3.2 optional wheels or aftermarket?
03-05-2006, 07:35 PM
#1
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thread Starter
3.2 optional wheels or aftermarket?
Trying to decide..
Can anyone suggest an alternative to the optional 20-spoke wheels?
Requirements:
Five spoke
Proper offset without spacers
Matching centerbore.
Lighter than stock.
No more than $1500 with tires.
The optional ones have an advantage in that I get sticky tires right off the bat, but they'll be a pain to clean.
One disadvantage of the aftermarkets is that I'm stuck with storing or disposing of 4 wheels & tires.
Aftermarket advantage: If I keep them, one will become a full-size spare..
Also, I'll be able to mount and protect my SmartTire sensors before mounting..
Decisions.. Decisions...
(Sold my new-car-fund stocks, have big down payment, almost ready to order..)
The only way to keep tire shops from breaking SmarTire sensors:
<img src="http://webpages.charter.net/dwarner2/Smartire_small.jpg">
Can anyone suggest an alternative to the optional 20-spoke wheels?
Requirements:
Five spoke
Proper offset without spacers
Matching centerbore.
Lighter than stock.
No more than $1500 with tires.
The optional ones have an advantage in that I get sticky tires right off the bat, but they'll be a pain to clean.
One disadvantage of the aftermarkets is that I'm stuck with storing or disposing of 4 wheels & tires.
Aftermarket advantage: If I keep them, one will become a full-size spare..
Also, I'll be able to mount and protect my SmartTire sensors before mounting..
Decisions.. Decisions...
(Sold my new-car-fund stocks, have big down payment, almost ready to order..)
The only way to keep tire shops from breaking SmarTire sensors:
<img src="http://webpages.charter.net/dwarner2/Smartire_small.jpg">
03-05-2006, 07:59 PM
#3
AudiWorld Senior Member
Order the option wheels and decide later. Be able to sell them for at least the $1000 extra.
03-05-2006, 08:03 PM
#5
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thread Starter
Mostly the 20-spoke ones locally..
<center><img src="http://webpages.charter.net/dwarner2/06-IMG_1005.JPG"></center><p>Personally, I don't like the large shiny surfaces on the 5's. If there's a chance I'd get these instead of the 20's, then I'd better take the aftermarket route to make sure I get what I want.
03-05-2006, 08:26 PM
#6
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Re: 3.2 optional wheels or aftermarket?
Johnson Control sensors mount to inside of valve stem, rather than strapped around the wheel rim like the SmarTire shown. I used to own stock in SmarTire, but got out as they are going to be passed up by the big boys very soon.
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03-06-2006, 08:32 AM
#9
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thread Starter
Unfortunately, SmartTire is the only aftermarket solution I can find..
They have one advantage in that there are no wheel-well antennas needed. In my current car, I have the receiver mounted inside the console, and the display in the ash tray. Installation is a breeze..
Stem-mounted sensors are wheel-specific, so they're not a retrofit option.
I wonder if SmarTire will survive when all new cars come with mandatory TPMS systems? They'll still have trucks, motorhomes, motorcycles..
And, to answer a previous poster..
Snow? What's that:-)
Stem-mounted sensors are wheel-specific, so they're not a retrofit option.
I wonder if SmarTire will survive when all new cars come with mandatory TPMS systems? They'll still have trucks, motorhomes, motorcycles..
And, to answer a previous poster..
Snow? What's that:-)
