Winter tire/rim question.
 

I currently have stock 17’s (235/45 tires) on my b6 avant. I’m looking for some winter tires, and came across a set of used OEM 15” rims with 205/65 tires that were in great shape, and great price. I just hate dropping from a 17” rim to a 15” rim in the winter. Also I love the way the wider tires look

I have the sport suspension, so the car sits a little lower. The stealership suggests a 16” rim – but that package is almost $1700

How do you think the 15”s would look, and would it change the ride?

Thanks for your opinion

Re: Winter tire/rim question.
 

I drove my B6 Avant last winter on 16" Audi replica alloys with 215/55/16 Dunlop WinterSport 3D tires on them and they were awesome. Smooth ride and awesome traction in dry, wet and snow (check "TireRack" for reviews). I drive 235/45/17 all seasons in the summer but the slightly narrower 215/55/16 tire and 16" wheel gives better traction in winter snow. The ride quality was incredible.

It is too bad that you are not in the GTA as I just purchased a 2009 A4 and I am selling these practically brand new rims and tires as they will not fit. Audi changed the wheel hub/centerbore size so although my winter wheels will fit on any 1996-2008 A4 it will not fit on my 2009. Bummer. Although the whole setup cost over $1700 (as you state) last November, I am now willing to let go of them for a good price so that I can get some cash to put towards some more 16" winter wheels and new Dunlops that will fit the 09.

Summary: Get a 16" wheel and tire package. I highly recommend the Dunlop 3Ds.

Re: Winter tire/rim question.
 

Thanks, I have been wrestling with this - and have found BBS 16" rims with Snows on them - I'll go that route. Thx for the advice - enjoy the 09 you lucky dog

Re: Winter tire/rim question.
 

Just in case you have second thoughts, I'd back what nbuckley is saying. I have an 03 Avant with the sport package and run 16" winters Dunlops - they are tremendous. The narrower tire (215 also) and slightly taller sidewall have been great in the winter and get through just about anything. I did the first three winters in North Bay with this set up and the combination of the tires, quattro, and ESP is second to none. It made winter my favorite driving season. Now that I'm in Vancouver I have a fun grin on my face as I drive around in my rock chipped, sand blasted and thouroughly enjoyed Avant. I got my 16" rims off Craigslist as lots of guys are dumping them in order to move up in size.....

Re: Winter tire/rim question.
 

I am looking for a set of winter tires and rims for my 05 A4. What do you want for them?

Re: Winter tire/rim question.
 

I stuck with 17" w/ my sport suspension on my A4 last winter and I got Pirelli Sotto Zero's on those and the ride was awesome made winter the best time to drive especially with heated seats

Re: Winter tire/rim question.
 

yeah i bought a set of 17's with mint pirelly soto zero's for 500 bucks! what a steal! cant wait for the white stuff to fall down...

Re: Winter tire/rim question.
 

Just got 2009 A4 Avant and looking for new winter rims with new bolt pattern - don't want to use 18" rims from sport pkg - too expensive to put snow tires on them!
Anyone know a place in Vancouver?

Re: Winter tire/rim question.
 

myculpee,
what is the new bolt pattern on the new a4? I am also looking for some winter tires.

Re: Winter tire/rim question.
 

I am looking to drop down to 17" rims for the winter and I need tires. If you guys hear of any deals in the GTA let me know and i will do the same.