I have a 2004 Audi A6 with 17" rims. If I move up to an 18" rim, with this effect anything? speedo, traction control, etc?

I JUST switch my 04 2.7T SLine from 17s to 18s and there is a slight difference in how the car deals with rougher roads and bumps. Since I kept the overall radius of the tires the same, the thinner tire does nottake the hits as well. However, when I upgraded I went from the Pirelli P6 to a Goodyear F1 all season. The handling on the car is now remarkably better and smoother. Also, I'm guessing that the shorter, stiffer tire wall reduces lateral motion resulting in a tighter feel.

It was definitely worth the upgrade IMO. The handling and the looks are both improved for a very slight trade off in how the car takes the bumps.

To answer your specific questions, the speedometer should not be impacted if the radius of the tire remains the same. Assuming the wheels fit properly (offset, clearance, etc), I don't see how traction control or anything else would be impacted by the update.

I run OEM 17" for the winter and Velocity 18" for the summer, Pirellis vs ContiExtremes. No difference in speedo and they seem to fill the fenders the same. I think the 18" may feel a little rougher as there is not as much sidewall to soak up bumps and pavement irregularities.

Yeah you sent me the picture of the velocitys and they look great. At the end of summer i should have mine!

If you increasewheel size the sidewall height needs to be reduced accordingly. Usethe handy tire size calculator in the attached link. It will compare the original size with the new tire dimensions and tell you what the speedometer error will be.
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTireMath.dos (http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTireMath.dos)

all you need to do is go from a 235/45/17 tire to a 235/40/18 and you will keep overall diameter and revolution per mile within an acceptable percentage, typically under 3%
All tires are not equal in size/shape even within the same 235/40/18 size... I now have Goodyear F1 All Season and they are big, bigger than Khumos for example. They look great, handle real well on dry and wet roads and their sidewalllooks a little nigger b/c it is fairly square tire and it has a stiff tirewall. It also depends on the width of the rim. For example, a 8.5 will stretch it more than a 8" wide rim, which will give you a squarer tire and more tirewall. There is not that much difference b/w my 18s ans 17's, b ut you will lose a little comfort while gaining in handling with a shorter tire wall that flexes less. Especially the Goodyear F1 AS.

I want to get 19s ... what tire size to you recommend and what offset do you recommend ?!

as i understood it, the 45 in 235/45/17 is for the height correct? so then wouldnt a 235/45/18 be the same height as a 235/45/17? only the inner diameter should change. or am i an idiot, please feel free to point fingers and call names if so:)

no u are right i would need a 235/35/19 but that is a thin ass tire ... maybe some run flats

ORIGINAL: jojoampt

as i understood it, the 45 in 235/45/17 is for the height correct? so then wouldnt a 235/45/18 be the same height as a 235/45/17? only the inner diameter should change. or am i an idiot, please feel free to point fingers and call names if so:)


well it doesn't work this way, the tirewall size of 45 is a ratio of the width as in 45% of 235. So as you plus size (i.e. from 17" to 18" wheels), you want to drecrease your ratio # to decrease tire wall size and make up for the bigger diameter rim and therefore keep the overall height and diameter close to stock.

JOETM: if you ahve 235/45/17 stock, I recommend you get 235/35/19 or if you can fit them 245/35/19 to get a little more tirewall. As for offset,I guess it depends on the wheel but ET35 has worked well for me to get the wheels at the corners and clear brakes.

thanks for the help .. i was playin around with that size calculator ... do you know any site that have a lot of good rims ... if im gonna buy a new set i wanna spend some good money and make it worth it !

I use
www.gmpperformance.com (http://www.gmpperformance.com)
www.achtuning.com (http://www.achtuning.com)
www.tirerack.com (http://www.tirerack.com)

Yeah GIGI how many sets of wheels do you have?

Which rims would you put on 06 A6? I am looking at 7 spoke RS4 wheels. Any suggestions? Thanks a lot

ORIGINAL: trapped

Yeah GIGI how many sets of wheels do you have?



well I have two sets now, I sold my BBS RSGT's to an Audizine member last month.
I then bought the RS4 DTM wheels\

I still have my BBS R 17' which I had redone ($350) last month and dneed to sell. They are great strong and light wheels that Audi dealers sell for 560 each :)

Ohh, Nice i though you had 3 plus the sock wheels, I found some 18" hartmann DTM's on ACHTUNING and am thinking about picking them up soon. I think ill do wheels then lower it later.

wait to get the hartmann, GB should this week but GMPPerformance will do free shipping on them this week.

http://www.purems.com/products/product.php?II=2313

I am looking to buy this for my A6. Any comments, feedback? Thanks

Yes, thoes wheels look pretty good, IMHO the Hartmann Dtm's or RS6 wheels look slightly better, but are also more expensive. I will most likley pick some of thoes up.

I need an opinion. Does anyone think that a Silver A6 would look good with the Black or Gunmettal wheels? I don't want it to look gangster, but i want the wheels to be prominate. Imput would be greatly appreciated

I dont think black or gunmetal will look nice but thats my opinion. Hypersilver will look good.

