(This is cross-posted on the 6th gen board)

I am less than enamored with the ride on the ‘04 SE and am thinking that moving to 17" wheels with 55 series tires might help a bit. (Before you say, "Shoulda gotten the SL," I wanted the 5 spd. auto.)

The SSR-GT1's are awesome wheels, but when I contacted Tirerack, they IMMEDIATELY responded with this message:

“For the 04 Nissan Maxima SE we do have a few 17" wheels that we guarantee will work on the vehicle for our snow tire and wheel packages but we don't list the SSR GT1's. So I could only guarantee the fitment would work for the SST GT1's in 18 inch only for your vehicle.”

Does anybody know of a reason that 17" wheels (specifically the SSR-GT1's) would not fit on the SE? Or, is there someone at Nissan I can check with?

When you look at the Maxima brochure, here are the relevant differences:
1. SE - 18" x 7.5" wheels SL - 17" x 7.0" wheels

2. SE - Sport-tuned suspension - firmer front springs, revised front strut and rear shock tuning
SL - Luxury tuned suspension

The brakes are apparently the same with both models - there is no distinction listed.

 

The only reason a wheel won't fit is due to brake caliper and rotor clearance. But as long as you're running a low enough offset ~35mm you shouldn't have problems finding rims that fit. I'm pretty sure the calipers on the 04 can't be that wide.

So, all in all, it'll probably fit.

Also check your air pressure, that can make a HUGE difference in ride harshness. Set it back to the manufacturer's recommended setting.

Also look into tires with softer sidewalls, generally toward all season tires.

I didn't think my 18s made a huge difference in harshness coming from my 16s. I only felt the smaller bumps on the road more.