Black Optic 20" wheels, all season tire size recommendation - 255/35, 265/35, 275/30

[Liquid Smoke]

Hello, need some opinions/pics on tire sizes please. So I have the factory 20x9 Black Optics wheels that come with 265/30. I will def need to swap them out for all seasons, and looking to change the size, because these are too narrow and stretched and will take a beating on NYC roads. (And I believe 265/30 isn't even available in all seasons anyway).

I am thinking of getting either 255/35 or 275/30, on these 20x9 wheels. I know both will fit fine, I kind of want the taller sidewall of the 255/35 to get more cushion, comfort, protection for the wheels, but I'm hoping it doesn't look too stretched on the 9" wide? The 265 looks pretty stretched on the same, but I guess the 30 sidewall makes it look more stretched too, and I know Continentals run a bit narrower, so wondering if I end up getting DWS06 255's, it may look just as stretched?

I also do like the width of the 275 but wondering if the 30 profile might still be too narrow and not provide enough cushion and protection? Also considered 265/35, but those are more expensive/less common than the other two, and also I don't want it to end up looking too thick/meaty. Also FYI I won't be lowering the car for now, it's on the stock S-sport adaptive suspension, so I'm not worried about rubbing or anything. And I'm aware of the speedometer difference, etc. too and okay with all that.

Sorry if this has been asked a bunch of times, I did search and find a few posts but hard to find them all on these exact wheels. Just trying to decide on which would be best balance of providing wheel protection and cushion/comfort for the ride, but also keeping a sporty performance look, low profile look without looking like a thick winter set. If anyone had any experience with either sizes or anything else you recommend, thanks.

PFA, factory 20x9 with Conti 265/30

[Mops@Nemesis]

That stock Conti has a very odd sidewall profile. Go Pilot AS4 in 255/35 and you'll love the look. I once ran 255/35/20 with 20x9 on my B8 -

https://www.flickr.com/photos/919992...7668716345878/

[Liquid Smoke]

That stock Conti has a very odd sidewall profile. Go Pilot AS4 in 255/35 and you'll love the look. I once ran 255/35/20 with 20x9 on my B8 -

https://www.flickr.com/photos/919992...7668716345878/

yea that sidewall is weird on those, is it like that for all contis or just that summer one. i was also considering DWS06 but not sure if that will also have an odd stretch 255 on 9 wide. i do like tires with a bit more squared look and more lip protection though, i had DWS before on my B8 and it is a bit narrower without much of a lip protector part.

i guess i wouldnt mind 255/35 with michelins or something with a more squared sidewall, but am i right in thinking, wheel protection and comfort wise, the extra width from the 275/30 would be about the same as the 255/35? slightly less taller but more wider so more side cushion? i may just have to decide size depending on which brand i find the better deal on.

but those 255/35's do look good, might look better on there with slightly more rubber since im not lowered i guess.

[Mops@Nemesis]

The DWS 06 profile is much better than the stock summer Conti, but the Michelin is going to provide the squared look you're after.

I would go 255/35 AS4 or 275/30 DWS 06 Plus. But yeah, the 255/35 will provide a bit more cushion and the 275/30 will have some bulge.

[Mops@Nemesis]

Found a pic that might help. 20x9 on 255/35 Pilot AS3+

[Liquid Smoke]

I would go 255/35 AS4 or 275/30 DWS 06 Plus. But yeah, the 255/35 will provide a bit more cushion and the 275/30 will have some bulge.

thanks that helps, that does look good on there. i do like the squared michelin look but they are pricey, i dont plan to run these stock wheels too long just until next year maybe and get some nicer 20x10 later, but ill prob go with some mid range options.

on 255/35 size, im considering the following, do you know how squared/wide any of these run, and any opinions on them?

sumitomo htr p03
general g-max as-05
vredestein hypertrac or quatrac

i also found a good deal on some Nokian zline 255/35, for a bit less than the above ones on tirerack. kind of considering those too if they're better than any of the above options.

