SQ5 wheels
#41
Re: SQ5 wheels
I put my car on studded Hakka's this year, just wow... never had grip like this before in the winter. I wish I had saved the dashcam footage from that snowfall we had last weekend... cars were sliding sideways, one slid backwards at me on a hill, a few stuck or spending time to get started at slick stop lights... I was cruising past everybody and it felt like I was on dry pavement.
Wow, Sweet Rims!
Last edited by Sugarphreak; 11-13-2013 at 10:42 PM.
#42
Re: SQ5 wheels
Hi Bimmer, I can't believe that either the Hartmann rims or the Blizzaks or the Scorpions pose a problem. My own saleman oredered Hartmann's for his wife's new Q7 that came in with my SQ5. He got Blizzaks as she wanted more grip and less performance. I opted for the Hartmann rims mentioned in an earlier post of mine with the Scorpions as I wanted performance (V-rated: good to 149 mph), while still having good grip. I ran Pirelli's on my old Saab 9000 Turbo and they were great. I've run the new ones 450 miles so far and no vibration. When they were a little broken in (200 miles) I started to push them more and they passed with flying colors. Tire Rack had some good reviews on them. Audi matched Tire Rack's price of $2,552 for the rims and tires as they could see they were going to lose the entire sale. I'm guessing they could still make a couple of bucks and they guaranteed all. There was no "song and dance" about only using Audi equip; heck, all the staff said, "You're smart enough, go ahead with what you are doing as it's what we do." That was all I needed to hear. Hope that helps Bimmer!
I put my car on studded Hakka's this year, just wow... never had grip like this before in the winter. I wish I had saved the dashcam footage from that snowfall we had last weekend... cars were sliding sideways, one slid backwards at me on a hill, a few stuck or spending time to get started at slick stop lights... I was cruising past everybody and it felt like I was on dry pavement.
Wow, Sweet Rims!
Wow, Sweet Rims!
I can just imagine how well those Hakka's performed. Did you mount them on their own rims?
#43
Re: SQ5 wheels
The Hakkas sound great... will keep in mind. Fortunately, Montana has a dry climate in winter, so less of the slushy ice and more "cold smoke" powder as we call it. Sorry, some of your dealers wouldn't consider doing the tire/wheel deal as at least I feel that I can trust them (at least for some things). We still have our share of Automobile "Stealerships" south of the border too.
#44
Re: SQ5 wheels
Your winter climate sounds similar to ours. We have a few snowy days, but mostly bright sunshiny days with dry roads. But, when it does snow, it friggin' snows. We also have some brutal cold spells that turn regular tires into hockey pucks. Nokians are very popular these days since they market some tires as "year round" and that's appealing to people who don't like having to do the swap twice a year. I know very little about the brand other than they are from Finland, they've been around forever, and they are $$$. They are really gaining in popularity, though.
#46
Re: SQ5 wheels
I think $3500 for the OEM 21's with the Dunlops is a good deal considering my 20" Hartmann's with Blizzak LM60's set me back $3000 after all was said and done. Actually, that's a no brainer imho.
I don't have my SQ5 yet so I can't comment on the specific ride difference between the 20's and 21's, but from my experience with other cars, it's when you start getting down to a 40-series tire or lower, it can be a significantly rougher ride. Whatever the difference, it sounds like you are quite smitten with the 21's so I think you'll be kicking yourself down the road if you pass up that opportunity. The heart wants what the heart wants...
I had 22" rims for the summer on my Q7 and I liked the stiffness of the ride. I put aftermarket MRR 19" rims on my Eibach-lowered Kia Optima SX (my daily driver) and that is a rough rider. My **** puckers at the mere suggestion of a dip or bump in the road.
Let us know what you end up choosing. (Go 21's!)
I don't have my SQ5 yet so I can't comment on the specific ride difference between the 20's and 21's, but from my experience with other cars, it's when you start getting down to a 40-series tire or lower, it can be a significantly rougher ride. Whatever the difference, it sounds like you are quite smitten with the 21's so I think you'll be kicking yourself down the road if you pass up that opportunity. The heart wants what the heart wants...
I had 22" rims for the summer on my Q7 and I liked the stiffness of the ride. I put aftermarket MRR 19" rims on my Eibach-lowered Kia Optima SX (my daily driver) and that is a rough rider. My **** puckers at the mere suggestion of a dip or bump in the road.
Let us know what you end up choosing. (Go 21's!)
Last edited by cooper; 11-15-2013 at 06:13 PM.
#47
Re: SQ5 wheels
So both yourself and 55cadillacking have the 21" summer rim-tires? They look great! I have the 21" currently as well but I really need to buy a set of winters. My dealership is telling me to choose the Audi 20" but not only will it cost me $5000+, I don't like the look.
After reading what everyone has posted on this topic I really like either 20" Hartmann HS5-209-GA:M or HRS6-204-MA with LM-60 or Scorpion.
I mentioned to my dealership I wanted to check out after market and they mentioned I would get vibration and issues in the end. I don't think it's a scare tactic to buy Audi product b/c I have a great relationship with them however I'm sure they are looking out for their best interest first. Does have me concerned since it's the first time I'm buying non-factory equipment.
I would appreciate any feedback from those experienced with buying aftermarket and specifically with the SQ5.
Cheers!
After reading what everyone has posted on this topic I really like either 20" Hartmann HS5-209-GA:M or HRS6-204-MA with LM-60 or Scorpion.
I mentioned to my dealership I wanted to check out after market and they mentioned I would get vibration and issues in the end. I don't think it's a scare tactic to buy Audi product b/c I have a great relationship with them however I'm sure they are looking out for their best interest first. Does have me concerned since it's the first time I'm buying non-factory equipment.
I would appreciate any feedback from those experienced with buying aftermarket and specifically with the SQ5.
Cheers!
I also saved over $2000.00 by purchasing after market.
Sounds like your local Audi dealership is trying to pad their own pockets.
#48
Re: SQ5 wheels
There is something to be said by purchasing an actual OEM rim from Audi, but for the $2000 difference, you could get a THIRD after market wheel/tire set up!
#49
Re: SQ5 wheels
I put the snow tires on my OEM rims, threw the tires that came with the car onto some OZ rims I got from TireRack, then powder coated to match the color of the car. Was going for an old school rally look:
My starting inspiration:
Last edited by Sugarphreak; 11-16-2013 at 05:31 PM.
#50
Re: SQ5 wheels
Thanks for responding 55cadillacking and mtjim.
Now I have to see if the dealership is willing to directly receive the deliveries from Hartmann and Tire Rack so they can install for me. I don't want to transport rims and wheels from home to them. Probably won't even fit in the car!
Now I have to see if the dealership is willing to directly receive the deliveries from Hartmann and Tire Rack so they can install for me. I don't want to transport rims and wheels from home to them. Probably won't even fit in the car!
Last edited by bimmer26; 11-16-2013 at 06:53 PM.