winter wheels and tyres

[newA6]

I hope this is a multi repeated post request but
1. should I put winter tyres on my A6 Avant Quattro ?
2. should I downsize wheels from 18" to 17" for winter tyres ? and if so what size tyres ?
thanks,

[M1tchy]

Depends on where you live but I will be putting winter wheels on this year.

As for size, have a look at the sticker on the inside on the drivers door, it will have the recommended wheel size and tyre size for winter tyres (they are the ones marked M+S)

This is my sticker from my A7. Looks like it will take 17, 18 or 19 inch winter wheels

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af211/mitchy1408/951627EF-9CF0-4BED-ABBE-C91598C2CF9D_zpsztynakzr.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/mitchy1408/media/951627EF-9CF0-4BED-ABBE-C91598C2CF9D_zpsztynakzr.jpg.html)

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[newA6]

Thanks M1tchy, I live in Lancs but drive all over.
i was thinking winter tyres can only help Quattro, and now I have your info I know where to find winter sizes.

[M1tchy]

No probs. I've found Dunlop 3D winter tyres on lovetyres.com for a reasonable price


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[retired99]

Quattro certainly helps with traction for going forwards, it does nothing at all to improve stopping and steering, which in some ways are more important than getting started or making it up a hill.

Winter tyres make a very significant improvement when there is snow / ice on the ground. Quite startling if you haven’t experienced it before. They also offer improved performance over a summer tyre (which is what most cars have from the factory) when the temperature drops below about 7 degrees C.

There’s always a god selection of genuine Audi wheels fitted with winter tyres on German EBay.

If you search for 'Audi 4G Original' (4G is the current A6 model) and then look under 'Autoreifen & Felgen' followed by ‘Kompletträder ‘ and also select ‘winterreifen’ you will see wheels that you recognise and will also see the detailed spec. The ‘Original’ means you only get genuine Audi wheels, i.e. no aftermarket wheels.

I did that a couple of minutes ago and there were over 800 hits.

Google translate does an acceptable job of translating the items.

[pitch3110]

Typical last winter I picked up a set of 17" alloys off Fleabay and fitted a set of Verd winter rubber and we didn't see a flake.

Everything thing i had read and from chatting to folk it is a no brainer they are really that good.

this winter I will not bother with another set of wheels I will just stick a pair on the front.

Ta
Pitch

[razor77]

Quite startling if you haven't experienced it before.

Last winter was my first with winter tyres, I was rather looking forward to experiencing the difference. I join the brigade looking forward to a proper winter with lots of snow!

[neilos100]

this winter I will not bother with another set of wheels I will just stick a pair on the front.

Ta
Pitch
And hopefully you won't see the back of your car overtaking the front if you take a corner a little too fast....4 winter tyres are strongly recommended....:)
Neil


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[Brycie]

this winter I will not bother with another set of wheels I will just stick a pair on the front.

Have you run a car with two winters up front & summers on the rear before? I have & won't be doing it again. Slightest bit of speed into damp corners/roundabouts and you will have a very unpredictably handling car. Normally you can take speed into bends & you can gauge how the car will behave, even if you get a little slide & a little sideways. With a mixture of rubber, it felt like I couldn't be sure how it would act. Scary thing is, that was only in a wet winter, if it had snowed too, God only knows how it would have handled. Given the choice again of budget was stopping me from getting 4 winters, I'd go for 4 x similar part worn winters over 2 x new winters only.

Just my advice based on my experience.

[wja96]

Last winter was my first with winter tyres, I was rather looking forward to experiencing the difference. I join the brigade looking forward to a proper winter with lots of snow!

The problem with snow is only a few folks have proper winter equipped cars, plus the skills to drive them (it's not as simple as just sticking winters on and driving normally) and the roads tend to be shut by optimistic types starting a journey and then abandoning their car in the middle of the road.

Although I always run winters I always pray it doesn't snow.