[Pterwilliger]

I just replaced the original 275/30/20 Pirelli P Zeros that came on my Black Optic wheels with the same size Michelin PSAS4. What an amazing difference! The Pirelli's looked very stretched, which I didn't like, while the Michelins have a very squared look. I'm surprised that the same size tires would have such different profiles. Ride-wise, things are greatly improved. Even in warm weather the Pirelli's felt very hard, with very little cushioning provided, resulting in a very harsh ride and highway road noise that was extremely loud. The Michelins are very quiet, and drive much smoother than the Pirelli's at the same tire pressures. I wouldn't have expected that a 30 profile tire would feel this comfortable. For street driving, this is a great all-season choice.

[CurvesAhead]

[QUOTE=Pterwilliger;14666883]I just replaced the original 275/30/20 Pirelli P Zeros that came on my Black Optic wheels with the same size Michelin PSAS4. What an amazing difference! The Pirelli's looked very stretched, which I didn't like, while the Michelins have a very squared look. I'm surprised that the same size tires would have such different profiles.



I prefer the non-stretched look of the Michelin P4S...they do it right...The stock Conti's are way too stretched, trying to wear mine out so I can place them in the recycle bin.


IMG_0546 copy.jpg

[RajSQ5]

[QUOTE=CurvesAhead;14667708]

I just replaced the original 275/30/20 Pirelli P Zeros that came on my Black Optic wheels with the same size Michelin PSAS4. What an amazing difference! The Pirelli's looked very stretched, which I didn't like, while the Michelins have a very squared look. I'm surprised that the same size tires would have such different profiles.



I prefer the non-stretched look of the Michelin P4S...they do it right...The stock Conti's are way too stretched, trying to wear mine out so I can place them in the recycle bin.


IMG_0546 copy.jpg

Love the look of the BBS wheels, mind sharing specs and full car pics?

Thank you.

[CurvesAhead]

[QUOTE=RajSQ5;14667919]

Love the look of the BBS wheels, mind sharing specs and full car pics?

Thank you.

Sure, the wheels are BBS CH-R in color Titanium. Size: 19/9.5 Offset 35. BBS included 12mm spacers rear, 10mm front, plus the proper bolts. Tires are Michelin P4S size: 275/35 R19. I went from a 20" BO Rotor to the 19" BBS... the ride is better and the handling is beyond superb. You will not overdrive the Michelin tires, they are great tires. Whatever you toss at them they respond with insane levels of grip and traction. Even wet traction has to be experienced to be believed. These are the only wheels/ tires I've owned where I get compliments and questions asked at stoplights, not kidding. What BBS wheel are you looking at, I like the CI-R too.

BBS wheels come with Curb Guard, the stainless steel ring around the rim. If you curb a wheel, you replace the Curb Guard for $50 and not the wheel. They can be removed if you don't like them.

IMG_4290 copy.jpgIMG_5789 copy.jpg

[RajSQ5]

[QUOTE=CurvesAhead;14667936]

Sure, the wheels are BBS CH-R in color Titanium. Size: 19/9.5 Offset 35. BBS included 12mm spacers rear, 10mm front, plus the proper bolts. Tires are Michelin P4S size: 275/35 R19. I went from a 20" BO Rotor to the 19" BBS... the ride is better and the handling is beyond superb. You will not overdrive the Michelin tires, they are great tires. Whatever you toss at them they respond with insane levels of grip and traction. Even wet traction has to be experienced to be believed. These are the only wheels/ tires I've owned where I get compliments and questions asked at stoplights, not kidding. What BBS wheel are you looking at, I like the CI-R too.

BBS wheels come with Curb Guard, the stainless steel ring around the rim. If you curb a wheel, you replace the Curb Guard for $50 and not the wheel. They can be removed if you don't like them.

IMG_4290 copy.jpgIMG_5789 copy.jpg

Thank you, the car looks awesome. Safe assumption you're on the stock suspension?

