Oiler Country

Hi I have a 2002 Audi v6 3.0, the car came with 215/55/16 wheels. I put Michelin X-Ice on them for winter. Now with spring and summer approaching I am looking for another set of rims.

I have a good lead on some used S4 rims that are 18 x 8.

First I looked on Tire rack and they do offer 18 x 8 inch rims for this car. I ran the tire calculators and the speedo still seems to be correct. The tire size according to tire rack is 235/40/18.

However just curious what will happen to ride? As for handling, gas milage, performance etc.. Is there any disadvantage to having 18 inch rims over 16 inch rims for summer?

And lastly does anyone have any pics with their car with 18 inch wheels as compared to stock 16 inch rims. I would appreciate hearing and seeing from anyone.


Cheers

Oiler Country

audifutbol

Your ride will be a bit rougher due to less tire. And tires are a bit more expensive. But the handling will be awesome. Im looking at 18"s or 19"s, had 20"s on my old car and liked the ride. Its worth it for looks and handling.

maxaudi

Hi, I am looking for the same replacement: from 16'' rims with 215/55/16 tires to 18'' rims with 235/40/18 tires. The offset will be the same (+35). Yes, indeed the handling will be better, but the big question here is: what about rubbing, is it going to be any ?

audifutbol

With 18's there shouldnt be any rubbing unless the offset is way different, and the width is different. A local tire shop can tell you the range.

Oiler Country

Hi I pick up my new rims tomorrow. They are 18x8 2005 S4 rims. I spoke to a few tire shops. And as long as I stick to 235/40/18's they will fit the wheel well exactly the same as my 16 inch rims.

I ran the tire calculator and they will be the same size and will not effect the speedometer at all.


The million dollar question is what the ride will be like. I have been researching quite a bit about possible tire selections here is my short list for summer and all season tires.

Any thoughts on these greatly appreciated


Ultra High Performance All Seasons

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S plus
Continental Extreme Contact DWS
Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Positon

Performance Summer Tires

Bridgestone Potenza RE760


Maxaudi what tires are you looking at?


Cheers


Oiler Country

audifutbol

I would go just performance summer. Something like nokian or pirelli if you have cash. But unless your racing average priced ones will do just fine. Dont get all season unless your planning on wrecking your rims through the winter. Seem many guys slide into curbs with nice rims in the winter.

jamieta430

i have the same a4 3.0 2002 i run with 235/40/18 toyo proxies tr1 there a good tire when new after about 20,000 k they do start to get a little bit of a hum to them.
i think this is quite common in directional tires
i hardly notice any difference in the ride quality handles way better in the bends.you may get the the odd suspension thump when you hit a big hole.
i would use them all year if i could get away with it in calgary

Stevelev

If you go with a light weight wheel, the ride can actually improve even though the tire is lower profile. The reason for this is less weight is easier for the suspension to do its thing. On my S4, I upgraded to 19" Volks (forged) which combined with the tires, saved 10 lbs per corner compared to the 18" OEM rims. The ride improved noticeably (as did the acceleration and handling).

Oiler Country

Hi I got the S4 18 x 8 rims tonight they look great. Steve I was curious if these rims are actually lighter than buying China made replicas rims I was looking at before or are they the same material and weight?

They do feel quite light for there size but I have nothing to compare them to?

Is there suppose to be a difference in weight between S4 rims and regular A4 rims?


Cheers

Oiler Country

jrterrier

im actually looking for nice 16 mags for my summer tires any suggestions i own a 2002 a4 1.8t charcoal grey