Mark, I would also like to hear opinions about the 235/45/17 as opposed to the stock 225/50/17. Although my original Michelin Pilot MXM's have been good (and lasted WAY beyond my expectations. I have put nearly 57,000 miles on them and they still have a decent tread), I feel that a slightly wider and lower profile rubber would further improve handling with very minor consequences on ride quality. Besides, I find the Michelins quite noisy on all but the smoothest roads. Going from 1 225/50 to 235/45 is considered a "Plus zero" sizing, which I believe means the speedometer should still read fairly accurately.

I am still not sure though, if a 235/45 tire would properly fit on the 7x17" wheels of the S80, perhaps other people that successfully switched to this size could explain if thy had to switch rims as well? If not, I would definitely give the fatter tires a try. In particular, I am looking at the new Bridgestone Turanzas LS-Z, which are getting great reviews on tirerack.com and sound almost too good to be true...

Thanks,

Umberto B
2000 S80 T-6 red/sand