Have a 22 S5 sportback on order trying to decide if I should just get rid of the Contis and go 275 Michelins or drop to 19s. Always love the way the CI-Rs look on the S5.

[CurvesAhead]

[QUOTE=RajSQ5;14667961]

Thank you, the car looks awesome. Safe assumption you're on the stock suspension?

Have a 22 S5 sportback on order trying to decide if I should just get rid of the Contis and go 275 Michelins or drop to 19s. Always love the way the CI-Rs look on the S5.

Yep, stock suspension, I don't fool around with them anymore. The Michelin 275/19 tire is about 3/4 inch wider than the stock 265/20 Conti that came on the car, you can feel the difference. The reason I don't like the Conti is that it is way too stretched. The Conti's will only last about 15 to 20k miles if that, some report less miles, why not run them out?

[RajSQ5]

[QUOTE=CurvesAhead;14667981]

Yep, stock suspension, I don't fool around with them anymore. The Michelin 275/19 tire is about 3/4 inch wider than the stock 265/20 Conti that came on the car, you can feel the difference. The reason I don't like the Conti is that it is way too stretched. The Conti's will only last about 15 to 20k miles if that, some report less miles, why not run them out?

Agreed on the stretched look, not a fan at all. If I could have gotten the BO w/19s, I would have.

As for running them out, the latest update on my sportback order is delivery sometime in January and I live in NYC, so my I need to swap them out day 2.

[Liquid Smoke]

i'm kind of thinking of 275/35/20 now. these are from member @rayray, wondering if anyone else has run 275/35/20 or any opinions? would like to see some other angles and shots if anyone has, i dont mind the extra rubber as long as it doesnt look too tall/thick and lose the sporty look.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...25e1c67f4d.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...403e2a4a20.jpg

[rayray]

Here's quick one I just took. Sorry for the dirty car! . ...and before anyone asks, yes, I have a HC placard.


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[DocMcstuffins]

Here's quick one I just took. Sorry for the dirty car! . ...and before anyone asks, yes, I have a HC placard.


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Dude, as a wheelchair user, Sportbacks for the win!

[DocMcstuffins]

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[CurvesAhead]

^Nice setup you have there, I can see there is no stopping you, that is awesome and great car and picture!^

[tinman143]

Where’s the best price for AS4’s these days? Will need new rubber soon as well.

[tinman143]

thanks that helps, that does look good on there. i do like the squared michelin look but they are pricey, i dont plan to run these stock wheels too long just until next year maybe and get some nicer 20x10 later, but ill prob go with some mid range options.

on 255/35 size, im considering the following, do you know how squared/wide any of these run, and any opinions on them?

sumitomo htr p03
general g-max as-05
vredestein hypertrac or quatrac

i also found a good deal on some Nokian zline 255/35, for a bit less than the above ones on tirerack. kind of considering those too if they're better than any of the above options.

Did you decide on which mid range option?

[Liquid Smoke]

Did you decide on which mid range option?

as of now im actually gonna go with the Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91 all seasons, they are a grand touring one, i run them now already the past year on my B8 and they've been great. best price on tirerack at that size for all seasons, 275/35. i just need a more comfortable daily driver with spirited driving here and there, so these should do just fine and right now it comes out to around $680 for the whole set. the kumho sidewalls arent as wide/square either so they are a bit more like the continentals and shouldn't look too thick.

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

[tinman143]

as of now im actually gonna go with the Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91 all seasons, they are a grand touring one, i run them now already the past year on my B8 and they've been great. best price on tirerack at that size for all seasons, 275/35. i just need a more comfortable daily driver with spirited driving here and there, so these should do just fine and right now it comes out to around $680 for the whole set. the kumho sidewalls arent as wide/square either so they are a bit more like the continentals and shouldn't look too thick.

