mewhee

Hi All -

Notice where there's been several references here in the forum re: 5 star chrome rims. My better half has them (18" oem) on her '06 Ls430 while I have 6 star oem 17" chromes on my '02. My question is, is there really any difference in performance or quality or is it strictly subjective looks which make the 5 star preferable? Gotta admit, if I had a choice, I'd have the 5 stars on my '02 also as I think they simply look better.

Correct me if I'm wrong but don't think 5 star oem chromes were ever made in an oem 17" version or were they?

Good driving and am hoping CarGuy89 finds his dream ride soon. It's been fun watching everyone share in his quest. It's out there ........ somewhere

Will and the Fur Crew

Btw, just edited w/ a couple of pics of our LS's:

DDLexus

ride quality on the 17" is smoother and less harsh. Tell the better half she should swap with you so you can take the beating. The 18" just look a little cooler!

Slvr surfr

iTrader: (1)

Lexus hit the mark when they design the 5spokes for the 04-06 model. Those rims just fits the car perfectly. Even tho its all benz-derivitive styling, it goes so well together and make it an very attractive ride. IMO, the non-chrome version of the 18's looks better but chromed versions of the 17's looks better. Wouldnt trade my 18's for the world but i do sometimes wish i could get some of the softness of the 17's.

CarGuy89

Thanks! I am actually heading down to Indiana tomorrow to take a good look at the one that I've been talking about. Hopefully it turns out nice . Like everyone else says, 18s will be slightly firmer than 17s over bumps b/c of a decrease in tire thickness (less absorption of bumps). However, the 5 spokes look awesome on the 430. People have criticized the car for copying Merc, but that's not a bad thing. The 5 spokes remind of the AMG rims with wide 5 spokes, absolutely gorgeous on the car.

V8_Fan

I'm looking for winter wheels. If I have to buy them new, I'll get the silver 18 5-spoke wheels...superior looks over the 6-spoke, though the ride won't be as cushy. The 5-spoke wheels only cost around $40 more each when new, but used, they command much higher prices.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

I've had both the OEM 17s and 18s on my LS430

DDLexus hit it on the head. Ride is not bad on the 18s but the 17s are noticably plusher... the 18s seem to handle a little better and (most think) look better.

I haven't compared $$$ but I'd guess that rubber for the 17s is a bit less expensive.

Since my LS sees a lot of daily use I elected to put the 17s back on and only regret it when I see a clean LS430 with the 5 spokes. Then I think about how comfortable the 17's are and get over it.

AlexusAnja

I've always liked 5-spoke rims. I think they're the best number and look for a car.

18" you'll get a harsher ride, but not much. I would take an 18" any day, since I have spare 16" for smooth riding. I have the six-spoke 17" OEM for '04 and I like them, not too bad.

Did not see your original question answered, but the 5-spoke only came in 18", there was no factory 17" 5-spoke for the LS430.

Boomer01

I have the chrome 17" 6-spokes but would much rather have chrome 5-spokes.

m3nv

The only difference would be ride quality since the 17's will have more rubber to cushion the road. I agree the 18's do look better. I have 17's on mine and ive been waiting for a good deal on 18's to upgrade.

AlexusAnja

Ebay has the replicate 18" 5-spoke wheels with rivets along the wheel for I think it was $220 or so per wheel. Supposedly same spec as the OEM wheels and lookwise, except for the rivets, exactly like the OEM wheels.

I didn't go for it because of the rivets, plus I had gone down 16" already, so did not need 2 spare sets or rims sitting around.