Hi All,
Trying to improve my LS 500 experience.
Thanks in advance for any Wisdom you may be able to provide!
I recently purchased non run flat 245 50 R 20 Michelin primacy tour A/S tires for my 2022 LS 500.
GEE, the ride does not seem to be any better (more compliant over small and big bumps), although they are a little more quiet on smooth roads. I have tire pressure down to a low 31 psi, which helps a bit, (may suffer on gas mileage and tire wear.)
I am baffled!
I truly thought between going to 50 series from 45 series, And to non run flat tires, I would see 5 to 10 % improvement, what a disappointment 😞.
Thinking of trying Bridgestone turanza quiet tracks (hope I got the name correct). Any high regard out there for these in terms of quietness And less harshness over small and big bumps??? Also, please let us know how long lasted.
If yes, which model and size of tire do you have???
Best and may God Bless your day,
David Zoom Loux

 

Love the quiet tracks and very happy.
I bought my car with 28k miles on it and don't know how many miles were on the runflats when I got them, but after 15k miles by me they were shot.
If your runflats were in good shape perhaps you were expecting a transformational change.
I don't have air suspension. that might matter?
New tires are always better than worn out so for rmany it is a big change.
I no doubt feel the car is smoother. I have 20 inch rims. I run standard stock size. Not sure what one might expect going to the 50's.
I had Primacy on my 2020 GS350 Sport. They were wearing great when I sold the car with just 24k miles on it.

 

Thank you for your comments Nalod!
Do you have 245 45 twenties? I don't think these come in 245 50 20.
I have air suspension but it doesn't seem to matter if I have it on or off as far as the ride quality.
May I ask? , when you went to the quiet tracks, did you feel a big improvement when going over small and big bumps, cracks and small pot holes? Going over a small bump you feel it, doesn't feel like a luxury car. This is my biggest concern.
My second concern is quietness on city streets and on highway. When I am on a smooth highway or city street, with the new michelins, the ride is very quiet and smooth. Once the highway or city street has grooves or irregularities, the ride is not quiet, just ok, and a bit bumpy.
May I ask, approximately how many miles you have put on the tires and how much longer you think they may last?Maybe I am just expecting too much. However, I am so disappointed that going from run flats that were in good condition to non run flats didn't really make any change except a slight amount of more quiet on smooth streets.
Also, did you notice when you had your tires installed If they have some kind of quiet liner inside the tire? I heard this was the case and that those can create some problems. Not at all sure if that is true.
Any other input is appreciated. I am seriously considering switching to your choice of tire.
Thanks again Nalod, glad you like your tires!!!
Best,
David Zoom Loux

 

Switch to 19's.

 

Very good advice, for ride quality that will do the trick!
just trying to keep my 20s. Hmmm, maybe I should look into some 19",
any classy ones out there?
David Zoom Loux

 

Maybe your expectations were not aligned with reality.
My Runflats were shot.
When I drove off, I was initially not blown away. But then I did notisce the there was an annoying dash buzz from a vibration on a road I drive every day. It was gone. Also smaller bumps are smoother. not removed entirely. The tires also need time to break in?

As for the rest Its subjective.

I did wait until my runflats were about done. I bought the car with them and though the car drove great.
Drove nicer then MY GS350 and that was all that mattered. Not a damn thing wrong with that car BTW!
Your about the first owner I read that whose life was not changed with the non runflats.
I can't imagine going with a bigger aspect ratio would matter that much but you messed with the formula and perhaps it does?

 

Hi Nalod and all,
Yes, my expectations are likely to high.
I have severe body pain issues so that is one reason I am so passionate about this issue. Also, I just would like this car have comfort level of LS 430, which I reckon is just not going to happen. I ventured to think that going to 50 series and non run flats would certainly change things enough to notice. Going to 50 series just doesn't seem like something that would mess things up, yet , I reckon only God really knows!
I like the slightly taller look, fills the wheel wells out. Kinda custom slightly, yet fairly mild change. I like that with 50 series tires, 20" wheels are less likely to get damaged from hitting potholes, and, the tire extends approx. 1/4" out more from wheel which gives a bit more protection to vapor chrome wheels. Note, for all, the tire does slightly rub at front of tire to wheel well liner at full lock, pretty slight.
Anyway, I will take your thoughts into consideration along with other comments. Maybe I will try the Bridgestone turanza quiet tracks and then stick with them or go back to the Michelin Primacy tour A/S.

Thanks again!
Best,
David zoom Loux

 

Yes. I put some used Michelin Latitude ZP3s I found on eBay and they're very quiet and now I get 24.9 mpg in mixed driving

 

Hnmm, nice! Thank you! Great gas mileage for mixed driving!
May I ask what your wheels look like?
Are those tires still available???
Best ,
David z Loux

 

Yes. I grabbed them off eBay with a 2023 DOT code. I'm on the factory 19" rims

 

Hey that's Great, ebay is nice for some things!
Best,
David zoom Loux

 

Must be nice to just change tires when you wish. They aren't cheap.