[wja96]

Typical last winter I picked up a set of 17" alloys off Fleabay and fitted a set of Verd winter rubber and we didn't see a flake.

Everything thing i had read and from chatting to folk it is a no brainer they are really that good.

this winter I will not bother with another set of wheels I will just stick a pair on the front.

Ta
Pitch

I'm the others I'm afraid. It's a q question of the difference between grip and traction.

Traction is where quattro excels. Traction is what gets you moving. A quattro car on summer tyres will probably get you going, but it could also just sit there spinning all four tyres.

Grip is where the winter tyres really excel. Grip is what let's you stop and steer.

You definitely need 4 matched tyres.

[MarkTM]

Luckily changed the wheels and tyres when I bought my C6 in 2012.

Which meant I had spares I could put Winter's on and got 4 x Dunlop Winter 3D's for a mere £180 from these people]

18" Part Worn - Save On Tyres Direct (http://www.saveontyresdirect.co.uk/epages/557753.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/557753/Categories/18)

Typically they get their new winter stock in October and I got first dibs on my set with 6mm of tread, two years later down to 5mm.

Sadly in Somerset we don't get much slippery stuff, so last year just on for 3 months, year before for 4. :)

[M1tchy]

The problem with snow is only a few folks have proper winter equipped cars, plus the skills to drive them

I thinks its about time we had compulsory winter tyres. I go to Europe regularly skiing and nothing stops their traffic moving. Busses, lorries, cars etc all up and down snow covered twisty roads and not once have I seen a stuck or abandoned car.

Although saying that, I've never actually fitted any to mine and tend not to drive if the weather is too bad, not because of my driving ability, but because of everyone else.

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[wja96]

I thinks its about time we had compulsory winter tyres. I go to Europe regularly skiing and nothing stops their traffic moving. Busses, lorries, cars etc all up and down snow covered twisty roads and not once have I seen a stuck or abandoned car.

I couldn't agree more. People say that BMW and RWD is no good on snow or ice but Porsche, Mercedes and BMW all hail from Southern Germany, a place where it snows thick and hard every year and where RWD cars are very popular indeed but you don't see them having any issues in the winter. Because they have winter tyres and they know to slow down and leave lots of room and not make any sudden manoeuvres when it's snowy/icy. They also have compulsory chains in some areas, but that's a whole other level of weather altogether.

[MarkTM]

My profile pic car is RWD & has Contiwintercontact TS810's fitted 365, not worth changing with less than 6k miles fitted, despite being 18yrs old with minimal electronic aids.

On the odd occassion I've driven it on ice I've noticed that modern Merc & BMW's (with lots of electronic wizz bangs) are having problems up a 1:5 hill, where mine pulls like a train...can only put it down to the tyres.

[newA6]

thanks everyone, so it's a set of winter wheels and tyres for me - think I will go down from 245/45R28 to a set of 17" 235/55 I guess.
my other concern is the emergency spare that is supplied now, I guess a can of leak repair is called for just in case.

[ukgroucho]

You can go with the same size tyres just drop the WHEEL RIM width by half an inch... thats what Audi do.
For my allroad the stock tyres are 255/55 R18 (if I recall) and the winter tyres are the same. EDIT, for clarity.. I have a set of stock Audi allroad winter wheel that I use, purchased from fleabay germany on the guidance of a forum member.
What changes is that the winter wheels are identical except they are a half inch narrower (8" down to 7.5" if I recall) - same size winter tyre onto a narrower wheel rim. Apparently this is to provide some extra clearance inside the wheel well should you also choose to fit snow chains.

[Scott K]

You can go with the same size tyres just drop the WHEEL RIM width by half an inch... thats what Audi do.
For my allroad the stock tyres are 255/55 R18 (if I recall) and the winter tyres are the same. EDIT, for clarity.. I have a set of stock Audi allroad winter wheel that I use, purchased from fleabay germany on the guidance of a forum member.
What changes is that the winter wheels are identical except they are a half inch narrower (8" down to 7.5" if I recall) - same size winter tyre onto a narrower wheel rim. Apparently this is to provide some extra clearance inside the wheel well should you also choose to fit snow chains.

