T726A

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/50227/audi2.jpg"></center><p>I have a 2001 Audi 2.7T with 18x8 Ronal R7 Bulldog on Toyo T1s. I have racked up the miles on this baby about 49000. I have been disappointed with the rims tho. All four rims have bent and one of them had been replaced last summer but it also bent soon after.
I wrote a letter to Ronal asking if they were defective and their answer was that it was my driving. Well, its not like I see a pot hole that i need to hit. The pressure on the tires are kept at 40psi which is above the recommended 38psi. I don't understand how my rims get bent so easily.
I went to Audi and I told the service guy that these rims have been terrible. He also said that he got a complaint from another customer with the same rims.
I would hate to spend more money on these rims. I am disappointed with the quality even though the company is praised for their workmanship. Does anyone have the same problem?

ex-quattro PETE

Every rim can bend, it just takes the right size pothole. By running on large rims with low profile tires, you increase the risk of rim damage. That's just something you should expect when you do such a wheel upgrade.

I'm not defending Ronal here (which is known for making pretty strong wheels by the way). I just want to make sure your expectations are in line with reality. This is one of the reasons why my car has only 17" rims.

wnut

anyways...ronal isn't the best rims in the world.

if you do switch i'll suggest BBS, i've never heard of one bending yet. very strong although cast. otherwise go forged.

Gary@Ronal

It's unfortunate you've had problems...but it's only natural, that when you've bent the same wheels, so many times, and had them repaired--BTW.......wheels once they've been repaired, are never as strong as previously!!
I provided you two lengthy responses, and offer....etc..which you chose not to mention....but it is evident that your driving habits and road conditions have come into play.
All wheels will bend, given the right situation, or even "ODD" situation... Ronal's wheels are exceptionally strong--hence their reputation... but they can bend! You have a heavy car, run 18" wheels, and low profile tires, plus the car looks lowered---most people when purchasing aftermarket wheels recognize and pride themselves in being a bit more careful when driving.....especially when upsizing to 18" wheels! Extra care must be taken while driving with larger wheels/tires, especially 18"+ sizes on Audi's.

T726A

Gary@Ronal,
Yes its very unfortunate that I've had problems. The rims came with the car from the audi dealership at 21 miles. The car was brand new when I decided to buy it. I have not changed anything on the car as well as being lowered. It has a sport tune suspension but thats about it.
I know you provided me with responses but you are saying that more than likely its my driving which I do take as an insult. Like I said, I don't go running after every pot hole I see. I also see no problems in the roads.
I drive very carefully and I don't use the car to go off roading since you suggest I am careless with the car or that I am not "most people that are a bit more careful when driving". I doubt I will mistreat a $50,000 vehicle.
Thank you for your response. I will say that I have been very disappointed with the quality. Now that I have experienced the quality of Ronal on a personal basis as well as customer service, I will tend to look for a rim better in quality for a "HEAVY" car.

T726A

Thanx Quattro Pete,
I will keep in mind for the next audi I get. The rims unfortunately came with the car when I took it from the dealership. So I guess they thought it was a good rim for the car.
So the dealership should've done their homework about the rims and tires to be put on such a heavy car.

Silver 2.7tt

My Carlssons looks as new after more than 12,000 miles on them, not even a scratch on them(local car wash did manage to damage them but took responsiblity and refinish the wheels). Like Gary at Ronal pointed out, you have to be extra careful when upgrading to this size, I have heard so many stories about benting wheels. Heck, even the stock RS4 rims are known for their softness and so are many other lighter wheels even the forged one like SSR, Volks, and Racing Hart rims.

So far, I have been lucky because I believe I have taken extra care and drive slower in unfamiliar area and choose smooth surfaces to drive on. But then again my wheel weight 29lbs + each so they better be damn strong. Ronal wheels are known for their built quality and met high industry standards but that doesn't mean they are stronger than the others. However, when they Ronal hint that they build strong rims then they should back them up or should still mention somewhere that they don't guarantee that the wheels won't bent and that drivers with these rims should drive with extra caution. So I see both you have a point but that won't help much does it, the rims are still bent

ex-quattro PETE

you got 49,000 miles out of Toyo T-1S tires???

T726A

No. I've already gone through 4 sets of tires. Expensive at 200 a piece. I've reached at most 15000 miles per set.

ex-quattro PETE

ah ok, have you thought of getting something different if the short treadlife is an issue?