I'm receiving conflicting reports from dealers on the appropriate size of winter tires to put on my (soon to be delivered) '09 A4 Avant (with Sport package). Several dealers are quoting my 16" wheels/tires while some are saying that Audi is insisting that I use 17" wheels/tires. Obviously, the 17" are more expensive but I want to ensure that I use the recommended spec. Any comments?

 

Are your stocks 235/45/R17 ? That's what my 2006 A4 has and the equivalent tire to that in 16 inch is 215/55/R16. You'll find many sources that will recommend dropping by an inch for winter tires because they're narrower and better at cutting through the snow. My local Audi dealer only offers one winter package and it's 16".

The only reason you may not be able to drop down to 16 would be your brake calipers. On my 2006, there's only maybe 1/4" clearance between the front calipers and the 16" rim - it's pretty tight; if they've upped the size of the brakes on the 2009 at all to go with the increased power, then that may be the deal breaker.

Good luck

 

Thanks for the info....it sounds as though it may be safer to go with the 17" winters since there is so little space for the brakes.

BTW.....It will be coming with the sport package which I understand includes 255/35/18's.

 

does anybody know, is there a inexpensive rim a guy could buy to put the winter tires on (and leave on) have a '08 A4 and would make life easier. Thanks

 

16's fit and I would recommend going this route for a few reasons:

1) Rims and tires are less expensive and,
2) The narrower contact patch of the smaller wheel tire combo will provide better traction in snow.

I purchased a setup from TireTrends last year for my friends B7 A4 and the savings in PST paid for the shipping ... The alloy wheels were only $135. each and actually look good onthe car.

That said, Independant Tuning is an awesome place for all your Audi requirements !

 

If possible, I would like to hear from someone that's put winter wheels/tires on a '09 B8. There are plenty of people that are successfully running 16" wheels on pre-MY09's but I've been told that the wheel offset etc. has changed on the B8's and that's where the confusion between compatible sizing has come from.

 

My bad, I thought the B8 brakes were the same as the B7's ... if they are then there's your answer !

 

I have a 2006 A42.0T quattro.
I am installing a winter wheel/tire combination. I am getting conflicting reports on steel rims vs aluminum because of the brake clearance.
But if the rims are the same specs (24"by7" and a 24mm offset, are they not OK?
Thanks

 

Specs would likely be 42mm offset and 16" x 7" size (5 X 112 bolt pattern)

 

yes, thanks. that's right, 42 mm offset.
will these steel rims work?