04' I35 - Need tire advice

[Grand Moff Joseph]

My I35 just rolled over 40K miles, and the OEM Bridgestone Turanzas are nearing the end of their useful lives, so I'm now searching for a good replacement. But first, per the sticky thread, here's the pertinent info:

2004 I35

Stock tire size = 215/55/R17 (H-rated Bridgestone Turanza EL42s)

Price range: Not terribly fixed on one range, but from experience on previous vehicles, good tires should go for between $120-170 US (I think )

Goals of Car: Daily driver, with little splashes of fun thrown in to keep it interesting (ie-curvy freeway on ramps, etc. : )

Climate: I live in the Southern Tier of NY, so our climate is fairly normal, save for the winter and the usual summer rain storms. So, I'm looking for above average dry traction with enough snow traction to keep me on the road.

Other Notes: I have noticed that my OEM tires have gotten progressively noiser over the last few thousand miles, however, they seemed to be pretty darn quiet up until recently. While I don't want a bone jarring ride, I don't want to put Buick-ized tires on here either.

TIRE CHOICES:

I'm very partial to Michelins, as my family has had very good luck with them over the years. So, that would obviously be my first pick. Cooper Zeon tires seem to be good, but I have yet to meet someone that has them on, so if anyone has opinions on these, fire away.

Finally, I have noticed that tires are hard to come by in 215/55/R17, and I remember seeing a post somewhere here that mentioned a few other alternative tire sizes that were still within factory spec. Any info there is also appreciated.

Thanks for bearing with the n00b!-GMJ

[Grand Moff Joseph]

bump...anyone out there?

[574-240sx]

Might want to check out the Tech M550 A/S, they seem to be in a better class then your OE tires and cost a little less to according to tirerack.http://www.tirerack.com/tires/...ace=2

You current OE tires http://www.tirerack.com/tires/...ce=13

[Exar-Kun]

you can try and go to a 225/50/17 and bump the air pressure up a bit, that's within the acceptable 3% error margin, and has some stickier tires available.

I would look into either the Michelin ENergy MXV4 S8, which is a nice quiet touring tire, or the HX MXM4 which is geared toward a lux/sport buyer whose willing to push a car a bit more but demands a quiet smooth ride.

Both tires are all-season and will performace decently in light snow (but not reccomendable for serious snow conditions).

I also believe that Yokohama is making their AVID H4s/V4s in that size now, which is a phenominal tire for the money, but won't quite match the HX MXM4.-Chet