Information on ALMS 18" wheels -- RS4 style or RS4 actual?
04-02-2002, 06:35 AM
#1
Information on ALMS 18" wheels -- RS4 style or RS4 actual?
Because of my concern over the reports of the bending of the RS4 wheels of which there has been much conversation here, I wanted to clear up exactly what the deal is with that before putting on my Abt springs and Bilstein Sport dampers.
My feeling was if they were susceptible to bending, it wouldn't be a great idea to add the springs and dampers because AoA could then say the bend was because of my aftermarket parts.
But, I knew that this wheel was also now standard issue on the U.K. TTs. Why would Audi put a wheel on the TTs in UK as standard if it was having these issues?? So I went info gathering among S-Line (with RS wheel) on the UK Forum. The replies were as I expected, the wheel on the S-Line (and now available for all TTs in UK) is not the same wheel as the RS4. It is the same look, but not the same wheel. Makes sense and now I'll go ahead with my "enhancements."
Here are the comments I received:
"They are different wheels than those fitted to the RS4. Having seen the two wheels side-by-side, the 9-spoke wheels on the TT have thicker spokes than the RS4 OEM wheels which provides better rigidity than the RS4s."
"Yep, they are a different wheel to the RS4, although look the same."
"The TT RS-style wheels are made from a different alloy composition to the RS4 alloys and having a smaller offset do not allow the rim to have such a leverage effect.
Audi UK have not had need to replace any of the wheels supplied on the S-lines and, as of 1st Jan 2002, made this wheel the standard fit option to all TT models supplied in the UK (I don't think they would have done that if there were any issues).
A friend has been running the TT RS 9-spokes (18") on his TT with the H&R springs and Bilsteins for the last 4 months, on the track and road, without any problems."
That, Kevin is why I posted there ;-)
My feeling was if they were susceptible to bending, it wouldn't be a great idea to add the springs and dampers because AoA could then say the bend was because of my aftermarket parts.
But, I knew that this wheel was also now standard issue on the U.K. TTs. Why would Audi put a wheel on the TTs in UK as standard if it was having these issues?? So I went info gathering among S-Line (with RS wheel) on the UK Forum. The replies were as I expected, the wheel on the S-Line (and now available for all TTs in UK) is not the same wheel as the RS4. It is the same look, but not the same wheel. Makes sense and now I'll go ahead with my "enhancements."
Here are the comments I received:
"They are different wheels than those fitted to the RS4. Having seen the two wheels side-by-side, the 9-spoke wheels on the TT have thicker spokes than the RS4 OEM wheels which provides better rigidity than the RS4s."
"Yep, they are a different wheel to the RS4, although look the same."
"The TT RS-style wheels are made from a different alloy composition to the RS4 alloys and having a smaller offset do not allow the rim to have such a leverage effect.
Audi UK have not had need to replace any of the wheels supplied on the S-lines and, as of 1st Jan 2002, made this wheel the standard fit option to all TT models supplied in the UK (I don't think they would have done that if there were any issues).
A friend has been running the TT RS 9-spokes (18") on his TT with the H&R springs and Bilsteins for the last 4 months, on the track and road, without any problems."
That, Kevin is why I posted there ;-)
04-02-2002, 06:38 AM
#3
Also, if you want to buy these wheels for your TT, I'd make
damn sure you get the RS-style for the TT and not the RS4 wheel -- they were built to bend because of the suspension on the RS4...weird but true.
04-02-2002, 06:47 AM
#6
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Chances are...
If you bent your rims audi wouldn't cover them either with or without the mods. Watch out for those potholes.
Also I say your pics and must say that your car looks awesome. Best of luck!
P.s what tires did you get?
Also I say your pics and must say that your car looks awesome. Best of luck!
P.s what tires did you get?
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04-02-2002, 06:51 AM
#8
Yep, I know I need to be careful, but if they were the actual
RS4's I wasn't going to proceed at all as a bend would most likely be inevitable. At least with these, I have a fighting chance. I like the response from Russell (founder of UK Forum) about his friend with aftermarket springs and dampers..makes me feel better about my chances.
Glad you like the car; I just adore it. Still can't believe it's mine. That red interior just makes me giggle each time I open the door...outrageous.
It came with Michelin Pilot Sports, 225/40 ZR 18
Very nice ride...not clunky at all. The car, however, looks like a dune buggy to me at the moment...just gotta lower it and be careful.
Glad you like the car; I just adore it. Still can't believe it's mine. That red interior just makes me giggle each time I open the door...outrageous.
It came with Michelin Pilot Sports, 225/40 ZR 18
Very nice ride...not clunky at all. The car, however, looks like a dune buggy to me at the moment...just gotta lower it and be careful.