winters on the B8 S4

[L0U]

At first tirerack listed the new S4 as being able to fit a 17" wheel....like the B8 A4. However the site now has delisted the winter rim selections for the S4. I question whether the 17s really fit.

I run 16s on my A3 and they just barely fit over the caliper.
The A4 has 320mm rotors, and needs 17s.
The S4 has 345mm rotors. That is an inch larger. At this point we need clarification, or go ahead with the 18s, at a minimum.

225s on 18x8 is likely the path I will take. on dunlop sport 3ds...for the performance in the cold dry, as well as the snow/ice.

Lou

[GrnMtnS4]

Lou
Don't have an answer for your 17in clearance question but i was going to go cheap this winter with snows on the stock 18s - ie not purchase new wheels. What size would you recommend for 18's - stock is 245/40 and you mentioned 225 which makes sense b/c a narrower tire does better in snow but what sidewall ht are you going to choose to get the same rolling diamter. By my calculation the stock 18 245/40 has a ht of 3.85 inches and a 225/50 is 4.43 inches. Is there a certain range which you can use and not screw up the speedo etc? I am also going with the Dunlop WinterSport 3d. Thanks for your help with this

Brad

[L0U]

the close to stock would be a 225x45 -18, at 803 revs per mile, however, with the inherant spedometer error that reads too fast...a slightly larger wheel can make it more accurate.

235x45 -18 is 791 revs per mile, and work nicely on an 8" rim. I went up one size on my wifes a3 and it almost was enough to get rid of the spedo error. 225s fit better if the rim is 7.5.

your stockers are 810 revs per mile.

So for now, I am putting the 235x45 at the top of my list on an 18x8. I like the light weight of the michelin winter too. pa3s

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

[GrnMtnS4]

Lou
thanks for getting back to me - appreciate your help!

Cheers,
Brad

[CaymanS4]

At first tirerack listed the new S4 as being able to fit a 17" wheel....like the B8 A4. However the site now has delisted the winter rim selections for the S4. I question whether the 17s really fit.

I run 16s on my A3 and they just barely fit over the caliper.
The A4 has 320mm rotors, and needs 17s.
The S4 has 345mm rotors. That is an inch larger. At this point we need clarification, or go ahead with the 18s, at a minimum.

225s on 18x8 is likely the path I will take. on dunlop sport 3ds...for the performance in the cold dry, as well as the snow/ice.

Lou

My local dealer's tech guys said a 17" wheel will fit the B8 S4. You may want to confirm this with your dealer and let us know what they say.
225/50/17 would be the ideal setup for winters.

[Nutdotnet]

the close to stock would be a 225x45 -18, at 803 revs per mile, however, with the inherant spedometer error that reads too fast...a slightly larger wheel can make it more accurate.

235x45 -18 is 791 revs per mile, and work nicely on an 8" rim. I went up one size on my wifes a3 and it almost was enough to get rid of the spedo error. 225s fit better if the rim is 7.5.

your stockers are 810 revs per mile.

So for now, I am putting the 235x45 at the top of my list on an 18x8. I like the light weight of the michelin winter too. pa3s

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

225x45 seems like a nice price-point too for winter tires. My fiance just purchased as A4 avant w/ the sports package (18" wheels). Stock is 245/40...I'd assume that 225/45 would work just as well on hers and it will on my future S4?

[GrnMtnS4]

anybody else get confirmation on 17s for winter - i am checking with my dealer now and will let you know

[ChrisC]

Just confirmed with my Dealer that 17" will fit the S4. The winter wheel/tire package they will be selling for the S4 is a 17" wheel with Pirelli Sottozero tires. I have those on my wife's Gti and have had a good experience with them thus far. I had Michelin Pilot Alpin's on my B7 and they blew! Never again. All that being said, I'm thinking I'll go with an 18" wheel for winter, purely for aesthetics. Is there a huge difference btwn 245/40/18 and 235/45/18?

[GrnMtnS4]

Chris
Thanks for your help - i may stick with 18s as well don't know yet

Did you have pilot alpin pa2 or pa3s? looks like quite a bit of change and the pa3s are getting good reviews on tire rack (not a lot of miles yet...)

anybody else comment on pilot alpin PA3s?

[L0U]

Just confirmed with my Dealer that 17" will fit the S4. The winter wheel/tire package they will be selling for the S4 is a 17" wheel with Pirelli Sottozero tires. I have those on my wife's Gti and have had a good experience with them thus far. I had Michelin Pilot Alpin's on my B7 and they blew! Never again. All that being said, I'm thinking I'll go with an 18" wheel for winter, purely for aesthetics. Is there a huge difference btwn 245/40/18 and 235/45/18?

go to tire rack, and when you see the tire click on it. Then click specs, and it will give the information you need to compare to stock sizes. Like recomended rim size, width, diameter, revs per mile. You want to be 803 revs per mile, or smaller. If you go more revs, it addsto an allready fast spedo, and gives your car more mileage than it really has. I think 780 revs makes the spedo error actually zero. vs stock reading fast.

