Are 19 inch wheels too much on a4?

[jmbird]

I was just curious as to what it means from a driveability as well as look standpoint.

Driveability:
I believe breaking distances are improved - is the handling improved as well?
Is there a big hit on MPG?
Is the ride better on 19s than on 18s or is it just rougher, stiffer, etc..? I did test drive an a5 with 19s but not sure that it compares - does it? I did like it and the ride was really good. Not stiff and jarring like I thought it would be.

Looks:
I have seen 19's on the a5 at the dealer but none in person on an a4. Does it look as good as it does on the a5 ( I know the a5 is a little wider)?
Is it too much wheel?

Thanks,

Jim

[Runge]

running stock 19" on mine, and wouldn't be able to go smaller than that. I find even 19 look small :). Larger rim = less rubber = more rougher slightly, but I haven't found it bad, even on rough roads.

[stealth_10]

i was running with 19x8.5 with 225/35/19's, roada were rough so I felt every small bump on the road. rims get damage alot easier with small tires and rough roads. I ended up cracking and benting all of my rims and no one in the state of Maine would fix them so I had to chuck them. now I'm down to 17's again. :*-(

[Ryan_T]

20 is just right for looks. 19 is just right for daily use.

[k3nnis]

What is the max offset that doesnt rub on the A4 B8 with a 20mm drop(sport suspension)? Assuming 19". And what sized tyres.

[Skyler@Achtuning]

I believe breaking distances are improved - is the handling improved as well?
Is there a big hit on MPG?
Is the ride better on 19s than on 18s or is it just rougher, stiffer, etc..?
Is it too much wheel?

"I believe breaking distances are improved - is the handling improved as well?"
This is mainly dependent on traction and rests more with the specific tire used rather than size alone. All else being equal the recommended 255-35-19 size will give 10mm more treadwidth than the standard 245-40-18 and have greater traction capabilities.

"Is there a big hit on MPG?"
Again this depends largely on the tire used, stickier tires tend to have greater rolling resistance and may lower fuel efficiency.

"Is the ride better on 19s than on 18s or is it just rougher, stiffer, etc..?"
The 1/2" shorter sidewalls of a 19 vs an 18 do not offer as much deflection which will transmit more road imperfections through to the steering. None of our B8 customers on 19" wheels have said that the ride feels harsh.

"Is it too much wheel?"
Not at all, in fact on the B8 chassis 20" is a very common upgrade and looks great especially when lowered.

Here's a 20" for reference


And some 19's

[Cherub]

Thanks for helping figure out which tire size to go for on my 19".

[Ryan_T]

255/35/19 is OEM. But some people do 245 or 235 to get a slight poke with their rims.

[k3nnis]

I have a standard A4 B8 non s-line. But thinking to get s-line suspension ,i.e. 20mm drop. Will 255/35/19 introduce rubbing? Assuming using the A5 Y wheels...

[Ryan_T]

Not at all. S-Line suspension is nowhere near the fender liner.

[dracolnyte]

this is what you need my friend

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...sted-tech_dept

after reading that, i only moved up 1" from 17" to 18" and the ride got noticeably rougher, so i'm glad that I didn't go 19"s or higher for everyday driving.

[Toast]

if the weight of the rim increases you would lose some performance but you can get 19's that are the same weight as 18's or lighter if you want to pay

[k3nnis]

Thanks for the replies guys. What is the stock weight of the OEM 18" A4 B8 wheels? Also I'm on OEM 16" lol. Only australia have them! How sad! Is the H&R OE same drop as S-line? How about H&R sports? Also can the stock shocks handle the h&r springs?

[guy013]

this is what you need my friend

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...sted-tech_dept

after reading that, i only moved up 1" from 17" to 18" and the ride got noticeably rougher, so i'm glad that I didn't go 19"s or higher for everyday driving.

