kjhouston

I'm still in the process of finalizing the purchase of my new GS430, however the dealer is telling me that the upgrade to 17" rims and the Z rated tires aren't even going to last me 10K miles. I don't like the stock 16" rims. What suggestions do you have? I can't get crazy with 18-20" rims but I want to know what the real scoop is. If I go with the 17's would you recommend to get rid of the Z rated tires immediately and see if someone will swap with me??? What do you recommend that will last and still perform well?

Thanks

geodesic

A lot of members have had poor results from the stock Potenza's that come on the 17" wheels. I've heard complaints about very, very poor wear and noise levels, too. I've got the chrome 17's on my car with Michelin XGT's and they are ok. Most people will agree that an 18" and larger wheel looks better on the car because it fills up the wheel wells more. If you think you'll upgrade to a larger (and wider) wheel go with the 16" now and save some money. I though 17's were going to be fine on mine but shortly realized 18's would look better. Now I'm saving up.

There are several past threads regarding tire brands, perf, and life. Lots of useful info.

The Ikon

Geo,

From Minneapolis I see. How often do you see "The Artist" formerly known as "Prince"... I know it's Prince again but "The Artist" was kool too...

"The Ikon"

RealMarty

kjhouston,

I've had a GS400 for 3+ years and I've got a GS430 on order. My take is the 17" tire upgrade is the best option $ you can spend on a GS. Hell, the wheels alone are worth it so I figure the Bridgestones are a free giveaway.

My plan is to get the 17s and run the piece of ***** Bridgestones until they burn out and replace them. Right now I'm thinking I'll go with Michelin XGT Z4s but I'll revisit that when the Bridgestone's are worn out and see what other tires are available by then. I have no plans to go to larger wheels than the 17s.

Even if you choose to go to larger wheels later you can sell the 17s and put the money towards your new wheels. I've seen several members successfully sell their 17s here to other Club Lexus members.

I've tried talking to the tire dealers here in Atlanta about doing take-off swaps, but either they won't do it or what they'll give for the Bridgestones isn't worth it. So unless something changes I'll ride the Bridgestones until they're gone and move on to new rubber.

geodesic

Ikon,

Prince and I don't run in the same circles. However, last November 7 I was standing in line waiting to vote in the election and the honorable Governor of Minnesota strolls into the polling place. That's right, Jesse the Body Ventura (or Jesse the Mind as he has now re-named himself). He lives not far from me and we share the same polling location. The poll had not yet opened and he tried to make a move for the head of the line. TV cameras had been waiting for him to show up and I think he decided that it wouldn't be a good move to break in so he went to the back of the line. Prince couldn't vote because they couldn't verify his current name. hehehe

When I was in school at Auburn I road tripped to Starkville a couple of times for football games. Didn't see Prince there, either.

Mayur Patel

if u don't like your 17"'s i will buy them from u in a heart beat. i've been looking for these rims for a long time. please let me know. thanks

GS4Man

I am not sure what the upgrade costs today, but when I bought my GS400 in mid 98, the upgrade to the 17" wheels and tires was $215 :eek: !!! A no brainer even if you only got 10K on the tires. I got about 20K miles. Funny thing, just for grins I asked the parts department what they charge for replacement stock Potenza's .... $400 EACH ! What idiot would EVER pay that.? Lastly, any GS3 or GS4 with 16" wheels look wimpy, cheap, out of place. Like seeing a BMW 528 with those bogus 15" wheels. I think 17" is the minimum with 18-19" optimal depending on the wheel. 20" looks to boy racer IHMO. BTW, if you go with the stock 17" wheels, get 1" H&R spacers for the rear and install them yourself. The difference in the look of the car is amazing ... the way the stock car should have looked and you don't have to dole out another $2K for wheels / tires ... although if you bought the stock 17" and just sold them, you should get some good $$$.

GS4Will

Hi MP,

are you looking for chrome/silver factory 17"? a friend of mine has a set from his 2000 gs4. the rims are practically new as he replaced with 18" immediately after he bought the car. there are no scratches, and have been in individual boxes for a year. he is a very picky guy like me

how much would you be willing to offer for the set of 4?

william

Mayur Patel

hey gs4...
can u please email me ... mrp694me@hotmail.com

tell your friend i'm very interested in the rims. are the tires included??? just give me all the info in an email.
thanks

mayur

GS4Will

I will try to reach him this weekend; just hope he did not get that overseas job transfer yet he mentioned to me several months ago.

I am uncertain about the tyres because when he upgraded to 18s, the tyre guy wanted to give my buddy $250 credit for the almost new tyres.

william

Mayur Patel

hey gs4will,
did u find anything out on the rims?? please keep me informed.. thanks

GS4Will

i will keep you informed as soon as any info arrive.

TMitchell

Where do you get those spacers,about how much are they and do you know if it puts any additional stress on the axle or other parts by doing this?

Mayur Patel

hey gs4will,

did u find out anything from your friend who has the rims?? if u did, please get in touch with me.. my email is mrp694me@hotmail.com

thanks
mayur