Yeah, maybe a 225/50-17 is the best compromise. I'm surprised with what you say about a 235 on a 7 inch wide rim. Personally, I would never try that, even if you could wedge it on there, it would be far from optimal. It would be much better if the car had 7.5-8 inch rims. Have you actually seen a 235mm tire on the stock 7 inch rims?

'04 6MT Sedan | '95 E36 M3 | '91 Miata

 

Several people are doing it, and the specs from tire companies say a 235/50 will fit.. though 7.0 is the minimum rim width. A 235/45 requires a 7.5" rim, so yes, it is cutting it close. It's actually a suggested alternate size on TireRack's website, though.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

My '04 came with the Bridgestone Turanza EL42's , the "Winter Package" isn't an option on the '04 from what I can see, what did that consist of?

Brilliant Silver/Graphite '04 Sedan

 

It was heated seats and mirrors and a downgrade to all-season tires.Not counting the tires, the features of the winter package are standard for '04.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

Okay, I did start looking at the G earlier this year, the '03, and now I remember the Winter Package, included the heated seats, right? Damn, I like this car!!

Brilliant Silver/Graphite '04 Sedan

 

My Pilot Sports are 235/50-17s. Fits perfectly, and looks like it belongs there. There was one tire dealer that tried to sell me a different brand tire in a 245/45. Claimed it wouldn't have any problem with fit either, but I didn't see one mounted. I'd probably be a bit concerned with a 245, but the 235 seems perfect. Michelin specs the rim width for the 235 as 6.5 to 8.5 inches, and the dealer that suggested the 245s said that our rim width is actually a bit wider than 7.

<font color=green>GG</font color=green>

 

You mean Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, right, gordgee?

The Pilot Sport is a summer rubber tire and doesn't come in 235/50R17. I wouldn't go 245/45R17, as that size requires a 7.5" rim, and I doubt "a bit wider" equals "a half inch wider."

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

Yeah, Pilot Sport A/S.

I agree. Though the guy said it would definitely fit, but it may have just have been the spec for that particular tire in the 245. Still, the 235/50-17 is my choice in the Pilot Sport A/S.

<font color=green>GG</font color=green>

 

You know, I looked through a bunch of different brand/model tires in same sizes to see if that was the case, once.. I've always found them recommending the exact same rim widths for the same size tires. Do you remember which tire he was recommending?

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

I can't remember exactly which tire I was looking at. It was a lesser known brand that the dealer was promoting I believe. Might be Federal. If it was, the Federal SS595 in the 245/45-17 recommends an 8" rim. So I'd imagine going +/- 1" would be acceptable. Again, I didn't pay much attention as I think the only other tire I had seriously considered at the time besides the Pilot was the Falken Ziex ZE512 which incidently rated as this month's CR's #1 performance A/S tire. Looks like a great alternative, especially for the price, and from the positive feedback from some others here that have tried the Falkens. The 225/50-17 is actually a really close match to the stock size with an overall diameter of 26.1" and a RPM of 803.

<font color=green>GG</font color=green>

 

If Falken would make Azenis in the right size for the sedan, I'd be in heaven. [img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img]

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter