Impressed by 2000 S430 on 16" rims
#17
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I noticed a small change in ride comfort when I went from 17-18s. But my 17s had bald tires. The 17s were 7.5 wide. I went with the 3GS 18 which are 8" wide.
I'm sure my 17s would have ride a lot better if I had better tires on them
I'm sure the 16s will fit the 04-06 but why would you kill the appearance with those wheels.
I'm sure my 17s would have ride a lot better if I had better tires on them
I'm sure the 16s will fit the 04-06 but why would you kill the appearance with those wheels.
#19
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The 02 with 17s was a little smoother but the car leaned a lot in turns, something I'm not willing to accept. I'm glad you and others suggested to test drive cars with different tires. After the experience, it does make me appreciate the performance and style of the 18s more.
#20
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For quite a while I had 16's from a 2001 that I would swap with the OEM 17's on my 03 Ultra. I could tell no difference between the 16's and 17's so I eventually just sold the 16's.
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aypues (06-11-24)
#22
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Hi yoitskenn, I drove an 02 and an 04 LS430 this morning, both with 17s. The 04 even had air suspension and, to be honest, I couldn't detect a great deal of difference in ride quality compared with my 18s. The 04 with 17s were maybe a little quieter. The tires on my 18s literally only have 1,000 miles on them. I may just go for some grand touring tires, instead of the ultra high performance Michelin Pilot Super Sport 3 Plus tires that the seller had put on, when it comes time to replace my tires.
The 02 with 17s was a little smoother but the car leaned a lot in turns, something I'm not willing to accept. I'm glad you and others suggested to test drive cars with different tires. After the experience, it does make me appreciate the performance and style of the 18s more.
The 02 with 17s was a little smoother but the car leaned a lot in turns, something I'm not willing to accept. I'm glad you and others suggested to test drive cars with different tires. After the experience, it does make me appreciate the performance and style of the 18s more.
But you have to remember that the S class you rode in has one of the worst reputations as a gigantic money pit that any flagship sedan could possibly have. So really it's probably a good thing that you have an LS with the 18 inch wheel/tire suspension.
We always judge things subjectively too. Without a g-meter or a skidpad test - there is no way of objectively measuring the two specific cars you are talking about (yours and your relative's). The LS can be a disconnected-feeling road tomb but it's no slouch either. It just doesn't "feel" like it.
That S430 may have been riding on under-inflated tires. That can give you an illusion that it's like riding on air, while still turning a corner well as most German cars do.
I do agree with you though on that "solid" feeling. Even back in the mid-eighties, my sister's 250 SE could run through a London roundabout with ease while still providing one of the most astonishingly solid rides I'd even experienced. And that was when it was already a decade old.
My .02 cents worth? You can't turn an LS into an S class and there are owners of those S430's or S500's who would trade places with you in a minute after experiencing the repairs, breakdowns and assorted headaches with their cars that you won't see for years and years.
Last edited by MattyG; 05-14-16 at 06:35 PM.
#23
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You will never get a smooth ride with the Pilot Super Sport tires. Sell those Pilots and get Grand Touring tires. You will notice a huge difference in comfort even with your current 18 inch wheels. Incidentally, the OEM 18 inch wheels on the LS430 are 18 x 7.5 ( not 8 inches wide).
#24
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You will never get a smooth ride with the Pilot Super Sport tires. Sell those Pilots and get Grand Touring tires. You will notice a huge difference in comfort even with your current 18 inch wheels. Incidentally, the OEM 18 inch wheels on the LS430 are 18 x 7.5 ( not 8 inches wide).
#25
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And just to remember all cars will have body roll to a certain extent. It sounds like the OP would prefer a fairly sporty ride but body roll around corners is a problem. This can be due to shocks (the original KYB's on many Toyotas are great). But a thicker anti-roll bar could help.
My Lexus GS rolls a little bit too much too, but I don't regret buying Michelin PS AS3's for it and I don't necessarily want to lose ride compliance either. But the AS3's are a great tire. No regrets.
My Lexus GS rolls a little bit too much too, but I don't regret buying Michelin PS AS3's for it and I don't necessarily want to lose ride compliance either. But the AS3's are a great tire. No regrets.
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FatherTo1
If you're anywhere near the SF Bay Area you're welcome to try my '05 with 17" wheels. My prior '05 had the 18" sport suspension combo. The sport suspension and 18" combo helped with handling, but my current car with 17"s ride much better. Especially given the poor condition of our local roads.
If you're anywhere near the SF Bay Area you're welcome to try my '05 with 17" wheels. My prior '05 had the 18" sport suspension combo. The sport suspension and 18" combo helped with handling, but my current car with 17"s ride much better. Especially given the poor condition of our local roads.
#30
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FatherTo1
If you're anywhere near the SF Bay Area you're welcome to try my '05 with 17" wheels. My prior '05 had the 18" sport suspension combo. The sport suspension and 18" combo helped with handling, but my current car with 17"s ride much better. Especially given the poor condition of our local roads.
If you're anywhere near the SF Bay Area you're welcome to try my '05 with 17" wheels. My prior '05 had the 18" sport suspension combo. The sport suspension and 18" combo helped with handling, but my current car with 17"s ride much better. Especially given the poor condition of our local roads.