Choosing rims to fit both; current car and my next one - searched first!

[dantheman762]

Hey guys,

Okay, here's my dilemma... I need new rubber for my current ride (B5/'96 A4Q), so I'm looking at going big and getting some used 18's for it since I've got my Blizzaks on my OEM 16's. However, I would love it if I could use these on my next A4, as I will be getting rid of this current B5 in a year or two (max) and hopefully getting into a B7 A4 Avant, or B6 S4 Avant.

Basically, I'm looking for confirmation on the whole wheel off-set issue. My current B5 has an ET of 35mm and the newer B6/B7 platforms are anywhere from 42mm to 45mm (depending on wheel option when new - 45mm for 18's). If I understand this correctly, to get rims that could fit both cars, I would get them with a 45mm off-set and use 10mm spacers in the B5 and not need them on the next car, or is it the other way around? In other words - which way is the rim width "off-set" from the hub/spindle mounting point or centre-line?

Oh, if it helps, I'm looking at getting 8"x18" rims with a 235/40R18 tire set-up. Thanks in advance!

[Doc@tirerack]

We'd only recommend 225/40-18 or 235/35-18 as an aside, but the higher the offset the closer to the center of the car the wheel gets. Your spacer idea is correct in theory, but since we don't sell spacers I couldn't tell you the specifics on what you'll need.

[dantheman762]

Thanks Doc! Just out of curiosity, what's wrong with a 235/40/18 set-up? I know it's slightly larger in overall diameter, thus affecting my speedo and final gearing on the B5, but this is the optional size for Audi's S-Line package on the B7's.

[Doc@tirerack]

As far as I know, the suspension packages are different enough to prevent the taller tire from working (but I'm no engineer, so I would welcome other's opinions)

[dantheman762]

As far as I know, the suspension packages are different enough to prevent the taller tire from working (but I'm no engineer, so I would welcome other's opinions)

On which car? Again, 235/40R18 is an OEM option on the B7's... My current B5 is a 2.8 Quattro without the sport suspension, so I'm going to lower it 1.5" with some used springs, since I'm not keeping the car. Don't want it to look ridiculous. Maybe this is what you mean when you say "won't work"? There must be a ton of guys on this forum with their cars lowered more than that with this tire size and no rolled fenders.

[VMRWheels]

The recommended tire size for a B5 A4 would be a 225/40/18. Any larger could result in incorrect speedo, rubbing issues at hard cornering or full cabin, and possibly abs lights going off. There are people going with a larger tire without rubbing but that is with different offsets and alignment adjustments. We recommend going with the safe size of 225/40.

-Charles@VMRWheels

[dantheman762]

Okay, thanks Charles and Doc! Now I've got some research to do to see about those adjustments to run 235's. I'm sure the answers are in here...

[VMRWheels]

Okay, thanks Charles and Doc! Now I've got some research to do to see about those adjustments to run 235's. I'm sure the answers are in here...

Np. Goodluck and Happy Holidays!

-Charles@VMRWheels