bigbwb

Hey everyone,

Now that we have the IS350 and not the IS25awd this coming winter, its time to start shopping for winter tires & rims

Looking on tirerack(ordered from them before) it typically mentions having to get staggered tire sizes front to back, is this the case for the winter tires & rims also?

Second question, I have used the standard Blizzaks on a BMW 328 years ago and considering the more performance oriented ones this go around, thoughts on the difference?

Thanks,
Brandon

tw88

I went down to 17 inch wheels, same size all around. Has worked well.

Madsci625

Note that if you do this (same size all around), your speedo/ODO will be off. There is some advantage to going to 17" rims because of the increased tire profile that will help with pot holes and offer a smaller contact footprint for increased grip.

I wanted to find a used set of 17" stock rims and get winter tires for them but I have been unable to find a set so far. Personally, I would stick with the staggered set up so the speedo/ODO isn't off.

Jetfire

iTrader: (3)

with stock 17's do you stick to the factory tire measurements? 245/45/17 and 225/45/17. Can you go thinner with the 17x8.0 wheels?

bigbwb

Here are the sizes tirerack mentions-----notice they are all staggered whether on 17's or 18's.


17" Recommended Front:225/45-17
17" Recommended Rear: 245/45-17


Original Equipment Wheel Diameter: 18"


18" Recommended Front:225/40-18
18" Recommended Rear: 255/40-18


So for those with IS 350's that buy snow tires/rims, do most of you go staggered or not? I have been watching my local craiglist & etc to maybe snag a used set but most are the same size all around and I dont want to risk any issues by doing so.

charliea42

For what it's worth I got my tires at the Tire Rack. B'stone Blizzak 225/25R17 (F) and 245/45R17 (R). Don't forget that you'll also need four TPMS to go with your new wheels. The dealer will have to register those new TPMS in you car's computer. I had him add them to the system's alternate setting. This I use setting 1 for Summer and setting 2 for Winter.

bigbwb

Charlie,

Those are the sizes I am considering too. did you get the standard blizzaks or the performance ones? As for the TPMS, you can go without and save $300 and just live with the warning light through winter too.

Any more thoughts on the staggering of tire sizes?

tw88

You're right, my bad. I have 17x7 rims with 225/45VR17 and 245/45VR17 Michelin Pilot Alpin tires.

charliea42

I went with the performance tires, LM-25. the total package (including wheels and shipping) came to about $1,900. Scrimping on $300 for TPMS doesn't sound wise given the investment in wheels, tires, and the car to which they are mounted. These tires are directional, so your right front tire is always going to be your right front tire, if you follow me (assuming you get the staggered tire sizes).

Quite honestly it never occured to me to mount the same size tire all around. If someone had suggested it, I probably would have still gone for the staggered wheel sizes anyway. I'm not going to second guess the guys that designed this car.

I am quite pleased with the car's performance in the snow, even deep snow.