what size should i go with? I don't want to lose all that much ride quality or break a rim either!
any info would be great!! 98 a6

 

17's won't lose you any ride quality but they look too small in my opinion. 18's look good when paired with a 40 series tire, but only with a small 1-2" drop. A 40 series tire is pretty low profile and you will feel the ride get a little bumpier but its really not that noticeable in a car like this. In a honda, yeah your teeth would get rattled out of your head with tires like that. If you go with 17's use a 45 series tire.

 

I just swapped in a set of 18's and I think they look a million times better than the 16's (stock) and the 17's I tried.

Ride quality, post installation, drew comments from the wife, but it handles better and looks fantastic! I don't mind the difference. Better connection with the road.

FWIW, I went with 18x8's front and rear, running 40 series rubber.

So I'd vote 18's......

 

yeah im debating over the same thing 17s or 18s. but i have the a4.
since you got the a6 you should deff get 18s

 

18's, no question. They are the perfect size.