I got new wheels
 

What do you guys think, I get new wheels

Si

On what side?

Both sides.

First pic is before, the second is after

Si

Good. Those "after" look far better.

Looks fantastic !

Thanks guys.

I've been after changing wheels for a long time and had to change all 4 tyres so went for new wheels,


I love the look but in my purchasing I also bought a pair ( yes pair ) of the attached wheels.

So I might keep looking for another pair but wondered what was best....

Si

If you already have a pair and find the other two, maybe use one set for summer and one for winter ?

I'm thinking of keeping the 18" wheels I took off for winter tyres but TBF in the UK we don't really have more than a few days of snow what are normally easily passible with normal tyres and 4 wheel drive.

I guess when I get a second pair I'll see which set I like best

Si

And get those brakes too. :)

Yeah, are they easy to change ? I have a 4.2TDI 08

Thanks

Si

Way easier than to pay for them. Big bucks $$$. Or should I say £££? :)

Nice wheels.

WOW those look soo much better...

where did you get those and what size ? (20" im assuming)

Looks great!

A tad lower with VAGCom and she'd be perfect!

They are they standard S8 wheels from my year and yes 20"

I get them from UK eBay ( i'm in the UK )

Si

I'm not sure I want to go any lower, the long wheel base already has a really low belly
Si

That's why I hardly participate in these threads about lowering. The engineers who designed and qualification tested the vehicle and its systems went to school for a long time and were mentored by individuals who were equally educated. The released design take into account a lot of variables regarding North American roads and driveways, curbs, etc. I don't want to risk tearing off something from the bottom of the car to have the wheel gap between the fender a quarter inch closer.

This is just me and I mean no criticism to those who have altered their vehicles.

Good for you!
 

And if the real McCoy, should be the forged 20's; takes out a bunch of unsprung weight but forged for OEM strength. Referred to variously as twin 7's, a.k.a. "new style" RS4 design. Should also be polished on the outside face and either two tone on the inside or also polished. The inside polished ones were only very late in the model run. In the U.S. were used as an option on later W12's and for the sport option on later A8's. S8's had another version (see my other reply below.) I have the same (two tone) OEM 20" wheels on mine.

Agreed, with a bit of a footnote
 

If you have the "true" 20" tire sizing, that's 275/35-20, thus at a 27.7" overall tire diameter. 18's and 19's ride on what nets to a 27.0" diameter. Thus, I was willing to go down about 10mm in front (relative to the non-Sport starting position). 9mm = +/- .35", i.e the difference in the tire radiuses involved. Thus I figured I was no lower to the ground than any non sport A8 riding on stock 18's and 19's, and net higher than any sport equipped A8 or any S8.

Did clean up the look a bit. The 12mm front, 20mm rear spacers yet more so as far as serious, buttoned down. But, really just a style/preference matter.

See my other post above too.
 

I think the ones in this picture are the "late" S8 style, for U.S./North America fitments anyway. If they are 20's that is. 19's would be C6 S6. The "early" style U.S. S8 wheel--another twin 7 look but plainer--didn't seem like a big hit in the U.S., measured informally by how many were on the take off market in 2007-2008 [I was there for that]. At least in the first run of S8 20's with that early twin 7 variant, they did not seem to be forged, and likely these later ones the same cast/non forged. Said another way, Audi is usually very specific the few times they have put out forged wheels, and I don't recall them ever saying that with the S8 styles. The S8 ones in general are painted, while the other later RS4/twin 7 style were polished and definitely forged. If you weighed them, you would have another clue. North of 30 lb's in a 20x9 in these styles and era , they are most likely not forged Thus, style aside, view the twin 7 that you elected to put on your A8 as the large diameter lightweight strong champ among the Audi OEM wheels for the model. Good choice!

These are the genuine S8 wheels 20" on 275 35 20 Continental sports.

I'm very pleased with them :-)

Si

My girlfriend's neighbor has a facelifted A8 with the newer taillights and the same wheels. I get so damn conflicted every time I drive past their house - the taillights and wheels look great, but my '05 split grille appeals more to me than the facelift.

All in all, solid purchase!

+1! I love the split front fascia. Really disticntive IMO vs. blending in with all the newer Audis.

+2! But I do love the new taillights.

Me too, but I think when you swap them out like a few people did here (no offense) it is 1. very pricey, 2. a pita to wire. and 3. takes away from the original character of the car. That is how I identify from behind at least, what model year the A8 I'm following or seeing is. By either the tail lights, or after i pass them ;) by the front grille.

I think they look GREAT

I think they look fabulous!