[adbender]

Hartmann 126s 17x8.0" ET 35 will fit the B8 S4, we have 3 sets remaining and are closing them out for $699-set!

good deal...but u might be bothered for 4 months a year.

[awhk82]

There are better offerings from Tirerack at a lower price without the look of AMG.

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/resul...ium&sort=Brand

[ChrisC]

the close to stock would be a 225x45 -18, at 803 revs per mile, however, with the inherant spedometer error that reads too fast...a slightly larger wheel can make it more accurate.

235x45 -18 is 791 revs per mile, and work nicely on an 8" rim. I went up one size on my wifes a3 and it almost was enough to get rid of the spedo error. 225s fit better if the rim is 7.5.

your stockers are 810 revs per mile.

So for now, I am putting the 235x45 at the top of my list on an 18x8. I like the light weight of the michelin winter too. pa3s

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

Lou - Audi recommends 225/45/18 and I understand your comment regarding the affect on the speedo. Presumably Audi knows this, so why wouldn't they recommend 234/45/18? What am I missing here?

GrnMtnS4 - The tires I had were not pa2's or pa3's. Maybe there is a huge difference with the new tires and design, but past experience makes me very reluctant to go w/Michelin again. Pirellis seem to be not very highly rated, but I have always been pleased with them.

[Skyler@Achtuning]

From that list there are only a few below the price that we are offering these at, most of those being a Chinese made wheel. Also that list is for the A4, the S4 has larger rotors and very few 17" wheels are going to fit.
The Hartmanns I posted are Italian made, fit the B8 S4 directly and will be easy to clean. I'll also bring the pricing down to $649-set which makes them a pretty competitively priced winter wheel offering.

[L0U]

Lou - Audi recommends 225/45/18 and I understand your comment regarding the affect on the speedo. Presumably Audi knows this, so why wouldn't they recommend 234/45/18? What am I missing here?

GrnMtnS4 - The tires I had were not pa2's or pa3's. Maybe there is a huge difference with the new tires and design, but past experience makes me very reluctant to go w/Michelin again. Pirellis seem to be not very highly rated, but I have always been pleased with them.

Audi has about 3 different size tires to put on the car, and yet only 1 spedo. Thus some will be closer to correct, while others are further from correct. Your lease, warrenty, all run out sooner if the spedo error is in their favour. I know a fellow here at work that has a mini van...honda that has a spedo error of 5%...talk about extreme. His warrenty ran out, and his tranny blew...doing the math of the dumb speedo error he was still under warrenty...yet he is hung out to dry. He claims there is a class action suit about leased milage and warenty mileage.

I plan on gps testing my S4 with the 255 19s setup and then buying winters that get me closest to accurate. Anything from 225 to 255 is fine, just get whatever works best for the rim you pick and the asepct ratio to give you the best diameter.

It appears that 17s...well some 17s will fit the S4. Tire rack had a list out a week ago that was delisted, as it had a huge list of 17s to pick from, and some may not have actually worked. They pulled the list. last night the list is back up, but the 17s to pick from is about 25% as big as before. At least now it should be a sure thing.

I am likely going 18x8 with 235x45 -18 in michelin PA3. decent price, good rating, and LIGHT weight. Combined with a light rim...all the better for winter gas mileage.

[borutp]

What about a tire pressure monitoring system.

What happens when you change the tires ? Is the a sensor in every tire?

System will blink like hell without it? Or am I wrong?

[borutp]

Taken from the manual...I guess that we have an indirect system based on the ABS - Which is great !

"The tyre pressure monitoring system makes use of the ABS sensors to compare the rolling circumference and the vibration of the wheels. The display in the instrument cluster alerts the driver if changes are detected on one or more wheels. If only one tyre is affected, the display will indicate its position.
Each time you change a tyre or the tyre pressures on your vehicle, you must store the new tyre pressures via the sound system or MMI "

So there are not any sensors in the tires - right?

[adbender]

225x45 seems like a nice price-point too for winter tires. My fiance just purchased as A4 avant w/ the sports package (18" wheels). Stock is 245/40...I'd assume that 225/45 would work just as well on hers and it will on my future S4?

this is what im going to be doing....225/45/r18. its actually within 0.2% of stock 245s

probably dunlops 3ds on some vmr v810s in gunmetal.

i was hesitant to do 245 as there is just way too much snow in my neck of the woods.

[L0U]

this is what im going to be doing....225/45/r18. its actually within 0.2% of stock 245s

probably dunlops 3ds on some vmr v810s in gunmetal.

i was hesitant to do 245 as there is just way too much snow in my neck of the woods.

as long as the rim is 8", I thought 810s were 8.5, bit stretched for a snow tire in 225.

