I recently installed brand new tires on my stock 16s, been checking tire pressure and noticed that one of my tires was losing pressure. Went to check it out and realized I got me a cracked rim
I now have a dilema - find a used wheel and mount my tire on it and keep the steenies OOOR get 18s. I will get a replacement 16 inch no matter what, because I'm contemplating upgrading my ride to a 2003 A6 2.7T and whatever 18s I get, I'll keep for the new ride.

I found a decent-looking set of 18 inch Ruffs on ebay, but I've never heard of that brand, so my first question is: has anybody here installed Ruff rims on a pre-facelift 2.7T? Are there any known issues I should avoid? Also, I'm concerned about the offset and the caliper clearance issues here - what exactly do I need to know here? (from my experience a lot of retailers know little or nothing about the fitment to a specific year/model combo)

My other option is the RS6-look 5-spoke 18 inch replicas (also found on ebay), but I hear that many cheaper replicas don't do well as far as enduring pot-holes, and seeing how I live and drive in the NYC area, that may be an issue. Anyone ever bought those ebay replicas? Opinions, advice?

Third option - ASA ST3 or Rial Como 18s from Tirerack - in my mind probably the most reliable option for the money. I trust Tirerack - bought from them many times before and they've always been reliable. Nevertheless, I just wonder if anybody here had any issues with these rims fitting a 2001 A6 2.7T?

thanks in advance for all the help.
Will post my knowledge when I get through these issues too :-)

 

ANYONE??? ANY OPINIONS ON RIMS?

ASA - EASILY BEND OR WHAT? SAME FOR RIALS...

 

Sure you will save a couple bucks buying online, but audi’s are one of the toughest fitments. You will need to watch the clearance of the front brake. Everyone always quotes offset, but it is not entirely accurate. Offset measures where the mounting pad comes into contact with your vehicle, at the hub (for audi it should be about 35mm in an 8” wide wheel). But every wheel has different ways that the spokes curve out to the barrel of the wheel.

Always ask a company if they have test fit your Audi, Every year can pose unique problems.

I agree that the rack has the best experience. They fit more Audi’s than anyone.

If you need a used or new replacement oem wheel, let me know.