Wheel Choice
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Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 45
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Wheel Choice
I have a 2012 S4 (monsson gray) with prestige package in downstate New York. Plan on getting winter tires and decided remounting tires on the rims 2x per year is just too much of a headache so I'm gonna get new wheels as well. I will probably follow the advice of tirerack and go down from 19" to 18" and am leaning towards Michellan Pilot Alpin PA3s. Focus at the moment is finding a really nice looking wheel that will not take away from the look of the car. Tire rack is recommending Mota EB1 or Sports Edition A7, but they both look a bit cheap and even with the internet tool of seeing it on a vehicle, you just don't know how it will look til it's on the car. I don't mind spending a few more $s, but want it to really blend nicely. I'm starting to think I may be best off with the stock wheels that come with the premium plus? Anyone know where I can get them at a resonable price? In the alternative, any recommendations of tasteful, yet sharp wheels (the Sports Edition ST4 looks nice).
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 410
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From: Stuttgart, Germany
OEM wheels from Audi aren't cheap, and I'm very much aware as that is what my winter set up rides on. You're probably better off going with Audi replica wheels - you'll save at least 50%.
I have Sports Edition wheels on my wife's car for her Winter setup - they're junk.
I have Sports Edition wheels on my wife's car for her Winter setup - they're junk.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 192
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From: Massachusetts
OEM wheels are not cheap, but Audi does offer a winter tire and wheel package. It lists for about $2700, but the dealers can be talked down. I purchased mine with the vehicle and negotiated a discount on them. Also was able to pay for the separately from the car on tax-free weekend and get AMEX points to boot!
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,175
Likes: 3
From: St Louis
Many have bought Reps from Hartman and VMR. I have VMR RS4 reps and love them riding on Pilot Alpins. It's a snow beast! I would consider 18" size. Better tire selection, less expensive tires and wheels in that size and the smaller tire will do better in the winter conditions.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 229
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From: Boston
I find that Tire Rack is very knowledgable, but they tend to reccomend what they have in stock. They tried to push me to the same setup as they're telling you about, but I've used Dunlop Wintersports (3Ds) on my BMWs for years and Tire Rack didn't have them.
Ultimately, I bought the Dunlops from my dealer and will mount them on the OEM 19s. The dealer will store the extra set of tires in the off-seasons and flip them around for me in the spring and fall. This may cost a little more or a little less, but I'll keep the original look of the car all year and won't have to schlep tires and wheels twice a year for installation. And although I agree that 18s are probably a bit better for traction, I figure that AWD and good traction 19s will be just fine.
Ultimately, I bought the Dunlops from my dealer and will mount them on the OEM 19s. The dealer will store the extra set of tires in the off-seasons and flip them around for me in the spring and fall. This may cost a little more or a little less, but I'll keep the original look of the car all year and won't have to schlep tires and wheels twice a year for installation. And although I agree that 18s are probably a bit better for traction, I figure that AWD and good traction 19s will be just fine.
Last edited by hinckley; Oct 18, 2011 at 03:42 AM.
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Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 82
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From: South West Chicago
Good decision
I have a 2012 S4 (monsson gray) with prestige package in downstate New York. Plan on getting winter tires and decided remounting tires on the rims 2x per year is just too much of a headache so I'm gonna get new wheels as well. I will probably follow the advice of tirerack and go down from 19" to 18" and am leaning towards Michellan Pilot Alpin PA3s. Focus at the moment is finding a really nice looking wheel that will not take away from the look of the car. Tire rack is recommending Mota EB1 or Sports Edition A7, but they both look a bit cheap and even with the internet tool of seeing it on a vehicle, you just don't know how it will look til it's on the car. I don't mind spending a few more $s, but want it to really blend nicely. I'm starting to think I may be best off with the stock wheels that come with the premium plus? Anyone know where I can get them at a resonable price? In the alternative, any recommendations of tasteful, yet sharp wheels (the Sports Edition ST4 looks nice).
I went with these wheels from tire rack: Elbrus I08 Anthracite Painted, they also come in Mach w/Ice Coating. I bought another set of Elbrus wheels for our VW and couldn’t be more pleased. These provide good bang for your buck.
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Chicago Suburbs
OEM wheels from Audi aren't cheap, and I'm very much aware as that is what my winter set up rides on. You're probably better off going with Audi replica wheels - you'll save at least 50%.
I have Sports Edition wheels on my wife's car for her Winter setup - they're junk.
I have Sports Edition wheels on my wife's car for her Winter setup - they're junk.