[adbender]

as long as the rim is 8", I thought 810s were 8.5, bit stretched for a snow tire in 225.

good point...i have seen the same rims with summers tires of the same size, but not winters.

i heard the michelin pa3s are a nice tire to mount. damn this is getting tricky.

i might be safer to go with 235s then or change wheels...really like the 810s though.

[L0U]

good point...i have seen the same rims with summers tires of the same size, but not winters.

i heard the michelin pa3s are a nice tire to mount. damn this is getting tricky.

i might be safer to go with 235s then or change wheels...really like the 810s though.

18x8.5 with 245x40-18 is stock for the regular 18" S4 pacage. but it has et43 vs. 35. no biggy, just more slush down the side of the car.

I am liking hartman 18x8 43et or anything nice looking in 18x8 et 38 to 48

I am going to go 1 size bigger in height though. the A8 size 245x45-18 it is 2.5% taller, but my speedo is 2.5% slower...should be exact aftwards. Fits, unless you drop the car on coilovers. bout 8mm more into the wheelweels.

[borutp]

Is this a good choice??

Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D RO1 225/45R18 95V


Thanks

[GrnMtnS4]

Hey guys - what do you think about this set up

Wheels - OZ Ultraleggera Black Painted (17lbs in 17x8) - my car will be Daytona Grey with Black optic package so no chrome. Thought these would be a nice change for winter

On Car - used quartz grey since daytona isn't a choice

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/MiniW...d=true&sw=1280

Wheel pics

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...ed&showRear=no

then either pilot alpin pa3 225x50x17 or the same size in Dunlop Winter Sport 3d

[ChrisC]

I think I have to decide on a wheel choice and then figure out the semantics of tire brand and size. What do you guys think of of VMR's V710 wheel? I like h/silver and gunmetal, although each would give quite a different look to the car. Thoughts?

http://www.velocitymotoring.com/link...Silver_361.php

http://www.velocitymotoring.com/link...nmetal_333.php

[ChrisC]

Hey guys - what do you think about this set up

Wheels - OZ Ultraleggera Black Painted (17lbs in 17x8) - my car will be Daytona Grey with Black optic package so no chrome. Thought these would be a nice change for winter

On Car - used quartz grey since daytona isn't a choice

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/MiniW...d=true&sw=1280

Wheel pics

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...ed&showRear=no

then either pilot alpin pa3 225x50x17 or the same size in Dunlop Winter Sport 3d

I think the set-up will do well in the snow. Personally I'm not a big fan of the OZ wheel on the B8 and I'm not big on black wheels. Gunmetal, yes. 17" will look tiny, IMHO.

[GrnMtnS4]

Thanks - all good points to consider. I am not set on anything at this point so any input helps.

Brad

[Skyler@Achtuning]

I am going to go 1 size bigger in height though. the A8 size 245x45-18 it is 2.5% taller, but my speedo is 2.5% slower...should be exact aftwards. Fits, unless you drop the car on coilovers. bout 8mm more into the wheelweels.

Careful, there is really tight clearance between the tread and the suspension 40s vs 45 series would be about 12mm radius difference (3.5%), I think there is only about 5mm of room to go taller.

[Skyler@Achtuning]

Our HRS6-172 HC in 17x8.0" ET35 will be back in stock towards the end of the month with sale pricing of $198-ea. These are 66.56 centerbore for a perfect B8 fitment and use OEM lug bolts and can use OEM Audi centercaps as well.

http://shop.achtuning.com/index.asp?...OD&ProdID=1245

[CaymanS4]

Hey guys - what do you think about this set up

Wheels - OZ Ultraleggera Black Painted (17lbs in 17x8) - my car will be Daytona Grey with Black optic package so no chrome. Thought these would be a nice change for winter

On Car - used quartz grey since daytona isn't a choice

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/MiniW...d=true&sw=1280

Wheel pics

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...ed&showRear=no

then either pilot alpin pa3 225x50x17 or the same size in Dunlop Winter Sport 3d

I decided against the 17" and bought 18x8 on Pirelli Sottozero 240, 225/45/18.

[GrnMtnS4]

Thanks Cayman - were you concerned with the amt of sidewall and look ie went for more dry road performance over snow capability?

[L0U]

Careful, there is really tight clearance between the tread and the suspension 40s vs 45 series would be about 12mm radius difference (3.5%), I think there is only about 5mm of room to go taller.

12mm from the 18", but only 8mm bigger than the stock 19s. I hope 8mm is not a problem, I know it fits the wheelwell, but the shock mount, could be trouble. This wheel is 8x18 et48, vs the stock 8x18 et47. Same width, so the 1 series up could rub? Anyone ever fit a 245x45-18 on a b8? yes the picture is a different fit...4 bolt.




thanks for the heads up.

