yeehaaa

I am a new owner of an '08 es350 (actually it's my wife's car). We traded in a '96 Mercedes e320. My wife says the es350 is the closest feeling ride to the e320. I think the es is even better. Anyway, I digress. The es350 has Michelin MXVR S8s. After buying the car, I took it back to the dealer several days later to put on door moulding and pinstriping. The loaner car was a 2011 es350 with 13K miles and I had it for 4 days. When I started driving the loaner, it felt slightly different from my car, but I wasn't sure why. Upon returning the loaner, I got into my car with the salesman; and I drove it to the back of the dealership. I commented to the salesman – did the techs overinflate the tires on my car? It seemed as if my car had super power steering compared to the 2011 loaner. The salesman without hesitation said it's probably the Michelins on this car. He later admitted he is a Michelin bigot. After parking the car, we looked at the tires on the loaner. They were Bridgestones. I was amazed at the difference in the feel of the drive and the improvement with the Michelins.

I have had many sets of Michelin tires in my driving lifetime – 50 years starting with my '68 GTO – and have never had a problem with one set; unlike Firestone red lines (wore out in 4K miles...class action suit), Uniroyal (two tires blowing out on a Florida trip), Pirellis (belts shifted and knocked out the alignment on my 4Runner), Dunlops and Kuhmos (didn't wear well)......

I had pretty much concluded two years ago when I replaced Kuhmo Solus with a set of Michelin Primacy MXV4s on the Mercedes that the only tires I will ever buy are Michelins. The experience with the es350s have now solidified that decision.

I've seen postings that say the S8s don't wear well. My es had 16K miles when I purchased it and looks like ¾ of the tread is left. Keeping my fingers crossed on the wear and absolutely 'loving Lexus' right now.

IS350jet

Michelins are the best. It only took you 50 years to realize this?

yeehaaa

...just a slow learner....but at least I got there

Lexus 1

[I have had many sets of Michelin tires in my driving lifetime – 50 years starting with my '68 GTO – and have never had a problem with one set; unlike Firestone red lines (wore out in 4K miles...class action suit), Uniroyal (two tires blowing out on a Florida trip), Pirellis (belts shifted and knocked out the alignment on my 4Runner), Dunlops and Kuhmos (didn't wear well)......

This brings back memories of my dad. After having bad experiences with Uniroyal tires (blowouts on summer vacation trips). He ordered a new Cadillac in 77 and specifically requested "no Uniroyals" When the car arriived...guess what it had? He refused delivery until they swapped out the tires. I thought all these years that the blowouts and Uniroyals were just a coincidence. I guess dad was RIGHT!

jagtoes

Tire technology has changed significantly over the years and will continue in the future. Tire choice can be a matter of marketing or personal experience. The ES in my opinion does not fall into the performance category and as we all know is aimed at people who want a soft quite ride. I'm on my 2nd ES and both had Bridgestones which I run at 30PSI. My preference is smooth , quite ride instead of a 40K tread wear result. The softer the ride the faster the wear. I had Michelin tires on a few of my early sports cars and handling was very good. At my present age and driving style with the exception of the Ferrari I want a cushy type ride. So if it is Bridgestone or some other soft tire that's what I'll look for. I can live with 20K tread life as long as I get the ride I like.

Macklin

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...s-v-rated.html

I'm with you on this.

007Dirty

It's well known that Michelins are among the best that money can buy. Glad you like them.