the road grooves

Depends on what you need. Yoko AVS db is more on the performance side. Pilot XGT Z4 provides softer ride.

I'm going to try BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDWS for my next set once my AVS dB wear out. Maybe you should look into that as well.