18s may look fine on a GOLF, but a bit small on the A4. 19s would be the best compromise i feel for looks and performance. I just ditched my 19s and ordered some 20s cos the 19s started to look small to me. I will make up for the decrease in acceleration with the APR S3 K04 kit if it becomes too much for me to bear. :)

[Alkivar]

I have a standard A4 B8 non s-line. But thinking to get s-line suspension ,i.e. 20mm drop. Will 255/35/19 introduce rubbing? Assuming using the A5 Y wheels...

with a 20mm drop (~3/4 of an inch), using 255/35 on A5 wheels you may experience rubbing on bumps, but highly unlikely... For the most part though I wouldn't worry.
if you were going coilovers and dropping it 2-2.5" vs stock ride height then I would say go to consider something narrower and stretch the tires a little bit... but that is primarily because of the more aggressive offset of the A5 wheel vs the A4 wheels.

[Flat]

What about narrower option ? Mine is running with 225/40R19 ( with eibach pro kit), Lighter and less noise and comnfortable.

[belzebutt]

this is what you need my friend

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...sted-tech_dept

after reading that, i only moved up 1" from 17" to 18" and the ride got noticeably rougher, so i'm glad that I didn't go 19"s or higher for everyday driving.

I read this C&D comparison with interest as well, but this is really for different cars. 18" is really the minimum acceptable size for the B8, with 17" the fender just looks empty and the car looks too 4x4ish. So while 18" is OK with the regular suspension, 19" is just right IMO (a sport suspension is a must-have for 19"). I used to drive an Acura with 18" wheels and now my A4 with 19" wheels is just as comfortable, but the S-Line suspension actually takes speed bumps noticeably better than the Acura suspension.

Regarding the 0-60 times, when you read the various A4 tests in C&D, they tested it with various wheel sizes and the 19" was not the slowest one despite the fact that it's on the slightly heavier Avant:

19" wheels:
2010 Audi A4 2.0T Avant S-line - Short Take Road Test
Zero to 60 mph: 6.3 sec

18" Wheels:
2009 Audi A4 2.0T - Long-Term Road Test Update
Zero to 60 mph: 6.4 sec
2009 Infiniti G37 vs. BMW 328i, Audi A4, and Acura TL - Comparison Tests
Zero to 60 mph: 6.7 sec

17" Wheels:
2009 Audi A4 2.0T Quattro - Short Take Road Test
Zero to 60 mph: 5.7 sec (WTF?)


So, if you trust C&D comparisons, 17" gives you an amazing sub-6 seconds time, 19" is OK, and 18" is the slowest. ;)
Or maybe, the wheel size doesn't make a huge difference on the A4 except in handling and feel, and most people who get the sport package swear by it.

[Boarderline12]

I'm on stock 19s and s-line suspension as a daily driver and I have no issues with the ride at all.

[lockeed]

I was just curious as to what it means from a driveability as well as look standpoint.

Driveability:
I believe breaking distances are improved "Absolutely not" - is the handling improved as well? "good luck fiding the difference between 18s and 19s, even on a skidpad test"
Is there a big hit on MPG? "very minor of any"
Is the ride better on 19s than on 18s "no, that's for sure" or is it just rougher, stiffer, etc..? "yes, a little bit" I did test drive an a5 with 19s but not sure that it compares - does it? "Don't base your judgement on that" I did like it and the ride was really good. Not stiff and jarring like I thought it would be.

Looks:
I have seen 19's on the a5 at the dealer but none in person on an a4. Does it look as good as it does on the a5 "Yes, 19s looks great, only downside is that you have to live with the higher tire price, stiffer ride, and the increased risks of damaging the wheels..." ( I know the a5 is a little wider)?
Is it too much wheel? "Your call"

Thanks,

Jim

I purshased mine with sport package, so it came with 18". I replaced the stock one by another set of S5 18" wheel with a more agressive offset (35). I seen a lot of A4 on 18s or 19s and I wouldn't change mines for anything else. I think they look awesome on this car and by the number of compliment I got to this point, people seems to think so too. But once again, it's my taste. I know if it was possible to put 24" rims on a B8 some of the guys here would do it !! I think overall balance is the key to a great fiting wheel. If you put a chrome 20" wheel on a B8, it'll look just out of place IMHO... It's not my cup of tea...

[DKA4]

This is the first car I have owned new that the look of the wheels fit the car from the factory better then any aftermarket option i have seen.


They are 255-35-19 as has been stated already. Ride is fine IMO.

[lockeed]

Those look good, particularly on Ibis.....

