Alloy wheels replacement, from 16" to 18" - can't find info

[htmad]

Sorry to come again on the issue of alloy wheel replacement. I have searched the forum but I haven't found what I'm looking for.

For my C5 A6 Avant 2.5 TDI I'm thinking of replacing 205/55 R16 + 7x16 ET45 wheels with 235/40 R18 + 8x18 ET45. Calculation show that, compared to the original wheel, the new wheel will have an inner rim which is 12.7mm closer to the suspension strut, and that the outer rim will poke out 12.7mm more than before. Nowhere I can find an answer to may question of whether the 12.7mm closer to the suspension is going to generate problems. The use of the same offset should ensure that the the axes work in nominal condition, and this is why I have selected an ET45 alloy rim.

Here instead I have found a list of options, in which ET45 does not appear. For a 18" rim the only ETs listed are 8x18 ET40 and 8.5x18 ET30. Is it because the 8x18 ET45 doesn't fit?

On a different forum I have seen a pic of an A6 mounting 235/40 R18 + 8.5x18 ET35, looking quite good and specifying that no fender work needed (http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/9946/reps1.jpg).

I am now lost...




Thanks.

[nigel63]

hi, my C5 A6 TDI sits on 18s,genuine Audi rims with 235/40/18s fitted,they do run closer to the suspension leg but its never been a problem in 4 years,the only thing i found was the ride was bumpier due to lower profile tyres but far better handling and a rather good stance.

[htmad]

Thanks Nigel. What is the offset (ET) of the alloys?

[nigel63]

without removing a wheel im not 100% sure,but ET OF 45 sounds very familiar along with 5x112 pcd