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View Full Version : Finally Installed Winters on the S4


altecdell
10-22-2009, 07:05 PM
So I finally installed winter tires. Removed the stock 255/35/19 and replaced with 245/40/18. Instead of the dealership packages for $4000+, I went with a local tire shop and bought RS4 replicas along with Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3s. I was really pleased with the replica rims. They had a shinier finish than the stock wheels and fit perfectly. Even the offset was just right. Took it for a spin - no vibrations and the tires have minimal road noise and good cornering ability. Can't wait to try them in the snow. I think I like these replicas better than my stock wheels!

Brad from Braidan Motorcar in Markham did a fantastic job of setting me up. It was a 1.5 hour experience and I was there from beginning to end and watched him mount, balance, and install the tires. He was extremely careful and it was reassuring to watch him in action with his high-tech equipment (no metal touches the rim/tires at any time). He filled up the tires with nitrogen and we both carefully studied the right psi to put in. He made sure I was happy and took a test drive before I paid.

By the way, I have about 4000 km on it thus far and have had no issues. Pretty good so far. Here are some pics of the new wheels and interior as well.

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/IMG_3871.jpg
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/IMG_3873.jpghttp://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/IMG_3882.jpg
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/IMG_3866.jpg
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/IMG_3867.jpg
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/IMG_3869.jpg
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/IMG_3870.jpg
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/IMG_3880.jpg
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/IMG_3881.jpghttp://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/IMG_3877.jpg
riegeraudi
10-22-2009, 07:16 PM
Ordered one in sept. just like yours Ibis with silver/black interior. I think I saw your car at the loungo's on hwy on a Sat.
zillmc
10-22-2009, 07:21 PM
I wish I could have ordered mine with those wheels =(. No such luck in the states, I tried!
adbender
10-22-2009, 07:25 PM
nicely done...you now have sweet ride for 12 months of the year!

mine will be going on soon.

18" VMR v710s gunmetal with dunlop 3ds...same specs.

i will look for you on the road.
wesleyfbm
10-22-2009, 08:45 PM
wow nice car! im looking forward to growing up and getting a real job. haha
altecdell
10-23-2009, 05:28 AM
nicely done...you now have sweet ride for 12 months of the year!

mine will be going on soon.

18" VMR v710s gunmetal with dunlop 3ds...same specs.

i will look for you on the road.

That's a great wheel choice. The Dunlops would have been my other choice. The sportmaxx gt's have been pretty good so far. Let me know how you like the dunlops and pls post pics when you have them on!
altecdell
10-23-2009, 05:32 AM
Ordered one in sept. just like yours Ibis with silver/black interior. I think I saw your car at the loungo's on hwy on a Sat.

Probably me. Waiting for my car to arrive was the hardest part. Had to wait 2 months.
L0U
10-23-2009, 12:19 PM
Can't go wrong with that setup, looks like an oem summer car nearly.
Phantom S5
10-23-2009, 03:11 PM
How do the tires feel compared to the stock ones? I need to get winter tires for my 19s if they will fit, at least all-winters, and I was thinking about getting those tires since my stocks have Michelin and they grip pretty well.
altecdell
10-23-2009, 06:38 PM
Well for starters I went from 19s to 18s so certainly the ride comfort is better. The Alpins are very composed in the dry though. Very grippy and quiet. Truly minimal road noise at a wide range of speeds. Drove them hard in the rain today and no issues. Only difference is I certainly have more feedback and road feel with the dunlops but that's expected given the summer winter tire difference.
'mk4-turbo
10-24-2009, 07:22 AM
looks great!

also love the interior....but why doesn't the S have sport pedals?
leviathan18
10-24-2009, 08:20 AM
gotta love the interior at night looks like a airplane cockpit
sinned
10-24-2009, 09:43 AM
Well for starters I went from 19s to 18s so certainly the ride comfort is better. The Alpins are very composed in the dry though. Very grippy and quiet. Truly minimal road noise at a wide range of speeds. Drove them hard in the rain today and no issues. Only difference is I certainly have more feedback and road feel with the dunlops but that's expected given the summer winter tire difference.


where did you source the replicas from? looks like they are good quality...
altecdell
10-24-2009, 07:39 PM
where did you source the replicas from? looks like they are good quality...

the box had megawheelz on them
agkellyboy
10-27-2009, 11:36 PM
Question: If I was going to put on PA3's on the OEM 18" wheels, which are 8" wide, would I be able to put on 235/40 instead of the wider 245/40 (following the narrower is better rule of thumb for winters)? If I run 235/40 on my A4 rim which is 8" wide as well I don't see why not.
speedydragon
10-28-2009, 01:03 AM
^ of course you can. With the correct weight rating, yo ucan even run a 225/40/18 tire on an 8in wheel. a 215 tire would give it some stretch.
borutp
10-28-2009, 02:07 AM
I guess that the best winter dim. is 225/45/18

Just my opinion

.
kiellish
10-28-2009, 07:17 AM
do they still do the alcantara?
sworksone
10-28-2009, 08:35 AM
I guess that the best winter dim. is 225/45/18

Just my opinion

.

Agree. The closest 18" size to spec 19" tires while getting narrower winter benefit is 225/45/18. Plus good price range. 235's are either too big or too small depending on profile.
UmIsThisThingOn
10-30-2009, 08:32 PM
do they still do the alcantara?

Yes, but only in black (at least in the US).