kreativ

Does anyone know which tires come stock on the newer '04 and '05 ES330?

Both the summer and all-season tires if you happen to know both.

lexusk8

For the '04 ES330, it comes with 16 x 6.5 in. alloy wheels with 215/60VR16 all-season tires.

For the '05 ES330, it comes with 16 x 6.5-in alloy wheels with 215/60VR16 all-season tires, or optional 17 x 7.0-in alloy or chrome wheels with P215/55VR17 all-season or summer tires.

As far as tire brands go, they differ with each dealership selling the ES (Bridgestone, Michelin, etc.)

kreativ

Thanks, I had mistakenly thought Lexus only used 2 different brand/model tires for the stock ES - one summer, one all-season.

As far as what is commonly used on new ES330s, any recommendations or particular tires to stay away from?

amf1932

Some people claim the Michelin tires are better then the Bridgestones, but my '03ES was delivered with Bridgestones and so far I'm completely satisfied. They're smooth, and quiet at all road speeds, even going above 100mph. The wet weather traction seems to be satisfactory also. Of course these are my personal findings, so I can't really tell you about the Michelins since I haven't tried them.

Lexusfreak

The Michelins have a better reputation than the Bridgestones.......I had the same Bridgestones factory equipped when I bought my 01 Maxima new & hated them especially in light rain never mind the snowy season. If there is a choice between the two, I would at least make sure they have the Michelins (MXV4's). They have a longer tread life than the Potenza's & are at least better in the rain. Replace them when the time comes with better rubber perhaps the Toyo Proxes TPT's.

maddgoo

Just purchased 05 ES330 in late October in SoCal - car came with $80 option with Summer Tires and six spoke 17" rims. Toyo Proxes "J33" Summer Tires 215 55 R17. Not sure what the J33 is closest to; maybe the Proxes TPTs, which I had on my 2000 ES300. Good tire, but stiffer than the OEM Bridgestone Potenzas (16"s) that came on the 2000 ES.

Lexusfreak

I've heard both good & bad things on the Toyo J33......I don't think they are close to the TPT as they have been around much longer, not to mention they are a summer version of the tire. The TPT's are an all season performance tire so a different rubber & tread compound.

Ladie_Lexx

just a recommendation the Dunlop sport A2's are a great all weather tire and use to come stock on previous lexus models I have had them now for 2 years and find them to be excellent throughout the winter months also. If your'e not going to swap for studds in the winter.

Ladie_Lexx

Oh yeah forgot I have an excellent pair of yokohamas brand new and a pair of toyos brandnew. They are good but they are high-performance wheels and no offense but no many es's are moded for performance. If anyone is interested in them email me I can send pics.

Lexusfreak

It's a wise idea when putting new (or used) tires on a car that all 4 of them be the same model tire.....2 of a different make on the front & back is not safe as you will get different handling characteristics with 2 different type of tread patterns.

Traturn

I havent seen a single '05 ES without the 17" wheel option.

In the northeast they all have Bridgestone Turanza EL42's (havent seen any with Michelin Energy MXVS8's yet)

AND they come with that nifty little sticker that warns you that the tires may only last 20,000 miles!

Lexusfreak

The Bridgestone Turanza EL 42's are even worse than the Bridgestone Potenza RE 92's Have a look at their ratings on tirerack. Click the link below:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes