Bridgestone Turanza's in snow...
11-17-12, 12:39 PM
#16
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Interestingly, on the all-wheel-drive GS 350, the wheel and tire package is perhaps the only performance-oriented difference between the F Sport model and the Luxury model. A replacement set of tires would cost between $1,000 to $1,400. This does not include the cost of labor to install those tires.
11-17-12, 01:25 PM
#17
The F Sport's steering wheel is the same as the base model's steering wheel with the exception of the golf ball divots on the three and nine o'clock leather wraps and the six o-clock F Sport badge.
Interestingly, on the all-wheel-drive GS 350, the wheel and tire package is perhaps the only performance-oriented difference between the F Sport model and the Luxury model. A replacement set of tires would cost between $1,000 to $1,400. This does not include the cost of labor to install those tires.
Interestingly, on the all-wheel-drive GS 350, the wheel and tire package is perhaps the only performance-oriented difference between the F Sport model and the Luxury model. A replacement set of tires would cost between $1,000 to $1,400. This does not include the cost of labor to install those tires.
11-17-12, 03:09 PM
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Not really the only difference. The AVS is tuned for more sportier ride in Sport + mode then in the luxury version. The 4 suspension bushings are stiffer and bigger with anti-roll bars. Also bigger brakes front and rear. Interior with aluminum trim, adjustable lower seat cushion with side bolsters. Etc.
I've seen no evidence (differing part numbers) that there are unique stabilizer bars on the F Sport models.
As for the front seats:
- The base model uses a 10-way adjustable driver's seat and a 10-way adjustable passenger seat with standard leather.
- The F Sport uses a 16-way adjustable driver's seat and a 10-way adjustable passenger's seat with standard leather.
- The Luxury uses an 18-way adjustable driver's seat and an 18-way adjustable passenger's seat with semi-aniline leather.
There is nearly price parity between the AWD F Sport and Luxury models.
11-17-12, 04:40 PM
#19
I have my 350 F sport since mid-August and was concerned about the Bridgestone and not the all season Contis that are present on Audi's and Porsche's in the same tire size. I drove the car I the small nor'easter we had two weeks ago and was not impressed in the handling. I had ordered winter tires and decided to put them on in early rather than late November. Got Pirelli Sottozero II in the original tire size. What an improvement in handling and no vibration until they heat up. Next summer will need to get another tire rather than the crappy Bridgestone Turanza. Might get Pirelli P Zero's or Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
11-17-12, 10:27 PM
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That's not the only reason...so not filmsy at all. The premium model is quite nice by itself and you get the fogs and much better tires, for example. Also get the same engine.
11-18-12, 08:56 AM
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I have my 350 F sport since mid-August and was concerned about the Bridgestone and not the all season Contis that are present on Audi's and Porsche's in the same tire size. I drove the car I the small nor'easter we had two weeks ago and was not impressed in the handling. I had ordered winter tires and decided to put them on in early rather than late November. Got Pirelli Sottozero II in the original tire size. What an improvement in handling and no vibration until they heat up. Next summer will need to get another tire rather than the crappy Bridgestone Turanza. Might get Pirelli P Zero's or Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
11-18-12, 09:07 AM
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The GS 350 F Sport AWD uses the same 13.1" front brake rotors as the base and Luxury AWD models. The F Sport RWD is equipped with larger 14.0" brake rotors in the front. All of the GS (AWD and RWD) models use 12.2" rear brake rotors.
I've seen no evidence (differing part numbers) that there are unique stabilizer bars on the F Sport models.
As for the front seats:
There is nearly price parity between the AWD F Sport and Luxury models.
I've seen no evidence (differing part numbers) that there are unique stabilizer bars on the F Sport models.
As for the front seats:
- The base model uses a 10-way adjustable driver's seat and a 10-way adjustable passenger seat with standard leather.
- The F Sport uses a 16-way adjustable driver's seat and a 10-way adjustable passenger's seat with standard leather.
- The Luxury uses an 18-way adjustable driver's seat and an 18-way adjustable passenger's seat with semi-aniline leather.
There is nearly price parity between the AWD F Sport and Luxury models.
However, I dont like the wheels on either the F-sport or Luxury, and plan on changing them out soon...
11-20-12, 07:38 PM
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Update:
I just put on Pirelli Sotozero II winter tires on the original rims, stock size 235/40/19. I decided to stay with the low-profile sizing, even though it can snow a lot in my area (Michigan). We'll see!
First impression: handling is clearly a lot better than with the lousy all-season Turanza's that come with the AWD F-Sport. The difference is amazing. And these are winter tires! So now I'm 100% sure that I'll ditch the Turanza's and get new wheels and performance tires next spring...
Honestly, if they had better tires on the AWD F-Sport models, they'd probably sell a lot more cars to those buyers who are cross-shopping this car with the 535xi.
I just put on Pirelli Sotozero II winter tires on the original rims, stock size 235/40/19. I decided to stay with the low-profile sizing, even though it can snow a lot in my area (Michigan). We'll see!
First impression: handling is clearly a lot better than with the lousy all-season Turanza's that come with the AWD F-Sport. The difference is amazing. And these are winter tires! So now I'm 100% sure that I'll ditch the Turanza's and get new wheels and performance tires next spring...
Honestly, if they had better tires on the AWD F-Sport models, they'd probably sell a lot more cars to those buyers who are cross-shopping this car with the 535xi.
Last edited by Hockyguy4u; 11-20-12 at 07:41 PM.
11-21-12, 08:33 PM
#24
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I also just put on Pirelli Sotozero II winter tires on a second set of original rims on my F Sport AWD and love them better than the original all season tires. I can't wait to try them in the snow. I live in Canada (Montreal) and are waiting for the first snowstorm of the season...
Last edited by Technophil; 11-21-12 at 08:38 PM.
11-25-12, 07:46 PM
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Lux wheels
I wanted the F sport but the dealer said they couldn't swap the wheels for the 18" premium wheels. I didn't want to have issues with potholes and snow. They are trying to get me into a lux package that has the 18" wheels and Michelin tires. But those lux wheels are not as nice as the prem wheels. Not sure what to do...
11-25-12, 07:51 PM
#26
I really like how my F-sport feels and drives with the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 winter tires on 18 inch rims. Its smooth, grippy, sharp handling, and low noise. Still waiting for the snow to come! I have the standard 19 inch and continental all season tires at a auto storage place.
12-12-12, 09:20 PM
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The garbage OEM tires were one of the reasons I passed over the AWD F Sport model and purchased a Luxury model instead. There are no high performance all-season tires available in the AWD F Sport's stock tire size (235 / 40 R 19). There are lots of high performance all-season tires available in the AWD Luxury model's stock tire size (235 / 45 R 18). I'll probably switch to Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus tires in the future if I stay with the stock wheels.
12-13-12, 06:39 AM
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12-17-12, 05:51 AM
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Right now I'm getting the best of both worlds...the quiet ride you want in a luxury car and the capability I need in the winter. SWEET!!!
12-19-12, 06:11 PM
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The garbage OEM tires were one of the reasons I passed over the AWD F Sport model and purchased a Luxury model instead. There are no high performance all-season tires available in the AWD F Sport's stock tire size (235 / 40 R 19). There are lots of high performance all-season tires available in the AWD Luxury model's stock tire size (235 / 45 R 18). I'll probably switch to Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus tires in the future if I stay with the stock wheels.