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Hammerli wrote:Are you sure the size is not 225/50/17? That size is virtually identical to stock, while the size you say you have, 225/55/17 is nearly a full inch larger diameter, which would explain why a 225/55 rubbed on my car. I really hope you have the 225/50, since I think those are one of the best choices for a summer tire on some IS300 rims.

I am positive they are 225/55/17. The dealer told me they'd be just fine since that was the original size of the factory tires. But you are absolutely right! I wish I had gotten the 225/50/17! In Michelin sizes they are much closer to the 225/55/17 Bridgestones. I tried to get the dealer to take back the 55s and put on 50s but he wouldn't do it. He continually reassured me the 55s would be just fine. And like I said, I asked my Toyota dealership and folks on this forum if I should be worried and ALL said nothing to worry about. So far I've noticed no problems with tires (knock on SLE wood trim).

I wonder if someone with a service manual could check to see if the suspension components are that much different from SLE to SE Sport. With the stock tire mounted, I literally have like 1/4" max clearance. You must have had 3 times that stock to allow for almost a full 1/2" increase in radius of tire.

I am just bummed they didn't work for me, since I think that is a great tire. Keep us posted on how you like them, particularly winter traction and if the noise level increases as they wear.

Hammerli wrote:I wonder if someone with a service manual could check to see if the suspension components are that much different from SLE to SE Sport. With the stock tire mounted, I literally have like 1/4" max clearance. You must have had 3 times that stock to allow for almost a full 1/2" increase in radius of tire.

After I had the Michelins installed, I went back to the dealership just to check to see how much room there was with the stock tires on an SLE. I would say there was about five-eights of an inch of clearance, no more!

I never thought I'd say this, but I almost wish it would snow so I can see how the Michelins perform. Oops, I take that back. Snow equals salt on the road. Salt equals corrosion. Corrosion equals bad stuff.