LS1/A4

Hey everyone, just wanted to know if some S4 Replica wheels, 17x7.5 wheels with 225-45-17 tires at 35mm offset would sit ok on my 2001 A4 premium package? The car sits a bit lower than other A4's but I don't think it's lowered. The wheels either come with 35mm or 42mm. Which should I go for? Thanks!

Braveheart

I suggest using a wheel offset calculator from the web to calculate clearance impact.
Here's the URL for one.
Wheel Offset Calculator

Higher positive offset value means wheel will retract inwards towards strut but that assumes consistent wheel width so if you're changing the wheel width, you should use the calculator

986Jim

Stock offset is 35mm so they will work just like the stock wheels.

The 42mm will fatten them out a little bit and will look really nice. My old Jetta I went from 35mm to 42mm offset and they really looked nice. Still fit and didn't rub with a 225mm tire even with Eibach 1.25" Prokit lower springs. So you will be fine with a 42mm as well.

I would do the 42mm cause it looks nice. Here is a pic of my jetta with Audi wheels on it that were 7+mm over the stock offset.

Braveheart

If you change from +35mm offset to +42mm offset, that will not push your rims out to the wheel arch, it does the opposite (offset is distance between mounting face and centreline of wheel). The only way to achieve a wider stance with higher + offset (assume no spacers used) is to run a wider wheel, which compensates for the +7mm offset. Use the web tool I provided above to run various scenarios.
Unless I am mistaken, the +35mm offset choice will give you the wider stance, not the +42mm offset, but again check wheel width and consult with vendor who would likely have experience in fitment issues.

986Jim

Yes you are correct, I see why it was that way, my old wheels were 6" and the new were 7" with the 35 then 42mm offset which is what pushed them out 6mm...

Good info to know, thanks.