(B8 S4 Specifically) 18" verses 19" wheels

[GC001]

Hi all

I currently have the standard 18" wheels with 245 tyres, and have been wanting to upgrade to 19" peelers with 255 tyres.

Before I do can anyone add any experiences regarding the pros and cons of such a move?

[IceSilverS4]

I switch betwwen 18 (winter) and 19 (summer). The 19 and 255 adds more weight to the steering feel and I can feel the difference between dynamic and confort, while everything goes numb with the 18" (winter tire does have an effect also).

My last car was running on 18" (225/40) and the ride on 19" (255) is not anymore harsh or rough. I say go for it.

[Audibot]

You'll see a small hit to acceleration because of the increase in unsprung weight (larger tire and larger wheel) at each corner, and the car may (or may not) feel slightly less nimble.

When I swapped out my S5 reps for my current wheels (same size tires but lighter wheels), the car felt a bit faster.

[raudiace4]

18s = eww
19s =


Aside from the obvious visual appeal of the bigger wheels, the 19s really don't ride that rough. I've ridden in the 18" all season tire equipped S4s and there really wasn't a difference that I could feel.

Now of course 18s are better for winter, but I run 19s as well as many other people without any issue. If you don't mind paying a little extra for the 19" winter tires. But for summer go 19s and as wide as possible

[S4_Pilot]

The 19" peelers are very heavy. Just took mine off for the winter, and they weighed in at 55lbs with the tire. Assuming a 24 or 25 lbs tire, that leaves the rim at 30lbs. That's a lot of unsprung weight. If you want to go 19" I would personally look for lighter wheel. In the spring, I'm likely going to drop to the 18" Enkei PF01 and free up some significant weight each corner. The peelers ride fine, they are just beefy.

[Johnnycash]

pros: looks better, gives you the option of keeping 18 inch for winter setup if climate dictates.

cons: oe wheels are heavy [peelers, rotors], peelers specifically are a pain to clean and keep clean.

x-factor is you can find some nice aftermarket wheels and get the 19 inchers around 20-22 pounds per wheel, which is going to give you better performance all around.

[Audibot]

The 19" peelers are very heavy. Just took mine off for the winter, and they weighed in at 55lbs with the tire. Assuming a 24 or 25 lbs tire, that leaves the rim at 30lbs. That's a lot of unsprung weight. If you want to go 19" I would personally look for lighter wheel. In the spring, I'm likely going to drop to the 18" Enkei PF01 and free up some significant weight each corner. The peelers ride fine, they are just beefy.

Tires are probably closer to 27-29 lbs. I think my 245-35-19s are 26 lbs each. Wheels are probably about 28 lbs each, which is around where my S5 reps were.

[rcaro900ss]

I am running 18x9.5 TSW Interlagos wheels with 275/35 x 18 BF Goodrich Rivals with a total weight of 45 lbs. My track wheels are the same TSWs with 275 x 35 and Toyo Proxes RR that weigh 44 lbs. The street setups grip and ride are great on the rough streets of NYC. If you are going to track the car the Toyo Proxes have phenomenal grip, but need to be warmed up first. 19 inch wheels have a tough life here. In the winter I switch to the stock wheels with Michelin X-Ice 1.3 245/40 x 18. The Winter last year created huge hidden pot holes here. Let the current state of the roads you normally ride on be your guide.

[Chris Furman]

easy math... 18" for roads not in premium condition. 19" wheels/tires in Michigan usually don't make it 1 season without a bend or tire blowout.

If you really want to upgrade to 19", find a lighter wheel that matches the 66.6 hub bore size so you don't have to use hub rings. Avanti Hybrid S 19" wheel is very light and priced right.