Replicas vs OEM RS wheels
 

I think the Hartmann RS style wheels are beautiful, but I have some badly curb-rashed OEM RS style 19X8.5's now. I have two options, get some replicas and do the homework re: quality and weight, or refinish my OEM's and pay around 500+, crossing my fingers all the while. Any experiences? TIA

-K

getting non-OEM wheels have few diasdvantages:

- replica wheels often not of the same quality as OEM.

- A6 is a heavy car and 19" does not leave much of a leeway for the tire. You need to figure out how strong the replicas are.

- sooner or letter you will need to replace one or more wheels. If at that time your wheel supplier is out of business - you stuck with three useless wheels and will need to buy a complete set to replace it.

I would refinish OEM wheels. Or just leave it as it is - wheel with the rush is not a bend wheel. You do not have to refinish because it will get rush again.

well that is true, but I just bought the car and want better looking wheels. I do have the spare which is good as new, so technically I will not be without a wheel if needed..

-k

If you go with 19", run 265 tires like OEM S6 tires.

245/40/18 - Sidewall Height = 98mm
265/35/19 - Sidewall Height = 92.75mm

The ride quality is still really good.

5mm difference, its nothing.

I have been running Hartmann S8 replicas for two seasons and have had no problems with them, even with NYC potholes.

Im not really a fan of reps. If you are not in a rush, keep an eye out on craigslist and the other audi forums for OEM wheels. You can snag a good deal and know you are getting a quality set of wheels.