ichiban18c

Just recently picked up a new 2015 GS350 and had some questions for those out there.

#1 OEM Tire Choice. Mine came with the Dunlop Sport Maxx 050 235/45/18. I find these to be extremely noisy as a OEM tire choice. Being that this is a luxury vehicle, I kinda expected a more quieter ride. Anyone else have this experience?

#2 Engine ticking noise. I know any engine that uses VVT-i or similar variable valve lift have experienced a slight "ticking noise" here and there but is it exceptionallly louder on the newer ones? It seems to be actually louder on warm engine not cold starts.

PirelliRC

My 2014 GS came with the same setup as yours. I didn't like the Dunlops so i switched to the same size Pirelli P7s All Season tires, 100 times better in all regards. As for the ticking noise, i cannot relate with that. My car has no such noises.

ichiban18c

Did you complain to Lexus about the OEM tire choice or you just didnt bother and just changed them out?

bclexus

The ticking noise you hear is the sound of the high-pressure fuel injectors. They all have this noise, which is mostly heard at low RPM and especially heard if the window is down and you are passing by a wall. The noise is not the VVT-i system.

PirelliRC

No, it would be a waste of time because its a matter of your preference. I've seen guys praising the Dunlops here.

dseag2

The Dunlops weren't bad on my GS F Sport, but after 15k miles I swapped them for Michelin Pilot Super Sports. The road noise didn't go away, but it wasn't as bad. The handling was much better.

PirelliRC

The Super Sports are sticky tires so they should handle well, they go great with an all wheel drive setup.

Atomic350F

The Dunlops are are maximum performance summer tire, and hence are designed with grip and handling in mind over a quiet ride, duration, and fuel economy.

The tires are one of the most dramatic vehicle altering items, it makes sense the F Sport would come with tires designed to be that - "sporty"!

Switching to some "Grand Touring" tires when those wear out would lean things towards the quieter side for you, at the cost of some reduced handling/traction.

ichiban18c

Ah ok. I didnt take into account that they may have switched to direct injection. That would make sense for the noise.

Thanks!