[not Steve] Trac

Ok, I understand if you want a bigger rim, but are there other functional reasons, like weight? Are the stock rims heavy? What is the effect of heavy wheels?

Here's a more complicated wheel question: when I get a set of winter tires, I think I'd prefer to get 16" wheels with a higher sidewall for better digging in the New England snow. If I do that, will it render the stock spare unusable because it will be incompatible with the ride height, etc. of the 16" wheels? Should I stick with 17's for snow tires?

George @ BostonAudi

It'd cost $1600 + tires for a second set of Avus wheels, and there are MUCH better wheels for $400 each. The SSR Competitions I bought are 14lbs, not 29lbs. That's a big weight savings.

esfor

There are tire size calculators on the internet, or your tire dealer should be able to help. Or call Luke@tirerack, he is a lot of help and knows a lot about options for the S4.

On your questions: heavier wheels = slower acceleration. The handling is a two way street. more unsprung weight is bad, but lower profile tires are good.

In my case, I got the aftermarket rims (18") because I like the looks and the handling. I am going to put snows on my stock rims for the winter.

-Alex

Lehigh

Blizzak LM-22s but if you really want to get the best tire for deep snow go with the MZ-01 They are both made by Bridgestone. I went with LM-22 because I didn't want to sacrifice the hnadling on dry pavement.

Tostao

1) Stock Avus at $450 a piece are way too expensive for what they are, add the fact that you can scratch them easily as they stick out a bit and it's just not worth it.

2) Got Wider, lighter and better looking wheels for less than HALF the price of the Avus.

3) Chose a wheel that doesn't stick out, put wider tires with better rim protection, I am not afraid of curbs anymore!

I made my mind when I scraped an Avus (curb) while playing on the snow.

Much happier now .

Ted K

I'm getting 17s on my 2002 S4 for look, but also so I can put snows on in the winter (live in NY Metro area). There is also a benefit of having two sets of wheels, (i) nice wheels don't get all screwed up from the salt and sand on the road in winter, and (ii) over 5 years, I would go through the stock rubber half way through the life of the car, and have to replace them at $250 per tire, while if I put snows on for half the year, I can make the summer tires last, and the snows cost half as much.

As for your point on going to 16s, I ran all season tires the last two years, and had no problem with the Quattro system. With 17 snows, you should be able to climb mount everest.

John CC

Fat tires and weight

S4Lee

Ditto - No prob with LM22's on OEM wheels in snow

dkirk

Re: Ditto

rao

I like my 16" wheels quite a bit - different strokes for different folks.