Would 215/50/17 Falkens Ziex Ze-512 fit well on the stock Maxima 2003 rims as opposed to the 225 width?

 

Yes.

The older Acura TLs ran 215s on a 7" rim. My wife's Mazda 6 Sports Wagon has 215s on 7" rims. 7" is perfect for 215 width tires......

My question is simply, why? The Falkens are available in 225/50 so....why 215's?

 

Thanks Galo. Precisely, I personally like the tire/rim-size/look combination of the new TL where the tire doesn't look too "wide" in comparison to the rim. Just trying to "emulate" that style approach a bit. I believe it would look nice on the Max but needed some feedback.

 

Stick w/ OEM size.

 

For the winter I put some 215x50x17's on my stock 2k2 rims. (Continental EcoContact 2's) I was figuring a bit narrower tire would have a little better traction.

 

The only reservation I'd have would be the 91 load rating on that size, about 70 lb less than the stock 93 crapenzas (granted, comparison of the second gen TL vs 5th gen Max gross weights and tire load ratings indicate a more conservative load rating for the max, but the fact remains that the max came OEM with 93 load rating tires).

 

1693....the other tires you might want to consider are tbe Bridgestone Turanza LSVs or LSH's in 215/50...I have the LSVs in OEM 225/50 size and they are huge -at leat half an inch larger in diameter and width than both the RE92s as well as the Michelin Pilots, meaning, you could install this tire in 215/50 and be perfect, IMHO.

They are fantastic tires.....I removed some nearly-new Pilot A/S Sports because I could not stand their droning/noise levels...these tires are the equal of the Pilots in grip with a buttery smooth, quiet ride....

Take a look at their ratings & comments on TireRack -they are indeed the best tires I have EVER had on ANY car