[droppyale]

I purshased mine with sport package, so it came with 18". I replaced the stock one by another set of S5 18" wheel with a more agressive offset (35). I seen a lot of A4 on 18s or 19s and I wouldn't change mines for anything else. I think they look awesome on this car and by the number of compliment I got to this point, people seems to think so too. But once again, it's my taste. I know of it was possible to put 24" rims on a B8 some of the guys here would do it !! I think overall balance is the key to a great fiting wheel. If you put a chrome 20" wheel on a B8, it'll look just out of place IMHO... It's not my cup of tea...

Looks beautiful. I couldn't agree more. I plan on sticking with 18" as well but lowering the ride a bit since I'm on non-sport.

[cory_can]

19" are fine on this car....anything smaller looks tiny because of the size of the vehicle. Here is a B8 Avant with 21"....although it looks OK, probably not too practical.

[Flat]

Here is a B8 Avant with 21"....although it looks OK, probably not too practical.

wow, quite good, but I think 20" is optimal if look is the most important thing


Go for 19 ", if you buy 18".....you will regret..

definitely 19"

here is poor mobile phone photo from my car...19" and -30mm lowering



quite good cell phone photo ?

[jmbird]

I read this C&D comparison with interest as well, but this is really for different cars. 18" is really the minimum acceptable size for the B8, with 17" the fender just looks empty and the car looks too 4x4ish. So while 18" is OK with the regular suspension, 19" is just right IMO (a sport suspension is a must-have for 19"). I used to drive an Acura with 18" wheels and now my A4 with 19" wheels is just as comfortable, but the S-Line suspension actually takes speed bumps noticeably better than the Acura suspension.

Regarding the 0-60 times, when you read the various A4 tests in C&D, they tested it with various wheel sizes and the 19" was not the slowest one despite the fact that it's on the slightly heavier Avant:

19" wheels:
2010 Audi A4 2.0T Avant S-line - Short Take Road Test
Zero to 60 mph: 6.3 sec

18" Wheels:
2009 Audi A4 2.0T - Long-Term Road Test Update
Zero to 60 mph: 6.4 sec
2009 Infiniti G37 vs. BMW 328i, Audi A4, and Acura TL - Comparison Tests
Zero to 60 mph: 6.7 sec

17" Wheels:
2009 Audi A4 2.0T Quattro - Short Take Road Test
Zero to 60 mph: 5.7 sec (WTF?)


So, if you trust C&D comparisons, 17" gives you an amazing sub-6 seconds time, 19" is OK, and 18" is the slowest. ;)
Or maybe, the wheel size doesn't make a huge difference on the A4 except in handling and feel, and most people who get the sport package swear by it.

Here is one ffrom Motor Trend - Quick Test: 2009 Audi A4 2.0 quattro

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...and_specs.html

Looks like 18 inch - non sport
0 to 60 mph in 6.5 sec

Here's another question. The article specifies a weight distribution of 55/45 and all the other car company's (BMW, Infiniti, etc..) tout how they are 50/50. Is the a4 avant closer in distribution to the 50/50 than the sedan since it is heavier in the rear?

Thanks,

Jim

[A5MD]

I purshased mine with sport package, so it came with 18". I replaced the stock one by another set of S5 18" wheel with a more agressive offset (35). I seen a lot of A4 on 18s or 19s and I wouldn't change mines for anything else. I think they look awesome on this car and by the number of compliment I got to this point, people seems to think so too. But once again, it's my taste. I know of it was possible to put 24" rims on a B8 some of the guys here would do it !! I think overall balance is the key to a great fiting wheel. If you put a chrome 20" wheel on a B8, it'll look just out of place IMHO... It's not my cup of tea...

Where did you get those wheels? Are they OEM? Only 18's I found in these wheels were from and aftermarket distributor. I think it was OEMwheelsplus.

[Okan509]

20 is just right for looks. 19 is just right for daily use.

IMO 19.5's are perfect for looks

[lockeed]

Where did you get those wheels? Are they OEM? Only 18's I found in these wheels were from and aftermarket distributor. I think it was OEMwheelsplus.

I purshased from RimAllow Canada: http://rimalloycanada.com/Product.html

Speak with Evan, really nice guy, awesome product and spotless service. Since I'm in Quebec, prices were unbeatable.

