HTR Z III on 17" B7 Wheels?

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Sep 27, 2008 | 10:59 PM

casigh

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HTR Z III on 17" B7 Wheels?

So, based on Tirerack's reviews and various other positive comments I've heard about the Sumitomo HTR Z III, I have decided that this tire is the bast bang for the buck, considering my preferences. The issue is that (from what I understand) this tire does not have a "rim protector" built into the sidewall. The 17" B7 wheels have a really thick bead where the wheel meets the sidewall, so I am thinking that a tire with no rim protector is going to look silly. I am also planning on downsizing from the current 235/47-17s to 225/45-17s, due to the fact that these are mounted on my B5, which could make the issue even more dramatic.

I was wondering if anyone could confirm that the HTR Z III in size 225/45-17 doesn't have a rim protector. I was also wondering if any of you B7 guys have mounted tires without rim protectors that look decent. Any pictures would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Oct 2, 2008 | 09:09 PM

casigh

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Nothing?

Have I stumped the wheel/tire gods, or is this just too much of a noob question? I have searched, if that makes a difference, but I have not found the type of information I've been looking for. I guess I'll have to post in the B7 forum to see what tires those guys are running on their stock wheels.

Oct 7, 2008 | 08:08 PM

ski ya later

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for YEARS tires were made w/o a rim protector and they looked fine.

Oct 7, 2008 | 08:19 PM

casigh

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I agree with this statement in general, but on these particular wheels . . .

The bead is very thick. There have been posts about this in the B7 forum (see attached link for example). I was just trying to gauge the reactions of other members who may have already tried running tires without rim protectors.

Thanks for the input, nonetheless.<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a4b7/msgs/105510.phtml">B7 forum Post</a></li></ul>