dougm213

I finally had to replace my original Dunlop SP Sport for my 2014 GS, even though they still had another 10K on them. I couldn't take it anymore. I replaced them with Michelin MXM4. Couldn't be happier.

I am by no means a tire expert and traditionally stayed with Michelins on previous cars. I kept the dunlops at 31 psi just to reduce the harshness. My scores would be the same even when I had them at 33 psi. Michelins are at 33 psi. Rotated every 5K miles.

• First and foremost for me is RIDE. The dunlops were harsh over the smallest bumps. I would give a 3 out of 10 in satisfaction. Michelins I would give a 9 out of 10. A 9 just because I am not an expert and there may be something better.
• NOISE - 5 out of 10. Constant tire drone. Michelin 8 out of 10, very quiet except for a slight noise similar to bouncing a basketball and you get that rubber vibration.
• HANDLING, I never push the handling so this is least important for me. Dunlops might be a little better here - slightly less sway, equal tracking, and cannot tell the difference on cornering. Both 8 out of 10 for me.
• It also appear to get better gas mileage on he Michelins. Less rolling resistance on the Michelins (independent of tire pressure.)
• Mileage - Dunlops were more than I expected. Will have to wait on the Michelins to say.

Theme - I will never buy Dunlops again. And will always look at Michelins first.

iamsam9

did you get the pilot mxm4 or the primacy mxm4?
do you have the non-F sport stock 18's?

thanks...sam

AJLex19

I had those same Dunlop SP Sport tires on my Premium '13 GS and didn't like them (18" stock wheels). They were very grippy and handled nicely but noisy and felt unrefined for the car. I ended up with the Dunlop Signature HP tires and recommend them for a good compromise between price and performance/comfort.

The same Michelin's you went with were too expensive and not in my budget - I almost went with the Pirelli P7's but because I got such a great deal on the Dunlops, I took a chance on them and glad I did...saved about $300 overall.

Torii

pirelli p7 cinturato are very good and were better than my michelins

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...ll+Season+Plus

check them out, they have newest tech and are available with many options

peteharvey

Interesting.
The Dunlop Signature II is also well down on that Tire Rack list.

Torii

• Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus
• 100%
• Select Size
• 8.4
• 9.1
• 9.2
• 7.9
• 9.1
• 8.6
• 8.0M

Torii

those ratings are top top

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/surve....jsp?type=GTAS

dougm213

Primacy MXM4 P235/45R18

They are being phased out but still made - mine were made 12th week of 2017.

Replacement of Michelin Premier were conveyed not as good, also not in same dimensions.

dougm213

As for cost, the dealer wanted $1350 for a set of 4 out the door minus sales tax.. A tire shop a mile form my house $990 out the door minus sales tax. Called one day, they got them transferred to their shop and when they called I was there and out in 40 minutes. Lexus came with a $100 card back, the tire shop had $70 which basically covers the sales tax.

spiveyb

The one thing I do like about the Dunlops are the rim protection. Any of the other tires mentioned offer that?

dougm213

I still had curb rash with the Dunlops but that is my fault. The Michelins seem to have a similar profile down by the rim.

Cathy

Do you have to reprogram the TPMS when replacing the tires?

kamskeez

You usually won't have to. But the sensors are very sensitive, so if they get knocked during the new tire install it can throw off the programming completely.

Also, you'll typically get 6-8 years of battery life out of them, so if you're getting close to that then you might as well change out the sensors anyways.

bjnzzzle

I am planning change the OE Dunlop soon, can't handle the noise anymore. I have stock 18's. Anybody up size the tire to 245/40/18? Any issue at all? Or I should just go with OEM spec 235/45/18? Thanks!

bclexus

I went with Michelin Premier A/S (08729) 245/45R18 100V XL BSW - 640AAV (60,000 Mile, 6-Year Limited Warranty). It's a very quiet, luxury performance touring tire. Extremely pleased...

Michelin Premier A/S - 245/45R18
The Michelin Premier A/S is a luxury performance touring tire. They offer reduced hydroplaning and shorter braking ability. The Premier A/S is designed to provide the driver with improved traction and exceptional grip in most driving conditions, including light snow. They have excellent wear life and good fuel efficiency. The Michelin 245/45R18 Premier A/S has a diameter of 26.6" and a total width of 9.6", with 780 revolutions per mile. Premier A/S 245/45R18 tires weigh 26 lbs., have a max load of 1764 lbs. and a speed rating of 149 mph (100V), and have a tread width of 7” and a tread depth of 8.5/32", and should be used with a rim width of 7.5 - 9". The UTQG rating is 640AA. The Premier A/S comes with a 60,000 mile, 6 Year limited warranty.

Speedometer Error = Actual speed is 65.87 mph at 65 mph