My 2003 A6 4.2 came with all-weather Dunlop SP 5000 tires in an unusual size (235-50-R16). I now need to replace the tires, and the Dunlop SP 5000 tires have been discontinued. My Audi delaer and a local major tire retailer both tell me there are no all-weather tires made in this size any longer and that, in fact, the only tires in this size are summer tires from Pirelli and Toyo. I really do not want to own seprate summer and winter tires, and even if I did, I am told there are no winter tires made in this size any longer. I live in New England, so I need winter or all-weather tires. I find it unbelievable that this could happen to a less than 3 year old Audi. Can anyone help? Thanks!

 

I would go to 245/50/16. They will fit in the wheel wells and the outer circumfrance is close enough so as not to throw off the quattro. Take a look at tirerack.com and check out the Avon tires. Good luck.

 

You may want to check the tire label and see if those are the right size tire. I dont remember see that size tire on an audi before.

 

Thanks. The Audi dealer says the only other size I can go to safely is 255/40-17, which was optional on the car when made and would now require new wheels ($2,500). I solved my problem for 2-3 years by finding what are probably the last 4 Dunlop SP 5000 tires on the planet at a dealer in NY who is shipping them to me. I hope that by the time these are shot there will be another all-season 235/50-16 on the market.