derfA8L

Don't get me wrong, if the 255x45x20 fits with no rubbing, then I might stay with that size (if it were me) just for the slightly higher sidewall height to maximize riding comfort. Not sure about this size, but I'm aware of the currently limited options in the 265x40x20 world.

Baloo588

Check these outs:

Size 255/45/20 will work just fine with the A8L. If I was upgrading from my 19 to 20 inch rims next year I will go with these:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

Baloo588

Or

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

ffejrey

I am surprised you suggest Continentals... What do you think of the Contisport 3's that come in our 265/40/20 tire size? These are the tires that make quite a bit of noise on freeways for me...

ffejrey

Un-click all truck options, there are a few. I purchased the Goodyear Eagle Sport A/S a few weeks ago (275/40/20) and I can confidently tell you they are quieter and feel more 'buttery' than the Pirelli's or Continental Contisport 3's offered in the 265 OEM tire size. No idea how they handle in adverse conditions but they are all season rated.

ffejrey

I will confidently solve your mystery. The stock 20" tires are only made by two manufacturers, are expensive and have a bad rap. The 20" tires also apparently create harmonics in our D4 A8's - please read my thread:

https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a8-...noise-2872385/

I would give odds that the previous owner of your vehicle tried to do exactly as I have (and/or maybe save some bucks). They also went one step further by narrowing the tires... The 45 profile with more sidewall and a narrower 255 width both reduce vibration, sound and therefore conductive road noise.

I now will confidently say any 20" tire is going to create harmonics in the front of our cars most label as "tire noise." I agree that the Michelin tire could be the quietest of choices but is not offered in the OEM or 275/40/20 size.

My advice (if you can afford and are replacing tires anyway) is to get the 19" wheels and Michelin tires. Unless you push the car to its limits this tire size is a better fit for what most want out of a flagship luxury cruiser with sports car characteristics. This is what I will most likely do however I am going to try some advanced materials to try and decrease harmonics before I throw in the towel... Follow my thread, I promise I will make every effort to best understand this dilemma.

jakematic

This was exactly my plan - using the 19" wheel that comes standard on the W12.
I never did it because I could not justify spending $8,000 for a problem, that for me, only happened on a small subset of roads.

KnappAttack

It wouldn't appear that these Goodyears are that good in the snow.
I'm leaning towards the Yokohama Parada Spec-X for the SUV's in a 275/40/20. After all, the A8 is as heavy as a SUV and the Yokohama is rated #1 in its class as well as having great winter reports.

ffejrey

I spoke with a Product Service Engineer at Continental today who informed me Continental developed a new tire for the A8 which should be OEM equipment an the 2015's with 20's.

They are named "contisport 3 contisilent" and are touted to be 9DB quieter than average tires and have foam attached to the interior of the tire:

Continental Tires -ContiSilent?

We can not purchase them yet I was told however the dealerships must have a way to replace flats or damaged tires on the 2015's so we should contact our dealerships and see if they have them.

I'm sure they're overpriced but if they decrease one of the main root causes of the issue I believe these cars suffer from (harmonic carryover into the car), they would be heaven sent for me!

Just wanted to share, I will look for them. If anyone else locates a resource let us know!!

pdt6974

I've 2 sets of the Pilot Super Sport on my 335i and they are by far the best rubber I've ever used. I am currently using the Pilot Sport AS3 on my (dead) 2011 A8 and after 3K miles I am very impressed. I had to go to a 245 but they are noticeably superior to the OEM Continentals they replaced. They are as good as the Super Sports in normal driving considering I would never push the A8 like the 335i. I went with the AS3 because of the all season rating.