richard-tx

+1

I intend to do it once and be good for the next 10 years.

Doc_A8

As an update, had a full suspension inspection and alignment done last week when I finally got back to driving it again- Everything in the suspension checked out fine, just a slightly loose tie rod end- which I knew about- and had them fix.

The rear alignment was off, and was re-set. Not sure how that happened- maybe a pothole, who knows. It was aligned 9 months ago, and was out of spec last week.

Still have a slight wobble between 50-60 mph. Next thing to check is the wheel centering rings. They fit the hubs, but not sure they are the right size for the wheels. 3 are green, one is black. So- new centering rings are going on this weekend.

Hopefully this will fix the slight vibration at 50-60 mph.

Greg5OH

hate hate hate vibrations, especially on large luxury cars.
ANy chance you could put on 4 different wheels/tires for a quick test to rule your current ones out?

MP4.2+6.0

Definitely a place to suspect. If they aren't metal already, hopefully your new ones are that rather than plastic. I'm guessing you are adapting a set of wheels that fit newer Audi's w/ the larger hub center?

Doc_A8

No spare set to swap out for a check.

The current centering rings are plastic, and the wheels were put on by the previous owner. They are not OE wheels, but rather, aftermarket wheels by "Stance".

aTOMic

Had a Mercedes W210 E320 that ate set after set of Michelins at about 16-18k; it was w/in spec but the (F & R!) toe specs on that car were not exactly "picky" - IIRC it was +/-3 degrees! Michelin warranted 60k treadwear so I got replacements for 1/3rd cost without even having to contact them. Bought the 2nd set, and had it aligned at MB Bowling Green, KY; it was in spec (though on the very edge and adjusted to max camber R) and they didn't even charge me!! I almost fainted! Plus (unbelieveably) they let me test drive - alone - a used AMG E55, my dream car at the time. A beast, but not in the A8's class, let alone the S8's.

Doesn't that "Constant S" setting prevent the camber change on our cars?

Doc_A8

Funny- I test drove an E55 a couple of weeks before I bought my A8, no- they aren't even remotely similar, but the low end thrust the E55 possessed was intoxicating.

richard-tx

If it were mine, I would locate a set of factory rims and get rid of the aftermarket rims. I know there is a set of factory rims for sale in Orlando. There is nothing like forged rims for strength.

Doc_A8

Honestly, I have thought about it. But up until now I didn't believe the cost of purchasing a new set of wheels and tires was worth it. If I can't get rid of the vibration between 50-60, I may do just that- however.

MP4.2+6.0

FWIW, you can sometimes find the twin 10 spoke OE 20's used on D4 A8's and A7's/S7's as quasi takeoffs with tires for not much more than the value of the tires and mounting as new. The A7/S7 tire you find is very close to the D3 fitment. Some guys on board with D3's have run them IIRC. Forged wheels BTW, so probably a lot of quality difference too, and re-usable with current generation Audis (without the adapter ring to retrofit to D3's). On supply/demand basis, for what ever reason a lot end up on the market and just kind of sit.