Remember though that BiTdi can't go down to 17". The normal A6 can and it probably gives you more choice.

[chesterfield]

What Im going to do for 20" winter wheels I dont know!:p Hardly seems worth doing at that size. Though its not just about the tyres, but also not getting an awful lot of of that salty garbage all over the nice summer rims.

[retired99]

Remember though that BiTdi can't go down to 17". The normal A6 can and it probably gives you more choice.

Audi do offer a 17" winter wheel for A6 BiTDi.

There are about 40 sets available on ebay.de.

[wja96]

Audi do offer a 17" winter wheel for A6 BiTDi.

There are about 40 sets available on ebay.de.

Yes, the BiTDi has the same brakes as the others in that range. The odd one is the allroad which has bigger rear discs but still takes a 17" wheel (different design and offset from the others though)

[Splash]

You can go with the same size tyres just drop the WHEEL RIM width by half an inch... thats what Audi do.
For my allroad the stock tyres are 255/55 R18 (if I recall)
235/55 on 18s
255/45 on 19s ... total recall UUU ;)

[Splash]

What Im going to do for 20" winter wheels I dont know!:p Hardly seems worth doing at that size. Though its not just about the tyres, but also not getting an awful lot of of that salty garbage all over the nice summer rims.

If you and your insurer are prepared to consider wheels from a UK OEM there are inexpensive alternatives available which can sometimes be supplied in non-standard colours (the luck of the draw, but worth exploring). I did this last year with some 18s which I prefer to my OE 19s so never took them off as I opted for all-season tyres.

The equation at 18" was straightforward for me as 18" tyres are not expensive (about £800 with wheels) whereas at 20" both are usually considerably more expensive and the tail can sometimes wag the dog. A lot depends on how important retaining the desired look is, versus its cost - i.e. subjective.

[chesterfield]

cant put anything smaller than 20" on the RS6, due to the size of the discs. So winter wheels look like being expensive, though there are a few sets of 20" SQ5 wheels on ebay, but would require tyres swapping out to achieve the correct overall size. Something to think on for a while for me.

[retired99]

cant put anything smaller than 20" on the RS6, due to the size of the discs. So winter wheels look like being expensive, though there are a few sets of 20" SQ5 wheels on ebay, but would require tyres swapping out to achieve the correct overall size. Something to think on for a while for me.


A number of 20" RS6 winter wheels with tyres on ebay.de for around the Euro 2000 mark.

[Boxbrownie]

You could go onto the MYTYRES site and order a set of winter tyres complete with alloys, they are all TuV approved for the specific vehicle and supplied from Germany.

A set of 17" with top rated Nokian winters for my Lexus cost just about £750 last year, just checked and a set for my Hybrid 18" original but 17" winters will be under £800.

[wja96]

Tyremen are forum sponsors and offer wheel/tyre combinations like mytyres.

They are usually very competitive too.

i've just bought some brand new Dunlop M3 on genuine brand new Audi allroad 18" rims for £750 from German ebay so there are reasonable bargains to be had.

[pitch3110]

Well on the basis of your comments gents x4 it will be.

Hopefully what I will recover on selling my A5 winter rims and tyres will cover 4 new tyres.

Ta
Paul

[Splash]

The odd one is the allroad which has bigger rear discs but still takes a 17" wheel (different design and offset from the others though)Out of curiosity, do you know what that offset and width (and tyre size if poss) are? It might save me test fitting my winter shod 17s. Thanks.

[wja96]

Out of curiosity, do you know what that offset and width (and tyre size if poss) are? It might save me test fitting my winter shod 17s. Thanks.

The wheels for the allroad are;

Winter 17" x 7J 5-spoke ET37 with 225/65R17 tyres
Winter 18" x 7J 5-spoke ET37 with 235/55R18 tyres

My understanding is it's as much the 5-spoke design as the offset that helps clear the calipers.

