Question about wheel fitment

[NorCal_B7]

Before I begin, let me preface this by saying I've already done a TON of searching on these forums as well as everything Google can throw at me.

Now that that's out of the way, I absolutely love my B7 A4! I've had it for about a year now and it's been fantastic for everything from heavy snow to 105 degree track days. Having been to several track days this year, I'm looking to buy a 2nd set of wheels for summer/track tires and not have to take the all-seasons off my current wheels. For reference, I have a 2008 3.2L with s-line package (8x18" wheels, sport suspension).

I've decided I really like the RS4 style rims (yes, I'm ANOTHER one of those people). I'm going to get some 18" ones and I believe they should fit fine. What I'm still unsure about is the correct wheel offset. The stock wheels have a ET43 offset, but I've read conflicting information about what offsets can be used safely. At this point, it seems like anything from ET35 to ET45 will "work" on my car, but someone correct me if this is wrong.

My main concern is that a different offset won't work quite right with the suspension geometry and will impact the car's handling. I'm not planning on lowering the car or swapping any other suspension parts (other than the RS4 sway bar that's on its way), and given that I take my car to the track I want to be sure I don't screw up the handling.

So my question is: is it ok to go with a different offset than stock for new wheels? If so, what range will work with the stock sport suspension and not negatively impact handling? My initial thoughts are that if a ET35 wheel will work without issue, it should give me about 16mm more track width compared to my current ET43 wheels. Which is a plus in my book.

Thanks in advance

[king_j]

Offset in that range should have no issues.

I have 18x8.5 et 35.
They fit the car nice and don't stick out, they are flush.

What size tire are you planning to use?


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[NorCal_B7]

Thanks, good to know. Did you have to get any alignment adjustments compared to the stock wheels?

I'm still a little uneasy about the increased scrub radius with ET35 vs ET43, but it might not make much of a difference. The only real way to tell will be pushing it to the limits.

For tires, I'm planning to run either 235/40 (stock) or 245/40 on an 8" wheel.