Hi I have a 2002 A6 1.8T sport pack, I love this car as there are so many things you can do to a turbo engine...and its so light. anyway i am sick of the orignal 16" wheel ans I love the RS4 wheels. I now have an opportunity to buy a set of second hand re-sprayed 18" RS4 originals for very resonable price indeed (US 600 for a set of 4 without tires), my questions are:

1. Should I go for 18", if I am concerned about ride comfort over my original 16"? I have read tonnes of threads here but just don't get the same concensus....my 16" is currently 215/55 with Dunlop S9000 which I find very comfortable and quiet.

2. If I do go for these 18s what tire size should i go with to maintain as much ride comfort as possible without sacrificing wet traction/aquaplane? I have read the optimum being 235/40, but that sounds like a huge change from 215/55, I am absolutely petrified that after i put them on, it get so bumpy that I would switch back my 16s! What about 225/45s which is what the guy at the garage recommended - but looking at the charts in the forum thats the size for the 17s not the 18s! I also want the side wall to look natural i.e. |_| not \_/ if the tires are too narrow and also need to protect the rims a little bit.

I am struggling for a few days already and I have to decide on Saturday - pls all advises will be evry welcome especially your veiws on harshness going from 16 to 18!

Thanks



My suspensions are stock and I quite like them, so dont really plan to put firmer kit in there. I used to have a Passat 1.8T and I put on the Eibach Pro shocks and spring and found them a little to firm for my liking. I was on 16s then!

Is the ride quality more affected by suspension than by how thin the tires are?

If you tell me I shud get 17s I will leave the 16s on as the new original RS4 17" rims willl cost me almost US 1400 (double the cost) and I cannot find any 17s lying around.

 

You could buy my OEM 17 inch S6 Avus rims. Its a different look than the RS4's (which I really love, too) but I will work with you on cost or shipping. The details are under wheels and tires in the Marketplace.

 

...but would much prefer dealing locally rather than having to ship.

 

You'll enjoy the more precise handling and turn in response and that price is pretty decent considering they are OEM wheels.

Also, go 245/40/18. The 235's that I had on my 18's were great but I think the added rubber will compensate for the larger diameter wheels and comfort.

I now ride on 245/35/19's with suspension upgrades and love the ride.

Just my opinion...feel free to email me for more input, otherwise, I hope this helps!

Where are you located to be blessed with a 1.8t A6 avant???