[Splash]

Thanks W. Looks like the total combination is a touch "taller" on the 17s, so that may have implications for chains/clearance. I haven't checked as I don't plan on fitting chains, but I know the briskoda folk are tuned into that for Octavias.

My 17s look extremely tight measuring the internal diameter unscientifically, and the profile of the weights could be enough to make the difference! It might be that the internal profile of the Audi 17s allows for better placement of the weights which doesn't compromise the "headroom".

[retired99]

The wheels for the allroad are;

Winter 17" x 7J 5-spoke ET37 with 225/65R17 tyres
Winter 18" x 7J 5-spoke ET37 with 235/55R18 tyres

My understanding is it's as much the 5-spoke design as the offset that helps clear the calipers.

Audi wheels for a 4G Allroad are :

18 x 8J ET41

or

18 x 7J ET38.

Tyre size for both 235 55 18.

As far as I can see Audi do not offer 17" wheels for the 4G Allroad. Are these aftermarket wheels?

[niv2]

Very unlikely that chains will be needed if winter tyres fitted, specially with 4 wheel drive. I did a couple of winter seasons in the alps and have driven a lot in North America in winter, and never carried or needed chains when winter tyres fitted.

[wja96]

Audi wheels for a 4G Allroad are :

18 x 8J ET41

or

18 x 7J ET38.

Tyre size for both 235 55 18 (tel:235 55 18).

As far as I can see Audi do not offer 17" wheels for the 4G Allroad. Are these aftermarket wheels?

Different wheels in different markets.

There are genuine Audi 17" allroad wheels and tyres on German ebay. I've just bought a set of 7J's and they are ET37 supposedly.

[neilos100]

Very unlikely that chains will be needed if winter tyres fitted, specially with 4 wheel drive. I did a couple of winter seasons in the alps and have driven a lot in North America in winter, and never carried or needed chains when winter tyres fitted.
Unless of course they are mandatory on that particular road...on some Alpine roads in and around ski resorts if you see the 'snow chain' sign you cannot proceed any further unless you have chains fitted.

[retired99]

Different wheels in different markets.

There are genuine Audi 17" allroad wheels and tyres on German ebay. I've just bought a set of 7J's and they are ET37 supposedly.

Interesting. Do you know the part number or have a link to the eBay item?

I derived my information from Audi.de and eBay.de

[wja96]

Interesting. Do you know the part number or have a link to the eBay item?

I derived my information from Audi.de and eBay.de

The part number is 4G9601625C and they state ET37, but who knows until they actually turn up?

[Splash]

Fingers crossed for you.

I just googled that part no. and the single result brought me back here!

[retired99]

The part number is 4G9601625C and they state ET37, but who knows until they actually turn up?

Can't find that part number anywhere. The 4G9 bit says latest Allroad, which is a start, but as for the rest of the number I don't know.

Hope I'm wrong but suspect there is good chance you're not going to receive what you need.

Have they been sent yet? If not it might be an idea to ask the seller to confirm the details.

[wja96]

The wheels have turned up. They are new, the part number is 4G901625C and they are 18" x 7J ET38 with new Dunlop M3 Winter Sport 235/55/R18 AO tyres. So, I'm quietly pleased. The ebay ad did say ET37, but they are definitely the right wheels and tyres. Phew!

[newA6]

excellent, what model car are these for ?
can you say who seller was on ebay

[retired99]

The wheels have turned up. They are new, the part number is 4G901625C and they are 18" x 7J ET38 with new Dunlop M3 Winter Sport 235/55/R18 AO tyres. So, I'm quietly pleased. The ebay ad did say ET37, but they are definitely the right wheels and tyres. Phew!

Good news!!

Same as i have.

[wja96]

excellent, what model car are these for ?
can you say who seller was on ebay

A6 (4G/C7) allroad. Mine is the BiTDi but they are all the same I believe.

