Will 35 offset rims rub?

**AnthonyA3** · 08-09-2016 11:14 PM

Looking for new 18x8 rims but I'm not sure about what offset is best. I know the stick 18" have a 46 offset but the rims I'm looking at have 35 offset. I'm not sure if I will ever lower the car but if I do it won't be a drastic drop. Anybody know if 35 will work?

**A3_Yuppie** · 08-10-2016 12:22 AM

Originally Posted by AnthonyA3

Looking for new 18x8 rims but I'm not sure about what offset is best. I know the stick 18" have a 46 offset but the rims I'm looking at have 35 offset. I'm not sure if I will ever lower the car but if I do it won't be a drastic drop. Anybody know if 35 will work?

According to Tire Rack an offset of +35mm will fit.

However, I don't know what you mean by "best" or asking whether it "will work." Assuming all else (wheel weight, tire selection and pressure) being equal, an 11mm decrease in wheel offset:

(1) Increases the track width, which increases stability, but decreases the scrub radius, which decreases stability. Hard to say what the net effect on stability would be.
(2) Increases the steering "feel" or effort, and thus torque steer.

http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArticl...and-Scrub.aspx

In short, changing wheel offset will most likely change the way your A3 feels and handles, and not necessarily for the better. So if you don't want to do so, stay as close as possible to the "stock" offset. (An offset of +46mm appears to be the lowest wheel offset among all the different stock wheels installed on A3 and S3 models.)

When I recently upgraded my wheels and tires, I bought the lightest wheel available at my budget (Enkei PF01 18x8, +45mm offset) and mounted wider 235/40-18 Michelin Pilot Super Sports on them. This setup does not sit flush with the fender, which makes it a mortal sin to most Audizine and VWvortex forum members.

**AnthonyA3** · 08-10-2016 12:34 AM

Thanks for the info. I'm just want to know if the 35 offset will rub with the oem tire size. Probaly going to play it safe and stick with 45 if I don't find someone that has a 35 offset with 225/40/18 tires

**bigxie** · 08-10-2016 12:35 AM

You should be alright running ET35. I have 18x8.5 ET35 rims and I'm lowered, and they do not rub. They are pretty close to flush with the fender. If you're at stock height, there should be no risk of rubbing at all.

Can't say I feel any discernable difference in handling.

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**AnthonyA3** · 08-10-2016 12:36 AM

Originally Posted by A3_Yuppie

According to Tire Rack an offset of +35mm will fit.

However, I don't know what you mean by "best" or asking whether it "will work." Assuming all else (wheel weight, tire selection and pressure) being equal, an 11mm decrease in wheel offset:

(1) Increases the track width, which increases stability, but decreases the scrub radius, which decreases stability. Hard to say what the net effect on stability would be.
(2) Increases the steering "feel" or effort, and thus torque steer.

http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArticl...and-Scrub.aspx

In short, changing wheel offset will most likely change the way your A3 feels and handles, and not necessarily for the better. So if you don't want to do so, stay as close as possible to the "stock" offset. (An offset of +46mm appears to be the lowest wheel offset among all the different stock wheels installed on A3 and S3 models.)

When I recently upgraded my wheels and tires, I bought the lightest wheel available at my budget (Enkei PF01 18x8, +45mm offset) and mounted wider 235/40-18 Michelin Pilot Super Sports on them. This setup does not sit flush with the fender, which makes it a mortal sin to most Audizine and VWvortex forum members.

Can I ask why you went wider? For looks and handling or does it protect the rim better?

**mr.IgorZ** · 08-10-2016 07:53 AM

Great looking rims

Do you mind sharing model name?

**bigxie** · 08-10-2016 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by mr.IgorZ

Great looking rims

Do you mind sharing model name?

Thanks! They're VMR V710s.

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**A3_Yuppie** · 08-10-2016 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by AnthonyA3

Can I ask why you went wider? For looks and handling or does it protect the rim better?

Mostly for better rim protection, with the hope for minor improvements in braking and cornering.

**bigxie** · 08-10-2016 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by A3_Yuppie

Mostly for better rim protection, with the hope for minor improvements in braking and cornering.

Yeah, this is pretty much the same reason I'm going to move up to 235 super sports after the stock tires wear out.

To the OP, if you're not looking to buy new tires immediately or want to save some money, the stock tires will work fine on 8/8.5 width rims.

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**A3_Yuppie** · 08-10-2016 11:07 AM

Originally Posted by bigxie

You should be alright running ET35. I have 18x8.5 ET35 rims and I'm lowered, and they do not rub. They are pretty close to flush with the fender. If you're at stock height, there should be no risk of rubbing at all.

