smstiles

I believe the S4's wheels are 17x7.5 et45. I'm shopping for an additional set of wheels, motivated by needing winter wheels/rubber eventually, and the fact that the stock wheels are so *$! heavy. However, I'd like to stay as close to the 45mm offset as possible.

I like the RCs (in fact I sold a set we had on our past A4, like a moron), but I think the offset is ~35mm. I'd like to get closer to the factory fitment if possible. In my experience, being off by much does affect steering response, feel, etc. I also want to stay 17", with either 7.5 or 8" width.

I also want the wheels to be light. On the order of RC, Fikse, Kinesis light.

So, who has the best fitment in this class?

Thanks for any info,
Scott Stiles
'00 S4
'00 S2k
Redmond, Wa.

smstiles

One more question: Does anyone know if the BBS CH will be built using the same process as the RC (some sort of semi-forging), or will it be cast like the RK for example?

Thanks.

David

The backspacing is what will provide clearance for the uprights. The 7.5" Avus ET45 backspacing is 5.5". Even though the BBS RC offset is 35 mm the backspacing is still 5.4" because the wheel is 8" wide. Gotta keep that backspacing for tire clearance. So far the 17X8 wheels with the 35mm offset is about as close as you can get.

Maybe if somebody made a 7.5" wide wheel you could find one with 45mm offset but I haven't seen anything that'll fit yet.<p>David
Silver/Onyx-Silver
<a href="http://registry.audiworld.com/audi/registry/details.asp?car=3683"><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/dnrsmall.jpg"></a>
GIAC II & Race Tip chips

Sharon

Look at how recessed the S4 stock wheels sit (I hate that!). A 17x8 rim, ET35 will have the rim sit almost flush with the body panels. A 225/45-17 tire will work just fine and you are not going to run into rubbing issues. A slightly wider stance will improve stability and handling.

On my A4 I ran 17x8. ET35 OZ F1 Plus and I now use those rims on my S4 for track and autox. My 18x8 rims for the S4 are also ET35.<p>Sharon
'00 S4
<a href="http://registry.audiworld.com/audi/registry/details.asp?car=4559"><br>
<img SRC="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/ImolaKinesisSMALL.jpg"<br>

CMH

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/audiworldpics/2000/cmhatp0006.jpg"></center><p>Makes the car look so much more aggressive. Here is a picture with them on the car.

smstiles

Audi designed it with 45mm offset for a reason. It's most likely because it provides the correct balance w/the steering & suspension system.

To David's point. Offset and backspacing are the same thing. What you really need to worry about is preserving the same "balance" between offset & wheel width. In other words, If you increase the wheel width, you should actually increase the offset by the correct percentage of this width.

Now, of course, you need to deal w/interference w/the suspension bits.

So, my original question stands: how close can you get to the OE offset?

PS. The Kinesis' are gorgeous. What are the specs on these wheels?

Thanks,
Scott.

M2Rock

Those look great!!

CMH

Thanks. They even look better in person.

CraigB

<p><a href="http://www.users.uswest.net/~craiger/a4main.htm">
<img SRC="http://www.users.uswest.net/~craiger/cwb_ottosig.jpg" BORDER=0></a>

STurn

Backspacing is measured from the mounting surface of the rim to the inward facing edge of the rim.

Positive offset means the mounting surface of the wheel is to the inside of the centerline.
Negative offset means the mounting surface of the wheel is outside of the centerlin.