I've decided to take the (expensive) plunge and move up to 18" wheels and tires. I've found a buyer for my 17x8" Niche Corsa wheels and new 235/45x17" Firestone SZ50 EP Firehawks that came from my (recently sold) '98 Maxima. I had hoped they would fit the G as well as the Max, but they're an inch less in overall diameter than the stock 215/55 tires and leave too much gap in the wheel wells for my taste. On top of that, the Niche wheel 34mm offset is too far from factory spec, pushing the tires too close to the outside edge of the fenders.

It would have been easy to go with the Tirerack recommended 225/45x18 tire recommendation, but I've seen that setup and they're still shorter than stock and leave more air in the wheel wells than I like. Since nobody makes a 235/45x18" tire I'm taking a chance that a 245/45 tire on 8" wide wheels will tuck in the wells. It's only .37" larger in overall diameter than stock but almost 1.2" wider. Tirerack won't "recommend" them for the G35 sedan (although they do for the Q45) but admit they should work with possibly a little fender lip "rolling" to avoid damage.

I really like the way BMW and Audi (on sport packages at least) fill their wheel wells with aggressive tire and wheel combinations, but I don't want to have to radically drop my G to get that look. I might go with the mild drop of Eibach Pro-Kit springs when they become available, but that's for later.

Today, I ended up ordering 245/45x18" Bridgestone Potenza S-03 "Pole Position" tires on 18x8" Mille Miglia Emotion SSL wheels (+40mm offset). It sounds chicken, but I only ordered two, mounted and balanced, so I can test fit them front and back before ordering the other two. Worst case scenarios would be either returning the two tire/wheels or ordering the two smaller 225/45x18" tires for the front and going the staggered route.

I hate not knowing in advance how this will fit and look, but I did see a new Q45 at a dealer today with same combination that I ordered and they looked great (albeit on a somewhat larger car).

I'll report the results next week...

Stacey R

 

dyenboy,

I hate to admit it, but I haven't even seen this style of Mille Miglia wheel in person. I've seen a similar Mille Miglia model so I know the how the paint quality/color and INOX polished stainless steel lip looks. But other than than, just pictures on the internet.

Of course the real verdict is seeing it on your car (or one like it), so I'll take pictures and post them even if I deside to send them back.

 

Stacey,

As soon as you get one rim, mount it on and get a picture so we can all see!

thanks!

 

The first 2 tires/wheels arrived today from Tire Rack. I had them shipped to my wife's workplace so I'll inspect and test fit them tonight. I felt confident enough (thanks to input from others here and at Fresh Alloy) they'll fit that I ordered the other 2 yesterday for delivery this week.

Damn, I can't wait to see how they look on the car!