Just wondering what the OEM tire was on an 07 4.2. Mine has Michelins which were replaced at 8000 miles by an enthusiastic Miami *******, err, dealer for the original 'do whatever it needs' nonagenarians. I think one of them is bad(the tire, not the nonagenarian) from sitting 2 years and hoping they are the same as oem(and maybe get a warranty by Michelin-fat chance). They have maybe 1000 miles on them. Thanks.

And also odd is that tirerack says they don't stock 235/50/17's which is weird as that's the size on my Forester which I bought from them.

 

Which rims? You may have 18", 19" (in any of several designs). I'm not sure any 17" by then.

You can find the brochures on the net or of course ask dealer for printout of full car info. (You can get partial at FordEtis home page but dealer is better.)

 

That would help. 17s they are. The new ones from 2 years ago are Mich HX MXM4's in 235/50/17. Now if Michelin will live up to their warranty, we'll see.

And benefit in going +1 to 18s? Stiffer sidewalls, less complaint ride?

 

Not sure why you think having OEM brand tires will help with any warranty.

 

18" would be a harsher ride.

17" are indeed 235/50 and generally easily available

 

Not for warranty but just wondering what brand was OEM.

 

Various tire brands and models came new on these cars. Could be Continental, could be Dunlop, could be Michelin. The auto factory buyers order tires in large quantities as you would expect. The tires that come on a new vehicle are typically there because that happened to be the best large-quantity deal the tire buyers could negotiate at that time....

 

No surprise there, just when they say, 'Tires especially developed for the S-type!'

 

Just marketing hype. I wouldn't bet my lunch money on that statement being true....