Hi,

I'm new to the G35 crowd. In all truth, I'm an Audi guy, I moderate the Audi forums on another site. I recently inherited my late father's 2003 G35 sedan, with sports supension & 17s. I admit, I LOVE this car, never thought I would. Anyway, the stock tires are shot...totally, like undrivable. I ordered a set of 4 Kumho Solus KH16 tires in the stock size of 215/55VR17. That was last Wednesday...the shop called today to tell me they are on national backorder and they have no clue when they will be in. So, I need alternatives. From what I see on TireRack, there aren't many 215/55VR17 tires around. So...are there any other sizes that will fit the stock rims properly (IE no rubbing and little speedo error)? If so, what size? I don't need ultra performance or super long lasting. What I AM looking for is name brand, quiet, decent ride, and a good price. I need to get tires ordered fast...I'm going on a long trip early next week... HELP!

 

Try 235/50-17. There are more tire choices in this size and there is no fitment problems. You can do the comparison yourself with this tire size calculator

 

+1 on the 235/50/17
If you want to stick with Kumho the ASX is a great all season tire in 235.50.17 size. ($134ea)
If you want to retain the stock size then i'd suggest the Yokohama Avid V4S or the Avon Tech M550 A/S i've heard good things about both the tires.
-GP-

 

Thanks! What effects should I expect if I go for the upsized 235/50/17s? I am considering the Kumho Ecsta ASX and Kumho Ecsta KH11 in that size, along with the Yoko Avid V4s in stock 215/55/17.

 

I upsized to 235/50/17 when my stock tires needed to be replaced. You get a little more rubber on the road, so you'll feel a bit more planted. Other than that, it's mostly aesthetics. The stock 215's are just too skinny for this car, so you'll get a better look with the 235's. The stock wheel is only 7" wide, so it's probably the absolute narrowest rim that will work for this width tire. They look OK; some slight bulging but nothing major.

 

Like rufus said, you'll get a little bigger contact patch for better handling characteristics with the 235's.
-GP-

 

How bad did it hurt your gas mileage? I'm already averaging only around 19mpg combined.

 

You won't notice any difference. If the tires were a lot wider than stock, the increased friction might cause a small difference. 20mm isn't going to have any significant impact.

 

I just put a set of 225/55/R17 Turanza LS-Vs on my car and couldn't be happier.

Ride-Performance-Noise....all 100% better than the original EL42s.

These cost only slightly more that the Kuhmos (on Tire Rack, local retail they cost alot more).

Read the reviews on Tire Rack and talk to people that sell tires.

 

Thanks to all who replied. I have on order 4 Kumho Ecsta ASX tires in 235/50WR17. Should be in tomorrow. Thanks again guys!

 

Tirerack.com has Continental Touring Contact AS for $67 a tire on closeout, but the review are not that great. Goodluck.
Sorry about your father.

 

those continental tires you get what you paid for --- those are horrible and a lot of road noise

 

paid 106 per tire (tirerack) had them installed yesterday at the local Nisssan dealer (mount, balance, alignment) for 145.99. Total cost about $610 seem to be good tires. No pulling to the right or any other issue. Fine on dry we will see about wet. got great reviews at tire rack.