I just got an 06 LS430, with 18in wheels. I wanted 17" wheels, but
they were nowhere to be found. The noise level in the car is fine when
travelling on clean roads, but it is higher than I like on concrete,
bad pavements, etc

Of course rough roads are noisier than clean roads, but does anyone
have any data on noise comparisons between 18in and 17in wheels +
tires. I know a lot of it will have to do with the specific tire
choice as well, but that also favors the 17" wheels since the 225 17 55
has a lot more choice for quieter tires.

Any data or pointers would be appreciated. Also, any specific
comparison of specific tires on the 17 rim would be great.

Thanks.

syrusziai (AT) gmail (DOT) com wrote in
news:1156468094.491607.83200 (AT) 75g2000cwc (DOT) googlegroups.com:

Noise is mostly a function of tires and not of rim size. Larger rims
with the same tire brand and model will be marginally quieter. I just
replaced my original worn out Bridgestones with Good Year Comfort
Treads. The new ones are quieter than the Bridgestones.

How many miles did you get on the 18" tires? I just passed on buying
new MB S550 cause of the crappy 18" tires. Went down to the Lexus store
and they have a new black 430 coming in so I said I would be interested
in it. But then I found out it also has 18" tires. They tell me BMW
also has them, so I guess I will finaly go back to American cars. I
just can't feel comfortable laying out 90 to $100k for a car and then
having to put new tires on it every 15,000 miles for $1500, balancing
and mounting and tax included. That just is TOO STUPID !!!!!! When will
these stupid car companies go back to real tires that last?

"mcbrue" <mcbrue (AT) aol (DOT) com> wrote in news:1156655415.656189.102700
@h48g2000cwc.googlegroups.com:

My original 18" Bridgestones held up well - I replced them after 52,000
miles. I expect the Good Years to hold up as well - I have some experience
with 18" Good Years on different cars.

Colin, do you drive fast and rather agressively? I have been told that
I do. (But who can believe a wife-passenger?) I am also worried about
the lessened ability to protect the car after a curb or pot hole is
hit.

On 8/24/2006 8:08 PM, syrusziai (AT) gmail (DOT) com wrote:
Why would Lexus put 18" on LS430. Christ, it is a luxury car not a
sports sedan. Lexus surely has a problem giving customers what they
actually want.

"mcbrue" <mcbrue (AT) aol (DOT) com> wrote in news:1156733301.351092.22960
@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com:

I am not a very aggressive driver (wife gets car sick real quick), but I
drive fast - 75-80mph on the freeway here in Vegas. The Bridgestones spent
most of their life on the East Coast with some lousy roads and 70mph
speeds, but not very aggresive otherwise.

Colin