Rims & Suspension Question

[qirex]

Hi, new and beginner here.
I just a had a couple questions.
I have a stock 2004 a4 quattro (with cold weather package)
I was looking into upgrading the wheels from these

http://www.automotix.net/images/products/wheels/aly58749u.jpg

to these 18"s
I checked with VMR and they do not carry these oem rs4 wheels

http://oewheels.net/oe-audi-rs4-hs-p-2-x.jpg

I was wondering
1) Do 17 --> 18 make a big difference visually? Do they make a difference in ride quality?
2) Do you need to make any suspension changes?
3) If so, what kind of changes do you need to make?
4) Where would be the best prices?

Thank you for any information.

[turboSpartan]

Do you have the sports package - which has the sports suspension?


Those 17's suggest you do, since they are the sport package wheels.


Search for a 2004-5 USP/S-line and you will see the 2nd set of rims in 18" on a car with a sports suspension.


BTW - I have a USP and may be selling my OEM 18" wheels (your 2nd pic) if you may be interested.... probably wouldn't be until it gets warmer out though.

[qirex]

I don't think I have the sports package (what does it include?)...as the car feels pretty lofty in turns and I'm only assuming they're 17"s, but it's def that design. Is there anything written on the car that tells you? I don't have a tape measure handy.

My tires are worn and I need new tires soon so I was holding off purchasing the tires until I educated myself on the rims, so unfortunately I can't really wait until summer.

Thanks for the response

[QTC]

You don't necessarily have the sport package because you have those wheels. I have those wheels but no sport pack. The struts will be red if you have the SP, black if you don't. 17s to 18s makes a difference both visually and in ride quality. You don't need to lower the suspension, but it will look better if you do. Poke around the classifieds for the wheels, a set pops up every now and then. And depending on where you are in the US, you might want to put a winter/all season tire on the 17s and a summer tire on the 18s (if you're in FL or something that isn't necessary).

[forevraudi]

going along with that QTC said, keep your stock 17"s and throw some winter tires on there, AND also buy some 18"s. This may cost a little more since you're buying another set of tires, but it will be worth it as long as you live in harsh weather.

There are many places to buy the wheels from. Check the classifieds section, http://www.hartmannwheels.com/1-425-.../wheels/Audi/1, or google it. For wheels check out tirerack.com and than try to buy locally

[jackitorslamit]

I had those 17 inch wheels on my 04 1.8T Q, they were considered "premium wheel package". I replaced them with 18 versions of the RS6 wheels you have pictured as well. The 18's make a huge visual difference. I lowered my suspension using Eibach Pro Kit springs and shocks, because I didn't want anything too low and I pretty much have a 1.5finger gap between tire and fender. You would know if you have the sport suspension if your stock shocks are red in color.

[forevraudi]

also, if you're looking to lower your car i will be selling my tein s-tech springs in a week or so......

[qirex]

Thanks for the all the responses.
I'm in the northeast so the tires will definitely see some snow/rain.
How are the 18"s different in ride quality? I can't afford purchasingtwo sets of tires and two sets of rims. I justed looked at the tires outside and it's definitely 17"s with no sports package. Tires are R235/45ZR17 87W.
I just looked them up online at they're like 250 a pop? That's expensive to replace, no?
250 a pop for the tires and 250 a pop for those rims (based on that website) would run over 2k to do the whole car?
I saw a couple online ebay dealers selling a set of 18"s for 600 shipped but they're prob shit, right?
Hmm...

[forevraudi]

don't trust ebay! those rims will be off balance and shit quality, probably crack too. tires would be just as bad....

with tirerack, narrow down to what size of tire you want ( i have 18" rs4 reps and run 235/40/18 Yokohama s-drive tires, for example) and than you can see what tire is best seller, top rated, etc. Most expensive tire doesn't mean its the best. I payed 180 per tire for my yokos, which is pretty cheap, and they're top rated for SUMMER, which is why keeping your 17"s and putting winter tires comes in handy.

You dont have to buy two sets of rims, you already have one, your 17's. You have to get two sets of tires though, one winter set for your 17's and one for you 18's. With current seasons being in priority, buy winter tires for your 17's, save up some more cash, and get your 18" set up

[qirex]

Yeah i figured as much.
Although I see where you guys are coming from, I have to trash the 17"s so I'd be using the 18"s all year and I'd have to get all-season for them.
So as I see it, best price for new rims are $250 + tax/shipping a piece?
The dealer quoted me $500 a piece just to replace what I had, unbelievable.