This spring I purchased a new Audi A6 4.2 with 19 inch wheels. The tire size is 255/35 ZR19. When looking at available tires, there is not much to choose from in winter performance tires. I only see 3 available at tire rack. Michellin doesnt even make one in that size.
I do have a set of BBS rims from my old 02 A6, but they are only 17 inches. There are a lot more tires available for that size though. I bolted the old wheels on my car and there is maybe 1/4 inch or less space between the brake caliper and the inside of the wheel.
1. Would these wheels be safe to run on the car? Some are telling me that as long as it doesnt rub once it is on that it is fine. Others are telling me that is not enough space. The service manager at audi felt that it is not safe. Opinions?
2. If I did use the 17 inch BBS, what size tire to use? From the looks of it a size 255/45 17 inch would be the exact same size as my 19 inchers. Would those work? QUestions about how it might affect the vehicle.
3. Anyone out there running 19 inch wheels this size? What do you run in the winter?
I ran michellin Pilot Alpin PA3s on my old car and loved those but those dont come in the size I need.

 

As the STOCK rims clear my brakes by only about 1/4 inch, I would put winter tires on the 17" wheels and use them.

Use a "plus size wheel calculator" to find a tire with the same (or close) rolling diameter. (You'll be doing a "minus size.") "Rev/mile" is a good number to use. One calculator is:
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

 

I'd use the older wheels for now... but the A6 because of the weight and it being a quattro really demands forged wheels for a reason, I got it right from audi ingolstadt..keep you eye's open for a nice set of used OEM Audi wheels..you'll find some eventually usually from someone who doesn't know the difference

 

If they clear, they will work.

 

thanks for the replies. Today I spoke to someone experienced at Audi in the parts department. He felt that since the offset was off that the stability control would not work properly. I think some other systems might also be affected. The new wheels have an offset of 48 and the old is 43. I just bit the bullet and ordered a set of winter tires and wheels from Audi. They will be complete with pressure sensors too so that everything will work like stock. Check out the post I made today. I am selling the set of 17 inch wheels if anyone is interested.

https://www.audiforums.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=142495

 

Enjoy your new wheels. New wheels and tires are always a nice treat.

 

Yeah the price wasnt too bad either. It includes wheels, continental TS 790 winter performance tires, and the pressure sensors. At least now I do not have to worry about potentially damaging my new car. The car only has 6k miles on it.
Not sure how the wheels will compare to my stock wheels as far as looks, but these are certainly more practical for the winter since they are 17s and you can actually find affordable tires for them. Those 19s only had maybe 4 choices for tires and they all were over $300.
The wheels are the ones shown on the audi website store, called winter wheels.