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

will have to check this option out as I do no spirited driving these days :-(

[Liquid Smoke]

FYI I just got 275/35/20 tires installed, Vredestein Hypertrac all-seasons

See pictures here, few angles so you get an idea of the fitment: https://imgur.com/a/erZocD6

I am liking the slightly meatier look, haven't driven it much yet other than back from the tire shop, but it does feel a bit more cushioned and I definitely feel safer now going over potholes and bad roads. I'm pretty happy with these, Hypertracs are a great tire, on par with Conti DWS, and I'm glad I got this size, still has a sporty low profile look but not stretched or too narrow/thin. Fitment is good, fills out the wheel wells a bit better, closing the stretched gap of the stock Contis, and with the wider 275 I like the squared sidewall and bit more flush look.

The only issue I had with this size is on the rear passenger side (see the last pic and caption in the above link). The rear driver side tire had just enough clearance, but I guess the fender liner on the right side bulges toward the wheel a little more, it was just barely rubbing it on the back side, so I manually pushed in the liner bulge away from the wheel towards the rear of the car, and it seems to have created just enough clearance, no rubbing or issues now, hopefully the liner stays in that shape. Otherwise all good, the fronts are good, seems to be enough clearance, no rubbing or anything on dips/turns. Anticipating no other issues, fingers crossed

[BenzToAudi]

FYI I just got 275/35/20 tires installed, Vredestein Hypertrac all-seasons

See pictures here, few angles so you get an idea of the fitment: https://imgur.com/a/erZocD6

I am liking the slightly meatier look, haven't driven it much yet other than back from the tire shop, but it does feel a bit more cushioned and I definitely feel safer now going over potholes and bad roads. I'm pretty happy with these, Hypertracs are a great tire, on par with Conti DWS, and I'm glad I got this size, still has a sporty low profile look but not stretched or too narrow/thin. Fitment is good, fills out the wheel wells a bit better, closing the stretched gap of the stock Contis, and with the wider 275 I like the squared sidewall and bit more flush look.

The only issue I had with this size is on the rear passenger side (see the last pic and caption in the above link). The rear driver side tire had just enough clearance, but I guess the fender liner on the right side bulges toward the wheel a little more, it was just barely rubbing it on the back side, so I manually pushed in the liner bulge away from the wheel towards the rear of the car, and it seems to have created just enough clearance, no rubbing or issues now, hopefully the liner stays in that shape. Otherwise all good, the fronts are good, seems to be enough clearance, no rubbing or anything on dips/turns. Anticipating no other issues, fingers crossed

I just picked up a 2019 S5 SB w/ Black Optics 20" with those ridiculously ill-fitting stretched Conti's. I too am looking to change the tire to something that looks correct and provides a little more protection.

I'm considering 275/35's like you. Looks like you made the change a year ago, are you still happy with it? Anything you would've done differently? Have you experienced any weird issues with the diameter being 5% larger etc... ?

[Liquid Smoke]

I just picked up a 2019 S5 SB w/ Black Optics 20" with those ridiculously ill-fitting stretched Conti's. I too am looking to change the tire to something that looks correct and provides a little more protection.

I'm considering 275/35's like you. Looks like you made the change a year ago, are you still happy with it? Anything you would've done differently? Have you experienced any weird issues with the diameter being 5% larger etc... ?

yup definitely happy with them, no regrets. it's a breeze driving around these NYC roads, i forget i'm on 20s, nice change to drive around without feeling everything and not being as worried about wheel bends. i guess the speedo is slightly off but not a big difference, no other issues other than the slight rear liner rubbing i mentioned in my previous post, but that's not too hard to fix.

as for differently, no i think i'd have stuck with this size still, because they are fine on the stock wheels and i dont plan to lower it either. i may get some 20x10 aftermarket wheels later on, but these 275/35 will still fit those just fine too. if you were lowered or planned to, then i'd probably go 285/30 or something but can't really go much bigger than that if lowered or on wider aftermarket wheels.