Is this the correct tire size for RS4 wheels on A6? 245-40-18

Is there any other site to buy tires? I already looked at tirerack and discounttires. Thanks

ORIGINAL: audia6s

http://www.purems.com/products/product.php?II=2313

I am looking to buy this for my A6. Any comments, feedback? Thanks


A member on this forum has them on his A6. They look good but the Hartmann DTM and RS6 look better IMO. Also these are made in CHina if i remember correctly whereas the HArtmann are made in Europe, typically by one of the 4 big german maker such as RH.

ORIGINAL: trapped

Yes, thoes wheels look pretty good, IMHO the Hartmann Dtm's or RS6 wheels look slightly better, but are also more expensive. I will most likley pick some of thoes up.

I need an opinion. Does anyone think that a Silver A6 would look good with the Black or Gunmettal wheels? I don't want it to look gangster, but i want the wheels to be prominate. Imput would be greatly appreciated



Gunmetal or Anthracite will look good. I would avoid black

ORIGINAL: audia6s

Is this the correct tire size for RS4 wheels on A6? 245-40-18

Is there any other site to buy tires? I already looked at tirerack and discounttires. Thanks


For the 2.7T, the correct size would be 235/45/17 or 235/40/18 or 235/35/19.. but some (like me before on my RSGT's) go for 245 keeping the same wall ratio to get a litle extra tire wall protection/comfort.
You may be ok but some tire/wheel set up might prove to big and rub in 245 if lowered

Tires plus and tire rack recommend following tire size for 2006 Audi A6...245/40/18.I have 17 right now and would like to know if this is the right size. I am conerned about clearence and offset and would like to make sure that the ET42 velocity tires from

http://www.purems.com/products/product.php?II=2313

This wont cause any issue with the drive etc. and also, will fit in just like a factory wheel and tire. Thanks a lot

what's your stock size in 17's? if it is 235/45/17 as I suspect, was the size on mine, then go with 235/40/18, not 245 unless you are certain that tire with your set up won't rub.
With Et42, you may need a spacer. hard to say..... I thhink PPGoal has them on his A6.. check him out and ask him questions
A 8mm spacer would put the wheel right at the edge pof the fender i am guessing and look better b/c at ET42 your wheels will sit way in the fender and does not look as good. Also make sure the rims will clear your front brakes.
Personally I would go with Hartmann to ensure better quality

I like these wheels http://www.purems.com/products/product.php?II=2313however, as a "replica" wheel I don't think they come with the "audi"name or symbol. Apparently this company says id does. www.replicawheelscanada.com/ (http://www.replicawheelscanada.com/)

formulagigi is right about the tire sizes. I run 235/40 ZR18 on my 2003 2.7T. A 245/40 18 will have a slightly taller sidewall and therefore a larger diameter. It can throw your speedo off slightly and it may rub. But if the tirecompany iswilling to take them back if they don't fit, go for it. Also, wider tires are heavier (thinkslower acceleration) and worse in snow (because they will "float" a little more). But they do look tougher.

The Velocities are indeed made in China. I've worked for two automotive suppliers and they, plus most of their competitors, are moving manufacturing to China,western Europe, and other cheap labor countries or countries where emissions and safetyregulations don't exist. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the more expensive, European made rims mentioned above are made inwestern Europe (or made in China) and then repackaged in Italy. Hell, Bosch has manufacturing in China.

Bottom line, the Velocities look good. They were packed well and were perfect on the outside. One had a paint imperfection in the inside of one rim where you can't see it. Price them all and look at them all online, then make your decision. Caveat emptor.

PS - IMHO, black would look terrible. Stick with hypersilver or a gunmetal.

I have 245-45-17 currently on my car and it runs smooth with those tires without any issues.

yes like I said some increase width while keeping wall ratio the same and it works for some.. Worked on my 19's with Khumos, but did not work o my 18's with Goodyear F1 AS tires. Had to get them dismounted and returned for 235's....

So go with 235-40-18 or 235-45-18 to be on safe side. I think that should do it...it seems like a small width size with 18. Does it look weird on the car? Anyone has any picture? Thanks

see above posts! to be safe 235... if yuo want to take a chnace, 245 and then return them if they rub.

No it looks fine in 235...

PPgoal sent you a message...plz respond. Any thoughts on Prelli P6 4 seasons tires?

Any special tire that works better on Audi 18 inch wheels? Thanks

IMHO, the P6 4 season is not a very good tire.The F1 AS in 18 inch is awesome, however, someone told me they might get noisey after wearing down a little. Mine are brand new. They are quiet and the handling is far superior to the P6s that were on the car previously.

Hiredgun,

What size tires do you have and what year is your A6? Thanks

I did a lot of research before deciding to go from summer tires to all season and it came down to the Goodyear F1 As or Potenza 960... They both provide great dry handling for AS tires. The goodyear remains quieter and has a stronger tire wall.
I bought the F1 AS in 245/40/18 as I had Khumos in 245 before but they were too big and rubbed all over so I returned them and had 235's installed instead, much better. The F1 As is a big suarish tire. Also a 8.5 wide rim will stretch it more, my rims are only 8 wide

I am wondering if 245 fits better on 06 model. I called Audi dealer and talked to someone in parts and they recommended 255-40-18. I know 235 will be perfect with no issues but I have 245 right nowthat works fine.