The seller was alureifen. 430 feedback, 100% positive. The only German ebuyer I've had issues with is Reifenprofi_de who sent me the wrong thing, promised to refund the return postage costs (€150) then didn't. They have 16 neutral and 2 negative feedback in the last 12 months, including 1 negative in the last month. Personally, I'd avoid them.

[newA6]

A6 (4G/C7) allroad. Mine is the BiTDi but they are all the same I believe.

The seller was alureifen. 430 feedback, 100% positive. The only German ebuyer I've had issues with is Reifenprofi_de who sent me the wrong thing, promised to refund the return postage costs (€150) then didn't. They have 16 neutral and 2 negative feedback in the last 12 months, including 1 negative in the last month. Personally, I'd avoid them.


Thank you, I have seen some new wheels with Dunlop 3D tyres, anyone know if these tyres are good ? now replaced with 4D I think ?
i was looking at the goodyear wimter tyre, but wheel and tyre package with dunlop 3D is a great price.

or, am I too concerned and should accept any reasonable winter tyre is better than my summer tyres ?

[retired99]

Thank you, I have seen some new wheels with Dunlop 3D tyres, anyone know if these tyres are good ? now replaced with 4D I think ?
i was looking at the goodyear wimter tyre, but wheel and tyre package with dunlop 3D is a great price.

or, am I too concerned and should accept any reasonable winter tyre is better than my summer tyres ?


Virtually any winter tyre is going to be significantly better than a summer tyre.

Having said that, I've got Dunlop 3D on my winter wheels / tyres. Used them last winter and was completely happy with them both in a normal southern UK winter, i.e. not very snowy / icy, and on a ski trip.

One thing to be aware of if buying used is winter tyres stop being winter tyres when the tread depth drops below 4mm, their grip is much reduced. Quite a few on ebay.de have tread depths of around 5 to 6mm, i.e. they're nearly worn out.

[rafletcher]

Because in Europe winter tyres must have at least 6mm of tread on to be legal, so they're selling us their illegal (for them) tyres.

[wja96]

One thing to be aware of if buying used is winter tyres stop being winter tyres when the tread depth drops below 4mm, their grip is much reduced. Quite a few on ebay.de have tread depths of around 5 to 6mm, i.e. they're nearly worn out.

Well, you'll probably only get 1-2 seasons use from them, depending on how hard you are on tyres.

Some Nokian tyres come with 10mm tread depth from new and they may well be completely useless with only 6mm tread.

the wear-bars on my Dunlops are still at 1.6mm though.

In general, any winter tyre will be better than a summer tyre.

[retired99]

Because in Europe winter tyres must have at least 6mm of tread on to be legal, so they're selling us their illegal (for them) tyres.


I believe the legal depth in Germany is 4mm, can't speak for other countries.

So no, ebay.de users are not selling us their illegal tyres. Given that it's ebay.de I mentioned they are selling legal tyres to, predominantly,the German market.

[retired99]

Well, you'll probably only get 1-2 seasons use from them, depending on how hard you are on tyres.

Some Nokian tyres come with 10mm tread depth from new and they may well be completely useless with only 6mm tread.

the wear-bars on my Dunlops are still at 1.6mm though.

In general, any winter tyre will be better than a summer tyre.

Also depends on your mileage, couple of trips to Bavaria in my case, coupled with enthusiastic use of the right pedal would see them gone in a season.

Had some vredestein wintrac 4 xtreme on my Disco 3 which came with 10mm new. Traction in snow / ice was astonishing even when approaching the 4mm level, but not sure how much was due to the tyres and how much to the car.

I guess the wear bars are at that level because the tyre remains good ( and legal in Germany) as a summer tyre.

[MarkTM]

As advised in another thread Winter tyres in Germany are mandatory and to be no more than 2yrs old! Also that they must have at least 3mm of tread.

