mcbicycle

I am looking to put a new set of wheels on my A4 B6 Quattro. Currently has 17" 45mm offset.
Most of the tire and wheel web sites say I can go with a 35mm offset but the locals in Saskatoon (no Audi dealer yet but coming soon) tell me that I need to stick to the factory offset or it could screw up the Quattro.
Any information or help would be greatly appreciated.

GCSC

I've heard the quattro is sensitive to changes to the tire / wheel combo if it is not strictly within spec. Even to the point of a replacement tire that isn't shaved to the same depth as the existing tires on the car. Again this is rumour, I don't have any facts to back it up.

Maybe one of the more technical guys on the forum has input - I would like to know the real answer as well.

G.

autumn

OP: Depending on the width of rims, an offset between ET32 and 45 will work on our B6's. When you increase the width of rims, the offset has to go down to compensate for less clearance between the inside of the rim and the strut housing. Offset is not an issue here, but the size of tires of your choice is. You want to maintain the overall rolling diameter.

GCSC: I believe Quattro can tolerate 3mm (~ 3.5/32") of tread depth difference, but I personally wouldn't run tires with different tread depths. Differentials are much more expensive to replace than tires.

mcbicycle

Thanks for the information.
Checked out a few of the local tire and wheel shops yesterday and there information is consistent with what your advice.
Interesting the folks at the local VW dealerships are telling me not to stray from stock. To add some confusion they are telling me the stock wheels have a 45mm offset but when I check on line most sites say it is a 35mm.
Confusing to say the least.

tep631

Will 35 mm offset with a 245/40R18 tire clear everything? I am not familiar with clearances at full turn or brake issues. It is actually for my wife's 2001 A4.