[BenzToAudi]

Thanks for the update and knowledge transfer. The stretched sidewall on this thing has me on full-tilt now, every time see it. And since I live in the Mid-Atlantic, I need ti run all season or dedicated cold weather setup. With a set of slightly taller high perf all seasons, I can get away with a single set of wheels, like you.

Thanks again.

[Andy_FL]

I just picked up a 2019 S5 SB w/ Black Optics 20" with those ridiculously ill-fitting stretched Conti's. I too am looking to change the tire to something that looks correct and provides a little more protection.

I'm considering 275/35's like you. Looks like you made the change a year ago, are you still happy with it? Anything you would've done differently? Have you experienced any weird issues with the diameter being 5% larger etc... ?

Going to 275s is fine IMO, but bear in mind that merely switching manufacturers may provide you with an acceptable, square sidewall. Seems that Conti's just "run narrower." For example, here's 265/30 Bridgestones on the OE 20" rim:

[Turbanator]

yup definitely happy with them, no regrets. it's a breeze driving around these NYC roads, i forget i'm on 20s, nice change to drive around without feeling everything and not being as worried about wheel bends. i guess the speedo is slightly off but not a big difference, no other issues other than the slight rear liner rubbing i mentioned in my previous post, but that's not too hard to fix.

as for differently, no i think i'd have stuck with this size still, because they are fine on the stock wheels and i dont plan to lower it either. i may get some 20x10 aftermarket wheels later on, but these 275/35 will still fit those just fine too. if you were lowered or planned to, then i'd probably go 285/30 or something but can't really go much bigger than that if lowered or on wider aftermarket wheels.

Hmm, seeing this gives me a bit of pause as somebody not too far from NYC. I like how the 20s look on the Black Optic S5 but didn't want to deal with summer tires or thin sidewall, so I bought some 19in cavos and put new AS tires on them, but if you hardly notice a thing on 275/35, then I may reconsider...

[GoneQuantum]

Some good info and pics here. Im expecting my car to be here with the BO 20s sometime in March...may have to make a rush decision on a winter setup or figure out something else for the ~1 month til the summers will be "acceptable" here in the midwest.

Seems like the the general consensus is that the Conti's that come on the 20s are too stretched (which I agree with) and are just generally not very comfortable/don't last very long, so would probably be replacing them anyways.

Initial thought was to have 2 dedicated sets of wheels (summer tires on 1, snow tires on the other) but given my driving style (spirited, no track) it's probably debatable whether I would really "need" summer tires, or if something like the AS4s would be fine for my usage.

[mc-io]

Here's quick one I just took. Sorry for the dirty car! . ...and before anyone asks, yes, I have a HC placard.


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Sorry for resurrecting an old thread, but looking at upsizing to 275 35 R20s from my stock 265 30 R20s on my 2019 S5.

I've been looking for photos of the older 20" rotor wheels instead of the newer BO wheels. What size tires are in these photos? The sidewall looks a little too thin to be 275/35/20. Hoping I'm wrong because it looks really good.

[rayray]

Sorry for resurrecting an old thread, but looking at upsizing to 275 35 R20s from my stock 265 30 R20s on my 2019 S5.

I've been looking for photos of the older 20" rotor wheels instead of the newer BO wheels. What size tires are in these photos? The sidewall looks a little too thin to be 275/35/20. Hoping I'm wrong because it looks really good.

Hi 👋🏽

These are Conti EC DWS06+ in 275/35/20. I agree, the sidewall looks thin from afar but it is not and certainly better than the stretched look of the 265s. I still running this setup year round here in the NE with no issues.


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[mc-io]

Hi 👋🏽

These are Conti EC DWS06+ in 275/35/20. I agree, the sidewall looks thin from afar but it is not and certainly better than the stretched look of the 265s. I still running this setup year round here in the NE with no issues.


