Should the IS250 provide a 16" wheel option?
10-07-08, 02:22 PM
#1
Should the IS250 provide a 16" wheel option?
Overseas, mainly in Asian markets, the standard IS250/220d wheel is 16", with 17" and 18" wheel options available.
Do you think it would work in North America?
For those that buy the IS250 for luxury more so than for sport, it may be beneficial. You (typically) have a more comfortable ride, quieter environment, longer tire life, and (perhaps) a slightly lower price.
What do you think?
(Now, I know the IS350 is mainly for sport, so I'm not considering a 16" wheel as an option for the 350...
)
Do you think it would work in North America?
For those that buy the IS250 for luxury more so than for sport, it may be beneficial. You (typically) have a more comfortable ride, quieter environment, longer tire life, and (perhaps) a slightly lower price.
What do you think?
(Now, I know the IS350 is mainly for sport, so I'm not considering a 16" wheel as an option for the 350...
)
! 
10-07-08, 02:50 PM
#4
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16'' rims are standard on the IS250 in Canada, unless you upgrade with a package. It's what I'm getting the car delivered with in December since they're gonna be my winter rims, wrapped in Michelin X-Ice or something.
In the summer, getting aftermarket 18''. Too simple and practical!
In the summer, getting aftermarket 18''. Too simple and practical!
10-07-08, 03:25 PM
#5
Lexus Champion
have you seen the 16"s???? they look like doodoo on our cars. i swapped out my 17s as fast as i could cuz i just couldnt stand the +50 offsets for the rears...i hated the look. i could only imagine how +50 offset on 16"s look....BLEH!!
10-07-08, 04:49 PM
#7
16"... wth Phil... 
What I am proposing instead is that the IS250 should come standard with the 17" instead of the 18".
Now hold your pants, I know what y'all are going to say... But the 17" is already the standard wheel for the 2IS...
Yes and No.
The thing is, even though on paper the 17" is the standard on all 2IS but dealers hardly order them with it. Since that's the case now it's almost like that the 18" is the standard and 17" is optional. IMO (I could be wrong here) most IS250 buyers are going after luxury instead of sport so why not order them with the standard 17" and make the 18" a dealer-install option? As for those enthusiasts this wouldn't be a problem anyways because they will swap the rims at the very first chance they get...
What I am proposing instead is that the IS250 should come standard with the 17" instead of the 18".
Now hold your pants, I know what y'all are going to say... But the 17" is already the standard wheel for the 2IS...
Yes and No.
The thing is, even though on paper the 17" is the standard on all 2IS but dealers hardly order them with it. Since that's the case now it's almost like that the 18" is the standard and 17" is optional. IMO (I could be wrong here) most IS250 buyers are going after luxury instead of sport so why not order them with the standard 17" and make the 18" a dealer-install option? As for those enthusiasts this wouldn't be a problem anyways because they will swap the rims at the very first chance they get...
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10-07-08, 05:25 PM
#8
I'm one of those who would appreciate having a little more luxury and giving up a little sport. Notice I said a little more, not in place of cuz I do like to toss the car around a little bit
I wonder if the 16s would clear the brakes on a US IS or if in those places that have 16s as std if there is more than wheel size that changes when opt'ing for 17s or 18s?
I find this topic interesting as I'll be needing new tires by next summer and I'm seriously considering moving up from 45 series tires to 50 series tire on my 17s to 'virtually' accomplish exactly the benefits that PhilipMSPT listed.
TripleL
I wonder if the 16s would clear the brakes on a US IS or if in those places that have 16s as std if there is more than wheel size that changes when opt'ing for 17s or 18s?
I find this topic interesting as I'll be needing new tires by next summer and I'm seriously considering moving up from 45 series tires to 50 series tire on my 17s to 'virtually' accomplish exactly the benefits that PhilipMSPT listed.
TripleL
10-07-08, 07:56 PM
#12
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Hey, I resemble that remark!
I actually ditched the 18's in favor of the 17's, I like the way they look over the 18's and I liked having more sidewall- reduced road noise and increased comfort.
But the subject is, should we have 16's as an option? I have to agree with one of the other posters, the 16's look like doodoo.
I actually ditched the 18's in favor of the 17's, I like the way they look over the 18's and I liked having more sidewall- reduced road noise and increased comfort.
But the subject is, should we have 16's as an option? I have to agree with one of the other posters, the 16's look like doodoo.
10-07-08, 09:00 PM
#14
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Haha 16" wheels, yes I have them :|
I think the biggest benefit would have to be the fact that they're longer wearing. Outside of that it's hard to say really, because even on 17's I don't think ride difference etc. would be all that noticable unless you went from one to the other straight away. Even then i'm not sure how much difference there would be (for example the ride on the 17's vs 18's on the RX has virtually no difference).
One other benefit is having fat tires, so your wheels get saved when you hit the kerb :P Also, the 16's are probably ready for a harder beating when it comes to huge pot holes as well.
Actually, the standard issue Lexus ones don't look all that bad it's just that they really needa sit flush with the body work.
BTW, i'm not even sure you can fit 16" wheels on the IS350 due to the larger brakes up front comparing to the IS250.
I think the biggest benefit would have to be the fact that they're longer wearing. Outside of that it's hard to say really, because even on 17's I don't think ride difference etc. would be all that noticable unless you went from one to the other straight away. Even then i'm not sure how much difference there would be (for example the ride on the 17's vs 18's on the RX has virtually no difference).
One other benefit is having fat tires, so your wheels get saved when you hit the kerb :P Also, the 16's are probably ready for a harder beating when it comes to huge pot holes as well.
Actually, the standard issue Lexus ones don't look all that bad it's just that they really needa sit flush with the body work.
BTW, i'm not even sure you can fit 16" wheels on the IS350 due to the larger brakes up front comparing to the IS250.
