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Need Advice on Michelin Tire Options

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Old Oct 28, 2014 | 05:11 PM
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Default Need Advice on Michelin Tire Options

I've been reading through several other posts on the topic of tire replacements for LS460's. I have a '09 LS460 SWB AWD and I currently have the Turanza EL42's. I've narrowed my choice down to a few Michelin models. Above all else my top priority in a new tire is a quiet ride, especially at highway speeds.

I wanted to get anyone's opinion on the following three models which have been recommended in various threads as good options:

1) Michelin Primacy MXM4
2) Michelin Pilot HX MXM4
3) Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3's

Can anyone share experiences or advice on which of the above options would be the best choice with respect to quietness?

Thanks.
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Old Oct 28, 2014 | 05:29 PM
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Of the three models you picked out all are top performers. My vote would be for the primacry. These are supposed to be some of the more fuel efficient tires on the market. I'm not sure if it's really true or a marketing ploy? All of the Michelin tires I've had were very quiet compare to other brands.

Sorry I couldn't tell you which one is the quietest.
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Old Oct 28, 2014 | 05:30 PM
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Michelin Pilot Sport I would recommend......!
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Old Oct 28, 2014 | 05:41 PM
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I'll be watching this thread as I am going to grab some new tires in the spring. I don't care about how they handle so much as how quiet they are and how little road I feel. I'm not looking to race it.
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Old Oct 28, 2014 | 06:04 PM
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If you're wanting a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride like a luxury car should have go with the Michelin Primacy or Pilot MXM4. I had the Pilot MXM4 put on my 460 several months ago and they are extremely quiet and smooth.
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Old Oct 28, 2014 | 06:13 PM
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MXM4 Primacy
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Old Oct 28, 2014 | 06:18 PM
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Quiet?

My MXM4s at 35k miles were just a tad noisier than the brand new A/S 3s I'm running now. As best I can remember, the new A/S 3s would be about the same noise as the MXM4s were at 25k miles. I make no comparison on other measure of performance (handling, longevity, etc.). As always, YMMV.

P.S. Mine were in 245/45-19.

Last edited by williakz; Oct 28, 2014 at 09:31 PM. Reason: Add tire size
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Old Oct 28, 2014 | 07:52 PM
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If it's 235/50-18 size then the Primacy MXM4 is the winner. In this particular size, the Primacy MXM4 carries an oem TPC Spec number. Such tires generally meet a pretty high standard for low noise, vibration and harshness. I put a set on my '07 swb rwd LS 460. They balanced out with very little force variation and minimal weight. After 17k miles, they remain the smoothest and quietest running tires I've ever had. They also have really good wet road grip. These tires replaced a set of HX MXM4's which were only slightly harsher and noisier but they had a little better dry road grip. The HX MXM4's were not very good in the wet though.
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Old Oct 28, 2014 | 09:29 PM
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Michelin primacy 3ST is super quiet and their newest technology
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Old Oct 29, 2014 | 06:01 AM
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Originally Posted by robert1408
If it's 235/50-18 size then the Primacy MXM4 is the winner. In this particular size, the Primacy MXM4 carries an oem TPC Spec number. Such tires generally meet a pretty high standard for low noise, vibration and harshness. I put a set on my '07 swb rwd LS 460. They balanced out with very little force variation and minimal weight. After 17k miles, they remain the smoothest and quietest running tires I've ever had. They also have really good wet road grip. These tires replaced a set of HX MXM4's which were only slightly harsher and noisier but they had a little better dry road grip. The HX MXM4's were not very good in the wet though.
Yes, mine are 235/50/18. Thanks.
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Old Oct 29, 2014 | 07:23 AM
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Michelin Pilot HX MXM4's is what i have on my "winter/all-season" rims (2010-2012 18" LS wheels), and they are plenty quiet and i feel that they have better traction than my Primacy's that i had on my LS430.

That being said, my brother is running the Sport A/S 3's and loves them for their extreme quiet and traction, but he's in a 2010 GS350...
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Old Oct 29, 2014 | 10:12 AM
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In my 2 previous searches for Michelin tires for my Prius and LS, I didn't consider the HX MXM4 because:
- lack of rim protection
- older design
- low user review/survey ratings
- low tread rating (of 300, versus other Michelin All Season tires of 500-540)

When I bought the Primacy MXM4 for my Prius (215/45R17), it was the best tire for the car in terms of the combination of LRR, noise, handling, tread rating, and rim protection. I do like these tires a lot. This was when the Primier A/S hasn't come out yet.

I only considered the Conti DWS, Primacy MXM4, and Pilot A/S 3 to replace the Bridgestone on my LS. The Conti didn't have the size I was looking for, 255/45R19. That left me with the Primacy MXM4 and PS A/S 3 which were equally priced, same tread wear rating 500, almost same tread width and depth. I chose the A/S 3 over the Primacy mostly due to:
- its newer 5-rib tread design (tread look better/newer too)
- its UHP category, which I think is more proper for a performance luxury sedan (I don't do summer tires)
- it loses a tad in viewer ratings for noise and comfort, but more than make up for it in handling and stability.

The uncertainty about the PS A/S3 is that it's new and owners are very happy with it and love it, but most owners (including me) only have it for a short period of time and not many miles to provide a long term review. I am extremely happy with mine. Right now, this is a go to tire for me.
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Old Oct 29, 2014 | 10:14 AM
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I went with the Primacy a few months ago and have been very happy. Smooth and relatively quiet (most of my driving is on concrete expressways between 60 and 80mph, so road noise is unavoidable). Also they are cheaper than the other two options.
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Old Oct 29, 2014 | 04:57 PM
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Thanks for everyone's feedback. Based on the above posts and my own research I am leaning towards the primacy's.
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Old Oct 29, 2014 | 05:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Ascari_2
I went with the Primacy a few months ago and have been very happy. Smooth and relatively quiet (most of my driving is on concrete expressways between 60 and 80mph, so road noise is unavoidable). Also they are cheaper than the other two options.
Huh? They are the most expensive of the three from my sources. Where do you find them the lowest in price? PLEASE tell me!
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