A4 (B5 Platform) Discussion Discussion forum for the B5 Audi A4 produced from 1995-2001 B5 FAQ

Questions: What is wrong with the factory 16" wheels?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 05-01-2001, 09:40 AM
  #1  
Audiworld Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Dauner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Questions: What is wrong with the factory 16" wheels?

Why does everybody upgrade to 17" (at a significant cost). Do the wheels and tires from an A6 bolt right up to an A4 with no problems? What is the advantage of the 7 spoke "sport wheels" over the 5 spoke "non-sport" wheels from a 2.8? I have non-sport setup and am likely to buy new wheels (so I can put snows on the 15"ers)

Thanks alot for any opinions...

Mark 98.5A41.8TQM
Old 05-01-2001, 09:43 AM
  #2  
Banned
 
ModifiedA4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 34,209
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Looks, reduced sidewall (performance), bigger brakes.
Old 05-01-2001, 09:43 AM
  #3  
AudiWorld Super User
 
Sal R.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2000
Posts: 10,887
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Depends on the person...

Some do it for lighter wheel wieght, looks, handling (larger wheel base and stiffer side wall), fitting for bigger brakes, or a combo of these things.
Old 05-01-2001, 09:52 AM
  #4  
AudiWorld Super User
 
Andy Hedin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Minneapolis, MN 'burbs
Posts: 16,094
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default No real difference between 16" 5-spoke and 16" 7-spoke alloys....

....both are about the same weight and the quality on both is equal (IMHO). So between those two wheels, it boils down to preference on looks.
Old 05-01-2001, 09:56 AM
  #5  
Elder Member
 
Dead's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2000
Posts: 23,167
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Nothings wrong with 'em. With the exception of not being able to get some of the big brake kits in

they can perform as good or better than the 17" ones at less money and a greater margine of safety from wheel damage.
Old 05-01-2001, 10:23 AM
  #6  
Junior Member
 
Auditude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

A lot of folks here like the 16" 5 spoke. They are more attractive than many aftermarkets IMO.
Old 05-01-2001, 10:29 AM
  #7  
New Member
 
Poethius's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Also: they're a little pricey

I'm in the same boat, upgrading a 1.8T non-sport. (I did the suspension 2 years ago.) For me, 16" wheels and summer tires will be enough of an improvement in looks and handling and better able to withstand Boston potholes. I'll keep the 15's for the winter.

But the Audi OEM wheels list for $240 each ($210 at Clair). I was seriously considering the Audi 16" accessory wheel called Tango; you might want to look at that, if $210 is not too high. It's a 6-spoker, and I think it looks a lot better than the 5- or 7- or even the newer 10-spoke wheels.

But I decided on a less expensive option: 16" ATP S5 ($139 at Tire Rack). It looks something like the 17" Avus wheel (S4).
Old 05-01-2001, 10:42 AM
  #8  
AudiWorld Super User
 
Audiboy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 13,200
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Try again. About 4 lbs difference in weigth. 38lbs (plus tire) for 7 spoke, 43lbs for 5 spoke.
Old 05-01-2001, 11:01 AM
  #9  
AudiWorld Senior Member
 
Wir fahr'n auf der Autobahn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,914
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default not too bad used though

Lots of folks upgrading their 16" to 17 or bigger and selling the 16"s. Personally, I really like the look of the 16s even though 17 is probably a better fit for the A4.
Old 05-01-2001, 11:01 AM
  #10  
AudiWorld Super User
 
Andy Hedin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Minneapolis, MN 'burbs
Posts: 16,094
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default That's odd.....Gary @ Ronal posted weights a few years ago and both wheels were between 20-21 lbs.

I'll have to weigh mine (I have both styles of 16" rims) next time I have the tires off of them.


Quick Reply: Questions: What is wrong with the factory 16" wheels?



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 09:20 PM.