DC2005

OK, my new M1 wheels from Hartmann came in, and I put one on the car without the tire mounted just to get an idea of the fit. It's pretty close to the strut. I have the Falken Azenis STE115 tires sitting at the tire shop, and before i put them on these wheels, I would like to make sure that someone else is running this setup, and that there is no rubbing.

It is 18x9 with a 35mm offset - I'm using 15mm Hartmann spacers. It sure seems to me that the tire is going to rub on the strut. Even with my stock setup (225/55/17) I can't get my finger between the strut and the tire.

Can someone give me the peace of mind I need to go get these tires installed? Thanks!

-DC2005
2005 2.7T tip

allroad'Ed now

Can't speak to the 255/45, but my 245/45 F1 GS-D3's on my 18x9 et35 wheels fit with 6mm of clearance between the bead protector of the tire and the strut. That's with my 15mm Hartmann spacers. The wheels really spread the tire out so the widest part of the tire is the protruding bead protector rib. I figure 6mm of clearance should be fine. On my old A6, the clearance was even tighter with my wheel/tire combination and it rubbed the strut once in a rare while and never caused an issue.

Is there a reason you chose the 255/45 as opposed to the 245/45? The 245 is the correct height, whereas the 255 is going to be taller than OE. Not by much but different none the less.

To be sure, only mount one tire on a wheel and trial fit to the car. If you aren't comfortable with the clearance, go back to the 245/45-18 ST115. But I have to believe the 255's will fit. I don't think the width of the Falken is as broad as my Goodyears.

DC2005

Thanks, Ed - I picked the 255 to get a wider look & feel, but maybe too wide...

allroad'Ed now

let you dismount and just buy the same tire in the 245 size?

DC2005

Ordered at Sears - I'll ask them first. I appreciate your comments!

veloAR

et 30, with a 5mm spacer. I was close, but never had any rubbing. By my calculations, your set-up will actually be 2.5mm further outboard than mine, which should give adequate clearance.