DD

Well, I think I've narrowed down my upgraded rim choices to a final two. I have a MY2000 Avant 1.8TQMSX with the stock 10-spoke sport wheels and tires. Looking to upgrade the rims, I think I've finalized on the following two wheels:


Rondell Design 64, 16x7.5, ET35, 24.2 lbs, $150

Mille Miglia R5, 16x?, ET ?, 24.5 lbs, $129

My criteria:

1. Cosmetic
2. Reliability and Quality
3. Fitment
4. Low Weight: Should be close to the stock wheel weight, or less. I'm guessing that the 16" 10-spoke sport wheel is 20-22 lbs.
5. Resistance to damage and scratching

Other factors to consider:

1. Should I run 17" wheels? I'm leaning towards "No", because I feel that the car's suspension was tuned with a certain wheel\tire geometry\weight in mind and I don't want to deviate too much from that. Also, I'd have to buy new tires, too.

2. Which size tire to run? My current tires are 205/55R16 SP8000E's with 2500 miles. Should I upgrade my tires with the wheels, or wait until the current ones need replacement? Unless there is a compelling argument for doing so, I don't see a need to change tires now. Differences of opinion?

So, preamble aside, please cast your vote for which you like best!!!

Thanks,

DD

DD

<center><img src="http://131.107.68.28/AudiWorldPics/2000/mm_r5_a.jpg"></center><p>

DD

<center><img src="http://131.107.68.28/AudiWorldPics/2000/64or.gif"></center><p>

CraigB

Give REAL serious thought to going to 17". I originally bought 16" wheels (my A4 had 15" when I bought it), but eventually wound up buying 17" wheels anyway. Now, with my 16" winter wheels, I have four sets for my A4 (...well, 3.5; I'm slowly selling the 15" for full size spares). The 17" will only improve the handling of your car and they don't ride any rougher than 16" with tire pressure at performance levels.

CraigB
Denver, CO Annex of the Tire Rack 8^)

Reggie

I second Craigs opion - go for 17" - I just wish I had them for winter too.

Reggie

God my spelling is bad today - Opinion ( I even spelled Craigs name wrong earlier)

DD

1. Mille Miglia R5 doesn't come in 17", unfortunately. This would pretty much solve the "which wheel" question, if not the size. However, I don't think I want the extra 4 lbs that the 17" Design 64 has compared to the 16"...why would I?

2. The data on 17" wheels improving handling seems to be controversial, some sources saying it helps, others saying it's of marginal benefits or not worth the disadvantages or larger wheels. In what way did it help your handling?

DD

Reggie

<center><img src="http://131.107.68.28/AudiWorldPics/2000/mas_mgr.jpg"></center><p>The feel of the road was there too. It was not too harsh either as I'm at a point in life where I do not need to have bone jarring experience every day.

Perhaps you can get a ride with someone who has 17"er to feel the difference.

Weight difference did not seem to make a difference in the car handling that I could feel.

Adam S

Is the improved steering feel a result of the larger rolling diameter of the wheel or the lower profile tire, or both?

Would 225/50/16's give better turn-in and steering response than 205/55/16's?

CraigB

Weight was not a big issue for me. And, like Reggie, I can't really feel the difference between the weight of the 16s and 17s. Maybe if I had done laps at a track with 16" vs. 17" and checked the times, you could see a bit of an advantage. Also, 17" is almost like a combo looks/suspension upgrade, since the ride feels a little tighter with the lower profile tires. As Reggie said, see if you can get a ride in an A4 with your same suspension and 17" wheels. HTH.

CraigB