By the way, I'll try to take some better pictures of my car if I get a chance... This picture doesn't do the car justice. The wheels are metalic silver and really pop when the car is properly clean. The picture you see was taken after a 200 miles road trip... there was a little bit of brake dust on the wheels and the car a little dirty....

[lockeed]

wow, quite good, but I think 20" is optimal if look is the most important thing


Go for 19 ", if you buy 18".....you will regret..

definitely 19"

here is poor mobile phone photo from my car...19" and -30mm lowering



quite good cell phone photo ?

Really nice pic, you should get a proper SLR camera !!

[a4_bob]

lockeed: I share your perspective and love your setup. Thx fir rhe pic; I hadn't considered those rims on the a4 but they're top on my list now. I'm planning to update to 18" rims when my 17" tires wear out.

[423RS$]

wow, quite good, but I think 20" is optimal if look is the most important thing


Go for 19 ", if you buy 18".....you will regret..

definitely 19"






here is poor mobile phone photo from my car...19" and -30mm lowering



quite good cell phone photo ?

i wish i wouldve went silver sometimes and this why**** so so so sick

[Lloydeezy E]

i have 19's and they look great

[kngfisher]

i run forged 19" and they look great. Was running OEM cast 18" 245/40/18. The new 19x9 rims with 255/35/19 times weigh less then what came stock so no loss in MPG here. wild offset.... > 35 :-)

loving the champion RS147 's

[JetBlue]

Here is one ffrom Motor Trend - Quick Test: 2009 Audi A4 2.0 quattro

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...and_specs.html

Looks like 18 inch - non sport
0 to 60 mph in 6.5 sec

Here's another question. The article specifies a weight distribution of 55/45 and all the other car company's (BMW, Infiniti, etc..) tout how they are 50/50. Is the a4 avant closer in distribution to the 50/50 than the sedan since it is heavier in the rear?

Thanks,

Jim

Yes, this is why so many manufacturers used wagons in DTM years ago.

[lockeed]

lockeed: I share your perspective and love your setup. Thx fir rhe pic; I hadn't considered those rims on the a4 but they're top on my list now. I'm planning to update to 18" rims when my 17" tires wear out.

No problem, glad I could help with your decision ;)

I'll try to take proper pictures of my car when I'll get a couple days to myself... keep your eyes open....

[belzebutt]

Here's another question. The article specifies a weight distribution of 55/45 and all the other car company's (BMW, Infiniti, etc..) tout how they are 50/50. Is the a4 avant closer in distribution to the 50/50 than the sedan since it is heavier in the rear?

Not all other competitors are 50/50 and not even all BMWs are 50/50. From what I remember Mercedes, Infiniti, Lexus, are usually in the low 50s in the front. The A4 2.0T is pretty close at 55. However, when you plug a bigger engine in the A4 like the 3.2, the 3.0T it gets more like 57/43, and in the RS5, with a big heavy V8, it's something like 58/42.

I don't remember the exact figures for the Avant but I don't think it's a huge difference, I would say 1% swing, so maybe 54/46 at best.

[cory_can]

Yes, this is why so many manufacturers used wagons in DTM years ago.

Not sure about DTM but in the BTCC Volvo used to run wagons because they had superior aerodynamics and "built-in" down force that improved handling over the sedans. A few years later rules were changed to effectively push the wagons out by making rear spoilers mandatory and making it technically impossible to mount on wagons (in the way the rule was structured).

The picture below pretty much started my love of European wagons that I haven't looked back from. Before the Avant I had a string of Volvo turbo wagons....including an R.

[Runge]

Not sure about DTM but in the BTCC Volvo used to run wagons because they had superior aerodynamics and "built-in" down force that improved handling over the sedans. A few years later rules were changed to effectively push the wagons out by making rear spoilers mandatory and making it technically impossible to mount on wagons (in the way the rule was structured).

The picture below pretty much started my love of European wagons that I haven't looked back from. Before the Avant I had a string of Volvo turbo wagons....including an R.

[IMG]http://www.aww-kittah-aww.com/up/files/1142/138_850btcc.jpg

have to love volvo turbo wagons. had a 04 V70 R for a few years when they first came out. was fun :)