nickcdn

I have read numerooooous posts about winter tire setup on the SQ5 but still sitting on the fence.

One of the main options appears to be the recommended Audi setup with the 19" OEM Audi rim with 235/55/19 rubber. In Canada, it appears this package is about $3,900.

One dealer here is selling a 18" setup that they tested last winter and worked without spacers. 18" replica wheels (made in China) with 235/60/18 Pirelli rubber for about $2,000.

The third option I am prob most considering is a 19" Hartmann rim, model HS5-209-GS , with 235/55/19 rubber. That seems to cost in the neighborhood of $2,700 depending on rubber choice.

My questions for anyone are:

1) What are your thoughts on 18" vs 19" vs 20" for winter setup on the SQ5? Is there a "sweetspot" for size?

2) Are the Hartmann's a big step down in quality from the OEM rims?

3) Does anyone have a preference for winter rubber? Pirelli, Continential?

4) What are you currently running in winter, and does it require spacers? What is exact rubber sizing?

Thank you!

Vilhelm_SQ5

1) Running 20" Hartmann HTT-256-MA:M rims with a 29mm offset and does not require spacers on the SQ5.

2) Hartmann's are made in Germany and I've found the quality to be very good. IMO, I would say the Hartmann's are comparable in quality to the OEM wheels plus much less expensive (cost me $1800 CDN for the rims with shipping (not including rubber)).

3) I've used Blizzaks on all of my vehicles and have no complaints. I can't comment on other brands as I've always used Blizzaks.

4) Blizzak DM-V1's on 20" Hartmann's with 29mm offset as stated above. No spacers required.

Yoshimura

The problem with aftermarket wheels if that the finish won't last long if they are constantly exposed to salt.

Why don't you get a set of used OEM wheels?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/18-AUDI-Q5-OEM-Wheels-Set-18-2009-2014-Rim-58865-/121381697829?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Wheels&hash=item1c42e9b925&vxp=mtrhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/Audi-Q5-Factory-18-Wheels-Rims-Set-OEM-and-Tires-235-60R18-Michelin-Tour-HP-/151139178282?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Wheel_Packages&hash=item233098d72a&vxp=mtr

Vilhelm_SQ5

I was also told by the dealer that the samllest wheel size that the SQ5 would accept is 19" because of the larger front brake rotors and calipers. I would suggest double checking if an 18" setup is an option for the SQ5.

nickcdn

I agree. One dealer in Ontario told me they ran that 18" setup I mentioned, without spacers, and it worked last winter. If you are not concerned about looks, the price point is very tempting. Plus I assume the 18" vs 20" winter setup is going to be better for traction?

Transfer

I think a lot of people have seen these pics, but here is my setup from last year:







Hartmann HR8-GS:M 19x8.5 et25
Pirelli Scorpion Winter 255/50/19

These wheels weren't my first choice in the style department but Achtuning had a scratch n dent set (no visible flaws) for $880 so I went with it. I decided on 255 width tires for looks as I think even the 255s look too narrow on the SQ5, but the Pirellis have a round sidewall so they bulge a bit.

Traction is great in wet and snow, ride comfort is excellent, and they are still sporty for a winter tire. I'm sure snow/ice traction could be better, but it's still quite good. I've personally sworn off Blizzaks because they compromise too much dry/wet performance handling to maximize ice/snow. That's just the Blizzak way which works for people that see more of those conditions and don't mind less performance. The best winter tire I've driven is Michelin PA4 but no dice in our size there.

If I had to do it again, I would spend a little more and get 20x9 Hartmann peelers with the same tires (20" obviously).
There is no way I would fit 18s even if they did fit, but the vast majority will not fit up front.

nickcdn

Thanks Transfer! I have seen those in google searches but not the first one..wondered what size they were!

Chuck2006

Hartmann peelers 20" with Pirelli Scorpions here.

Got a used set for 2k CAD. Only a winter used, practically new !

20" for style, and Pirellis for overall performance (not only winter). My sister uses Scorpions on her S4 (19" OEM wheels in winter), and they're quite good in winter even with low profile. But they shine also on wet/dry roads.

nickcdn

I like the look of 20" better, but will I lose a lot of winter performance from the 19"? Everything I read seems to say smaller tire size is better for winter? Just wondering how much better 19"'s would be over 20"s in the winter?

TTG

Subscribed.

I would much rather go with 19" OEM S-line take off & etc. There should be a thread about what OEM Audi wheels fit on SQ5s :-)