My A6 is a 2004 2.7T SLine. Tires are the Goodyear F1 AS size 235/40/18. The rims are 5-spoke wheels taken from a 2007 04 SLine and have a 43 offset. As has been stated, this tire is very square and leaves me with almost no clearance on the inside.

OKK...so no one had luck with 245...[sm=noooo.gif]

I think I'll take it from your experience and go with 235 too

How much of a difference does a 18x8 ET42compared to 18x8.5 ET45wheels will make on A6? Are there any concerns because 18x8.5 wheels are the same as the other one but $90 cheaper per wheel.

I dont want to go bigger size if it's going to cause some other problem. Thanks guys

You'l be fine with 8.5, your tire will be stretched a little more, not abad thing for 235 or 245... 8" wide a little narrow, but works.

What about 3mm difference between offset? (ET45 and ET42)I am guessing its hard to even notice that under microscope but what do you think?

but your rim will be 5mm wider :) so not much diff. just make sure they clear your brakes

I was wondering the same thing I really really want to buy RS4 reps from velocity motoring, for the price and the style, They come in 18x8.5 only. Will this work on my 2000 A6 2.7t. I'm on stock breaks and do not plan on getting bigger breaks. I do however want to lower the car, will this rub? Also Gigi when you say streach the tire what do you mean. Will the tire be a bit more square?? The offset is +35 on these wheels what exactly does this mean.

+35 will stick outside the standard factory wheels and you'll be able to tell. 42 or 45 offset will sit close to where you factory wheel is now.

ET35 should put the outter edge of the wheel right nearthe fender edge, will look better.
You can use 18 X 8.5 no your A6 but the offset and design is critical for brake clearance.
Strech means that the tire will look rounder at the corners, not as square... tire width has more rim width to cover

Ok They are the Rs4 reps that are pretty pushed out so I think they will clear the breaks, but would 240/40/18 work? The middle number is corret right?

240? did you mean 245?
I would stick to 235/40/18 unless you are willing to accept rubbing or to lose money getting them switched to 235's if you are not happy...

Yeah sorry 245, but no I dont want rubbing, I would rather have a wheel look slightly more round then rub deffinatly. I just dont know what to do because I would like to do wheels, suspension and exhaust and they will all cost about the same about $1000 all said and done. hmm what to do... I might get suspension first then get the wheels, but after seeing BD's ride on the zine I for sure want Hellas.

I placed an order with Purems for RS4 replica wheels and they are taking 24 days to get it shipped since they dont have a shipment yet and it'll be getting drop shipped. They wont give any discount or free shipping either.

just got these on saturday ... not on car yet
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c38/xautosound/mrrcray001.jpg

they are on teh benz there ... 19' 235/35/19ZR tires 1600 bucks brand new with tires mounted and balanced !!!!!!!!!!!

NICE! can't wait to see pics. what are they?

I got screwed waiting for PUREMS for my RS4 replica 18 inch wheel. Any idea where I can get Velocity RS4 wheels? Any vendor, site recommendation? Thanks

Just re-read this thread and posting a couple comments. I do run the Velocity RS4 replicas that I bought from purems. Sorry to hear you had a problem, Audi6S. Have you called them to discuss? Maybe they are back-ordered. If you complan nicely, they may make a marketing concession and not charge you shipping or something, esp if you (nicely) tell them you are considering cancelling the order.

One post indicated the Velocity's are made in China (true) and the Hartmann's in Europe. Just be aware that a lot of OEMs have moved their parts manufacturing to eastern Europe (formerly behind the iron curtain) because of cheap labor and lax environmental laws. My OEM 17" rims indicate they were made in Poland! Frankly, some of these eastern Europe countries (Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia) are as third world as China.

I guess the only way to know which is better is for someone to do a side-by-side comparison of Hartmann vs Velocity, including weighing them. Until then, mine look good.....I just don't let children play with them because they probably contain lead. :-)

I forgot to include that my rims came with OEM Audi hub covers as indicated in the specs below...

Diameter - 18";
Width - 8.5";
Offset - ET38
PCD - 5x112
Weight - 26.5lbs
Centerbore - 57.1mm
Lug Bolts - 14x1.5 27mm R13 Ball Seat
Audi centercaps included
Colors - HyperSilver, Gunmetal, HyperBlack

Per Purems, "All of our RS4 wheels are painted. The Hypersilver color most closely resembles the factory silver color."

also depends on model as some come with different package I believe. if it had sport package etc. . I came with stock 17 and sport package and moved to 18 255/40's without any issue.

I called and they were in stock and now on back order...I am not sure what's going on but they are telling me to wait until May for those wheels and I am not going to do that. Now, I am looking to buy a set asap because I already bought the wheels too. Hartmann are expensive so, I would like to stick with Velocity but dont know of any reseller other then PUREMS.

Thanks