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Thanks for the reply. Just to double check, you are running 275 35 R20, and not 275 30 R20? I know 275/30/20 is stock on the RS5 and a common size people switch to on the S5, but I'm looking for a bit more sidewall. Worried about them looking weird on the car, but if your pictures are of 35 sidewall tires that's not bad at all.

[rayray]

Thanks for the reply. Just to double check, you are running 275 35 R20, and not 275 30 R20? I know 275/30/20 is stock on the RS5 and a common size people switch to on the S5, but I'm looking for a bit more sidewall. Worried about them looking weird on the car, but if your pictures are of 35 sidewall tires that's not bad at all.

Impeccable timing as I’m in my garage and I stand corrected; I have 275/30R20.



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[mc-io]

Impeccable timing as I’m in my garage and I stand corrected; I have 275/30R20.


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All good. The fact I caught it means I've been spending too much time looking at tires!

How's the comfort on those compared to the stock 265s? I assume not too much of a difference - I believe the sidewall is only 0.1" thicker.

[rayray]

All good. The fact I caught it means I've been spending too much time looking at tires!

How's the comfort on those compared to the stock 265s? I assume not too much of a difference - I believe the sidewall is only 0.1" thicker.

😅 I know the feeling!

I could tell an immediate difference going up to 275. I felt the car is able to bite more when cornering. I do believe the wider profile helps improve the comfort overall enough that my wife took notice… and she barely notices anything when it comes to car mods. 🤣

I still believe this is how it should’ve came from the factory, but they had to do something to distinguish it from the RS5 🙄


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[81dollar]

Anyone run 275/30R20 Pilot Sport All Season 4's on the stock (2024) BO 20" wheels? I've seen many here run 275/30R20 Conti DSW06+ (since they don't make a 265/30R20), but I haven't seen the AS4's in that size... Or should I go down in size to 255/35/R20?

Costco Tire has the 275/30R20 for much less than the "correct" 265's. If the DSW06+ works well in the 275 I'm thinking the Michelins would be fine, but wanted to check

[tgf83]

Anyone run 275/30R20 Pilot Sport All Season 4's on the stock (2024) BO 20" wheels? I've seen many here run 275/30R20 Conti DSW06+ (since they don't make a 265/30R20), but I haven't seen the AS4's in that size... Or should I go down in size to 255/35/R20?

Costco Tire has the 275/30R20 for much less than the "correct" 265's. If the DSW06+ works well in the 275 I'm thinking the Michelins would be fine, but wanted to check

The Pilot Sport A/S 4's in 275 are hard to find but highly recommended

[81dollar]

Anyone run 275/30R20 Pilot Sport All Season 4's on the stock (2024) BO 20" wheels? I've seen many here run 275/30R20 Conti DSW06+ (since they don't make a 265/30R20), but I haven't seen the AS4's in that size... Or should I go down in size to 255/35/R20?

Costco Tire has the 275/30R20 for much less than the "correct" 265's. If the DSW06+ works well in the 275 I'm thinking the Michelins would be fine, but wanted to check

I found my answer on AW (sorry mods), but posting here for future reference for anyone wanting to see 275/30R20 Pilot Sport A/S 4 on the stock 20x9 BO wheels:
https://www.audiworld.com/forums/aud...-30-a-3030128/

As stated elsewhere the PS A/S have a more squared off look from the stock Contis

[darrinps]

I was in the same predicament as you with my Premium Plus 2024 S5.

My thoughts were that I'll end up spending over $1500 for tires alone for a 20" 30 series, so I bought lightweight wheels in 19x9.5 and did a 265/35/R19 Continental DSW06 Plus tire. Total including my Vertini wheels was about $2600, but now I can run true summer performance tires far better than the OEM Dunlops that came with the car.

The Continental DSW06 Plus are as good as it gets UHP All Season FWIW.

[darrinps]

I run a 265/35/R19 with 9.5" wide Vertini wheels. Don't think it looks stretched at all. PXL_20240925_200920279.MP_exported_1100.jpg