Can't say I feel any discernable difference in handling.

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Very nice finish on these wheels!

In your case the 11mm decrease in wheel offset is offset by a half inch (12.7mm) increase in wheel width, so you are moving the inside of the wheel outwards only by < 5mm (compared to stock). With the assumptions that the VMR710 weighs about the same as stock and that you are still using 225 wide tires, any difference in handling would be relatively minor compared to the OP's inquiry re: using 18x8 wheels with a +35mm offset.

**bigxie** · 08-10-2016 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by A3_Yuppie

Very nice finish on these wheels!

In your case the 11mm decrease in wheel offset is offset by a half inch (12.7mm) increase in wheel width, so you are moving the inside of the wheel outwards only by < 5mm (compared to stock). With the assumptions that the VMR710 weighs about the same as stock and that you are still using 225 wide tires, any difference in handling would be relatively minor compared to the OP's inquiry re: using 18x8 wheels with a +35mm offset.

Gotcha, thanks. Yeah my fuzzy mental math knew that the wider wheel makes a difference but didn't realize it was as extreme.

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**coolwater** · 08-10-2016 11:58 AM

245 tires on 19x8.5 ET35 will fit fine even with just 1/2 finger gap drop.

-cW

**AnthonyA3** · 08-10-2016 12:58 PM

Originally Posted by bigxie

Yeah, this is pretty much the same reason I'm going to move up to 235 super sports after the stock tires wear out.

To the OP, if you're not looking to buy new tires immediately or want to save some money, the stock tires will work fine on 8/8.5 width rims.

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I have the stock 17s. Going to use them for winter.

**Donuthustle** · 08-10-2016 05:49 PM

I'm running 19x8.5" with 235/35 I'm on H&R deep coils with a 1/2 gap - hardly rubs unless under hard cornering with pavement transitions

**saxon** · 08-10-2016 06:34 PM

i have 19x8.5 +42 with 7mm spacers and rub in the rear drivers side

i am pretty low and have the camber set to stock settings which doesnt help with the rubbing. im sure with a little more camber i could have it not rub

**gamegenie** · 08-10-2016 07:43 PM

I have ET35 wheels and I don't think the ET will determine if your wheel rub against the wheel hub. Lowered suspension and large wheels will determine that.

The lower offset will increase the potential for your wheels to rub up against a curb since the wheel will be more outward.

**A3_Yuppie** · 08-10-2016 11:42 PM

Originally Posted by gamegenie

I have ET35 wheels and I don't think the ET will determine if your wheel rub against the wheel hub.

True, but irrelevant. Wheels are mounted onto wheel hubs; they should not rub under any circumstances.
Increasing wheel offset (while maintaining same wheel width) moves wheel inwards and increases chances of rubbing against suspension and/or steering components.

Originally Posted by gamegenie

The lower offset will increase the potential for your wheels to rub up against a curb since the wheel will be more outward.

Decreasing wheel offset (while maintaining same wheel width) moves wheel outwards and increases chances of rubbing against fender, a fitment issue. Hitting a curb is a driving issue.

**gamegenie** · 08-11-2016 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by A3_Yuppie

True, but irrelevant. Wheels are mounted onto wheel hubs; they should not rub under any circumstances.
Increasing wheel offset (while maintaining same wheel width) moves wheel inwards and increases chances of rubbing against suspension and/or steering components.

Decreasing wheel offset (while maintaining same wheel width) moves wheel outwards and increases chances of rubbing against fender, a fitment issue. Hitting a curb is a driving issue.

All of these are driving issues.

**miro01** · 08-12-2016 10:23 AM

I had no issues when I had the same wheels as bigxie (looks great btw) and was on stock sport suspension. 18x8.5 et35, 235/40 tires.

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**StigThe** · 08-12-2016 10:39 AM

Have 18×8 et 35 rims with 245 tires.
No rubbing what so ever and perfect stance in my opinion.

Went on europe roundtrip with mrs and lots of luggage without any issues.

Have stock suspension though.

Also, anything wider than this would probably look silly.

**AnthonyA3** · 08-12-2016 01:39 PM

Thanks guys, I'm going to go with et35 and 235 tires.

**razorbilo** · 02-22-2017 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by bigxie

You should be alright running ET35. I have 18x8.5 ET35 rims and I'm lowered, and they do not rub. They are pretty close to flush with the fender. If you're at stock height, there should be no risk of rubbing at all.

Can't say I feel any discernable difference in handling.

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What springs are you lowered on? I am looking at the H&R sport so lowering 1.2" and I'm on the stock (non-sport) suspension