[adbender]

I think I have to decide on a wheel choice and then figure out the semantics of tire brand and size. What do you guys think of of VMR's V710 wheel? I like h/silver and gunmetal, although each would give quite a different look to the car. Thoughts?

http://www.velocitymotoring.com/link...Silver_361.php

http://www.velocitymotoring.com/link...nmetal_333.php

I have been himmin and hawwin over setups.

Bottom line...love the 810s in gunmetal, and should be a little more forgiving as far as dirt.

I was hesitant about running 245s, but 225s are not gonna fit that nice on a 8.5 rim. I want dunlop 3ds and they dont come in 225/45/18 as well

[Skyler@Achtuning]

We'll have a B8 in on Monday with some 245-40-18s going on, I'll try to take a look at the clearance with that size.

[L0U]

that would be great. 12mm bigger than those. hope there is room. (if there isn't I need to change my tire order)

[CaymanS4]

Thanks Cayman - were you concerned with the amt of sidewall and look ie went for more dry road performance over snow capability?

Yes, too much sidewall on the 50 series tire = less performance and figured it wouldn't look that good. Also, the 225/45/18 is only 0.2% off the stock 19s in size and is the same width as the 17 which is great for snow conditions.

[L0U]

[QUOTE=Skyler@Achtuning;4316433]Careful, there is really tight clearance between the tread and the suspension 40s vs 45 series would be about 12mm radius difference (3.5%), I think there is only about 5mm of room to go taller.[/QUOT]

Good call, the warning sunk in, switched the order today.

The 235 will still fit the 8" rim nicely, and yet is only 4mm closer to the strut than the 255 stockers. It was not worth taking the chance over.

(plus they were $150 less)

my winter setup for the S4 now, 235x45-18 Michelin alpin pa3 on 8x18 et48 OZ hlt Aleg rims. comes in at 41 pounds per corner. (60 pounds off the summer cars weight) this set in 17s would save 450 dollars and weigh 38 pound each corner, or 72!! less pounds total than stock. I'll take pictures later.

Lou

[blrs25]

Slightly off topic but was hoping someone might be able to answer this...Is there any hazard with getting a rim with an offset that moves the inside of the rim further away from the car than the stock rim? In other words shifts the entire rim further away from the car than the stock rim would sit. I can think of the benifits, just curious if there is any downside to doing this.

Ryan

[ChrisC]

I have been himmin and hawwin over setups.

Bottom line...love the 810s in gunmetal, and should be a little more forgiving as far as dirt.

I was hesitant about running 245s, but 225s are not gonna fit that nice on a 8.5 rim. I want dunlop 3ds and they dont come in 225/45/18 as well

Gunmetal is my first choice a) Easier to keep/appear clean. We all know it's a full time job keeping the wheels clean on this car the cold weather means less frequent cleaning b) Want a more distinctiver summer vs. winter set-up c) Was considering V708's but then it would look like an S-Line d) They're awesome looking wheels. I guess I'm looking at 235/45/18 or 245/4018.

Haven't chosen brand as yet.

Skyler - Can't wait to hear your input on Monday.

[Leo]

Hi Everyone. I am new to Audizine and this is my first post.

I have just received my winter set-up for my 2010 S4 and would like to share a few thoughts with you.

Put them on, test drove them and am happy to say that 17" fits well. No rubbing (turn to turn) and no clearance issues.

Summer set-up:
Original Audi tri-five 19" with Dunlop Sport Maxx GT 255/35/19

Winter set-up (purchased from Tirerack): Sport Edition F10 17x8 5-112 ET35 with Bridgestone Blizzak WS60 225/50/17.


According to Miata Tire calculator summers have 775revs/mile vs winters at 780 revs/mile, which means speedometer reading with winters will be 0.7% too fast (negligent).

The winter set-up sticks out of the wheel well about 2mm more than stock (again negligent and good news, since I do not want to sand blast the side of my car this winter).

The winter set-up vs stock are 10lbs lighter at each corner (46lb vs 56lb).

The ride height (with the winter set-up) drops about 3/4" to approximately 7 and 3/4" measured right in front (fender - not bumper) of the front tires

As for the WS 60, I can say that they are great tires. I have them on my A6 and drove them through deep snow, slush, ice, little snow, and the dry conditions last winter. With the Audi ESP they were great. Tire use was less than 2/32" for approximately 8000KM driven (my wife mostly drives the A6).

The WS 60's are great and are quite comparable to the Nokian Hakka 5 (studded) that I had on my STI. The studs in dry conditions (especially in fast corners were downright scary - unless you like to drift).

Sorry.....forgot to take photos


Leo

[GrnMtnS4]

Sounds great - please post a pic when you get a chance. Thanks for taking the time to bring some good info to the thread! Welcome to AZ!

Brad