coops58

1. If I want to put on 235/40/18 tires for my 2005 Audi S4, Tirerack shows both 18x8 and 18x7.5 wheel sizes. The OEM wheel is 18x8. Do I sacrifice anything by getting the smaller wheel width?

2. If I want to put on 235/45/17 tires, is 17x8 or 17x7.5 the optimal wheel size?

3. Any problems with the AT Italia 9 Razze, AT Italia S5, or Miglia Spider II wheels in the way of fit if I get 18x8 wheel size?

4. Is bright-silver the closest color match to the OEM Avus wheel color?

5. My local Audi dealer said the AT Italia S5 wheel they sell is specially "diamond cut" to help prevent wear in winter weather. Anyone ever hear about this?

The dealer is asking $2500 for 4 Pirelli 240's and 4 Italia S5 8x18's. Crazy.

jprice@CPS

and yes, the price seems too high. (like $1000 too high)

From TR, that package is $1,536.00 + tax and shipping.. that's already mounted and balanced.

I'm not sure what the process of diamond cutting is, but I don't understand how it being cut a certain way helps against corrosion. I would expect the paint technique, type of paint, and finally clearcoat is used on the wheel has more to do with it. Sure sounds like your "dealer" is blowing smoke up your ... umm, nose. If you're very concerned with holding up to winter weather, just wash and wax your wheels very good after the season and you'll be fine.

The wheel/tire size combinations you listed are all fine. I don't think that you'll notice any difference either way between the 8 and 8.5 (18") or 7.5 and 8. (17") If you were going for a summer setup, I'd lean toward the wider wheel (for future potential of running 255+ width tires), but for winter, I lean toward the narrower.

I would also opt for 17" over 18" pacakges. Not only will you save money from initial purchase, but future tire replacements will also save you money. Also, the 17" wheels will be stronger, and the more sidewall on the tire helps if you hit bad bumps / curbs / bad manhole covers (they're sneaky when covered with 6" of snow). More cushion for the wheel (and for you)

coops58

Anyone know of a place (online or local to Chicagoland) that has AT Italia S5 bright silver 17x7.5 wheels (or similar wheel style) with 235/45/17 winter performance tires (looking at Dunlop M3, Michelin Pilot Alpin, Nokian WR, Bridestone Blizzak LM25, Pirelli 240).

My Audi dealer's price is $1750 mounted/balanced for this wheel with Nokian WR tires.

jprice@CPS

I noticed that they fixed their winter wheel / tire package now, so there's many wheels included for the B6 S4. Also, you might want to look at the Ronal packages offered as well.

<a href="http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AR4&url=%2Fwinter%2Findex.jsp">http://www.tirerack.com/winter/index.jsp</a>

<a href="http://www.ronalusa.com/04snow.html">http://www.ronalusa.com/04snow.html</a>
and for reference of which fit on the B6 S4 (and how they look):
<a href="http://www.ronalusa.com/cars/audi_s4_b6.html">http://www.ronalusa.com/cars/audi_s4_b6.html</a>

coops58

Ronal uses H-rated Nokian WR's for winter tire set-ups.

Will I notice any performance issues by using the H-rated tire rather than the V-rated version of the Nokian WR for a winter set-up?

jprice@CPS

The H rated just has a softer sidewall than the V. I don't know why Gary @ Ronal doesn't like to sell the V rated ones, but he CAN get them.. he just charges an outrageous premium for them. The H will be fine though, just a little less responsive steering. (and truthfully, the difference in 235/45/17 may be minimal)

coops58

This would be for winter setup only.

jprice@CPS

I would choose the Nokian WR V over the H, but the H is fine.

The Nokian WR does better than many of the perfromance rated winter tires, and it'll last longer while it's at it. I don't think you'll be dissapointed :-)

biturbowagon

They bend easily. The clearcoating is flaking off.

Be forewarned.