I have a 1997 Maxima SE with the factory 5 spoke 16" wheels. Can I replace them with the wheels off of a GXE (which are 15")? What problems if any could I expect? Any advice/help on this matter would be very much appreciated as I am new to this forum.

 

Yes.

.........

 

Yes...meaning what?

 

They should fit all right. Why are you wanting to do this though? For snow set?

 

You are going to think I'm crazy but my wife and I just don't care for the SE look with the wheels, spoiler and fog lights. I got the car for free as my aunt recently went into a nursing home. It's a sage(?) green SE with just 42k. I was thinking of putting the GXE wheels and wheel covers on and removing the rear wing (which my wife really dislikes) and the fog lights. Would strongly consider having it painted black, navy or silver as it has a beige cloth interior. I have thought about selling it but the car is in near mint condition and has never ever been driven hard so I figure why take a chance and buy something I'm not familiar with. You can sum it up by saying that I'm considering on modifying the car, just not in the traditional way.
Any thoughts how the SE ride can be softened. It's kinda of hard but not bad. Keep in mind I'm in my late 30's. Thank you for your response.

 

they'll fit fine just get taller series tires. if those fog lights are in good condition, and if you decide to take them off, i would be interested. i have gle springs and struts laying around, which should soften it up a tad.

 

I would leave the spoiler on the car, otherwise you'll need some bodywork done to patch up the holes that they leave behind. Also you will lose the 3rd brake light.

Wait until you switch to 15" wheels and tires before deciding if you need to soften the suspension. 15's have larger tire sidewalls and will ride softer than a 16" combination.

 

I just can't help but find this funny. Your aunt, who's now in a nursing home, had the se with the "harsh" ride and sporty looks, and you want to tone it down being in your late 30s and all. hahahaha

 

What can I say? My wife thinks the ride is harsh and my aunt has always lived her life much younger than she really was, hence the SE. True story, the car would have been a 5sp if my aunt didn't have hip replacement surgery two months before she bought the car. When I picked-up the car there was a Doors Greatest Hits CD in the player...my aunt is 77.

 

I'll do a straight trade with you on wheels! i have the sawblade gxe wheels, great condition.