I have a '97 GLE with the stock (7-spoke?) rims. I recently picked up a set of all 4 SE rims (5-spoke) for $80. They're pretty much in perfect condition. Well, being a tire/wheel noob, I'm not sure exactly what to get - as far as new tires go.

1) The SE rims are obviously bigger, by an inch, are they 215/50/16?
2) What's the widest tires I can use on these 16's?
3) Any personal suggestions as to what I should get?

I'm looking for performance, but I want a QUIET ride.

Thank you all for your input(s).

 

Got the same problem, same wheels. The original p215-55 r16 Toyos are gone.
Been looking at Pirelli Zero _Nero M &S ( live in NW where we're supposed to get snow)
they are p225-50 closest fit. It's a .5" less diam. I'm sure there are lots others for less $ or more. There are Michelins and Conti's in the stock size. The tuner's would go for the Pirelli.

 

How did you like the Toyos, while they lasted?

 

215-55-16 is the stock size for 16".

I've always preferred Continental tires for my cars. The Conti-Extreme is a great tire. The CH95 is dated and is going to be discontinued soon.

Secondly, and this came to me as a surprise. Kumho is a damn good tire. I love Koreans. They basically take a good tire on the market like Michelin or Pirelli, and they engineer their tires to perform just like these do.

Look around. See what you like. Tire rack has good testimonials but some of those have to be taken with a grain of salt.

I never thought I'd buy Nitto. But my 235/45/17 Nitto 555s are awesome in the rain. Who would have known.

 

I'm on my second set of Kumhos. I love them.

I had a set of Ecsta Supra 712s and now have Ecsta ASXs. Both in 215/55-WR16.

No complaints. They are both excellent tires for the money.

 

How long did the 1st set of Kumhos last you?

 

I got about 30k miles out of them. They would have lasted a bit longer if my alignment wasn't messed up for just about the whole time I had them.

 

kumho is known for wearing out unevenly - they are like pencil eraser's! good price for a set but you should get more milage out of a tire than that.

 

Been on the car since new, so hard to compare, that's why I'm doing research like you guys. Got good wear out of them, smooth running. I guess I am looking to restore some of the sporty feel of the car without popping for a new ride at this time.
This car has been real good to me, so I guess I should put a good set of tires on it.

My feeling is you could find a tire with more grip than these had , but I'm a little biased since mine our so worn out.

 

All tires wear out unevenly unless you rotate them. Directional tires always wear unevenly because you can only use them on one side. Then you factor in things like alignment and the banked highways everyone drives on and your tires wear like erasers sometimes.

Thumbs up to Kumho for making a tire better than the Michelin MXV4 for $55 (tire rack)

I got a new set of Kumhos for my mom's Grand Caravan SPORT (SPORT guys and gals, we ARE a family of enthusiasts!) and they are great.

My take is if you have the cash and want the flash, go for the big buck tire.

If you want a decent tire, there are many many options for you.