I'm looking for new wheels for my 2.8 Q. Prefer to stick to something cheap, used, or replica.

I currently run 17" RS4's. I have the sports package so I believe it sits a little lower than normal.

When searching CL for wheels, I find a lot of stock wheels that came off newer models (2002, 2003, etc) with the same 5x12 bolt pattern and 17" size. Will these wheels fit my car?

I believe our offset is 35. Will 38mm, 40mm, 42mm, or 45mm make much of a difference?

 

The offset will matter - a little off from the stock 35 will be ok, but for a 40 or 45 offset, you'd want appropriate 5 or 10mm spacers and then you can use them.

 

What about 18" with offset of 37mm, and lowered car. Will this be ok? I went to a shop and they said it should be ok without spacers. Wanted a few other opinions on this.

 

you need to know widths and offsets to know if they'll fit or not without spacers. what stock b5 wheels have an offset of 35...?

 

This should be pinned for anyone with these questions.
anyway...

18x8 offset of 37

 

I found a helpful tool on the web. Just google the "wheel offset calculator". You plug in the current wheel size and the new wheel size (offset) and it will tell you how many millimeters inward and outward your new wheels will change.

Based on this, I figured (as ITD said), I can do a 18"x8 (or 8.5) at 35mm to 40mm, but 35mm is best.

 

I have 18x8.5 with a 38mm offset, they fit perfect! Hartmann redid the wheels in this size because they bolt right up no problem without spacers.

 

I just looked at my rims for the stamped size to be sure. I found they are 17x7.5 et43. I was surprised to find et43 but they are.
My car came with the "celebration package" and these 17's on it. I guess that was part of the package, or maybe it was part of the sports package? I have both.

I don't have much more room on the inside before the top wall hits the strut housing. I may have 4mm before I'll need a spacer to push the wheels out.

 

Yeah I have the same thing, they seem close, but they are fine.

 

Today was a great day.

I just picked up some "gently used" 18" B6 S4 wheels with 70% tread. I bought 4 1/4inch spacers ready to go incase I had some rubbing.
I bolted them on and they didn't rub at all. However, they are very, very close.

They are 18"x8 et45 and they bolted on without rubbing. And, they look good!


So let the record show, B5'ers can bolt on an 18x8 235x40x18 et45 without any rubbing or need of spacers. Love it.