Most winter tyres come with more tread than summer types, so 9-10mm as opposed to 7-8mm

We have no such laws regarding tyre age in the UK presently, so I bought a set of Dunlop wintersport 3d with 6mm in 2012 from a company that imports them from Germany, 2 relatively mild winters later they are down to 5mm. At the time of purchase they cost me £180 fitted and have been superb in conditions where my summer rubber (Michy Pilot Super Sports) would I feel struggle.

The problem is knowing when to fit them! So in 2012 I fitted in November when temps were consistantly below 7 degrees, last year I left until December as temperatures just didn't justify. They usually come off in March when temps are consistantly above 7 degrees throughout the day/night

When in storage they aren't exposed to direct UV, however I still treat the sidewalls with white lithium grease to maintain flexibility :)

[Chesterfield313]

Now this is where the moderators should step in and ask the OP's if it ok to merge. 2 live threads on exactly the same subject, even in the same sub forum. I just posted something in the other thread that word for word would be just as relevant (or irrelevant :D) in this thread.

[fest0r]

I kind of hijacked the other thread at the mention of wheel size :Blush2: but to be fair NewAudi was also asking about manually changing gear on the auto ;)

[Adamski_03]

Has anyone used these guys before?
Audi A6 Winter Wheels and Winter Tyres - Alloy Wheels - Audi A4 4F, 4G, Saloon, Avant, S-Line, Quattro (http://www.mrwinterwheels.co.uk/audi-winter-wheels-tyres/audi-a6-winter-wheels-tyres/)

[Westyfield2]

What sizes are everyone going for? The wheels/tyres fitted to mine currently are 255/35 R20 97Y XL.
The sticker on the door lists:

225/55 R17 97Y
225/55 R17 97H M+S
225/55 R17 101V XL M+S
225/50 R18 99H XL M+S
245/45 R18 100Y XL
255/40 R19 100Y XL
255/35 R20 97Y XL



Also, does anyone know what model wheels have the correct offset for the different brake sizes? I know that my car has the biggest caliper/disc sizes that Audi fit the A6 with (apart from the S6/RS6 of course), so the same wheels that would clear the smaller caliper/discs on the 2.0 A6 won't fit ok on mine.

[wja96]

Has anyone used these guys before?
Audi A6 Winter Wheels and Winter Tyres - Alloy Wheels - Audi A4 4F, 4G, Saloon, Avant, S-Line, Quattro (http://www.mrwinterwheels.co.uk/audi-winter-wheels-tyres/audi-a6-winter-wheels-tyres/)

I've not used them, and Tyre Men are forum sponsors and have a very good reputation. Free tyre bags for storing your wheels off the car are included.

I know I should wash my mouth out with soap, but if you don't want new rims, Kwik Fit store the summer tyres for you over the winter if you buy the winter tyres from them. After the first year they charge £20/set of tyres for the tyre hotel but that does include doing the swap-over which would probably cost that much anyway.

[rafletcher]

What sizes are everyone going for? The wheels/tyres fitted to mine currently are 255/35 R20 97Y XL. The sticker on the door lists:

225/55 R17 97Y
225/55 R17 97H M+S
225/55 R17 101V XL M+S
225/50 R18 99H XL M+S
245/45 R18 100Y XL
255/40 R19 100Y XL
255/35 R20 97Y XL

Also, does anyone know what model wheels have the correct offset for the different brake sizes? I know that my car has the biggest caliper/disc sizes that Audi fit the A6 with (apart from the S6/RS6 of course), so the same wheels that would clear the smaller caliper/discs on the 2.0 A6 won't fit ok on mine. I ran 225/55/17 7.5" wide rims on my Le Mans (which had the bigger brakes o the C6/4F version) with no problem. The offset was ET43

[retired99]

What sizes are everyone going for? The wheels/tyres fitted to mine currently are 255/35 R20 97Y XL.
The sticker on the door lists:

225/55 R17 97Y
225/55 R17 97H M+S
225/55 R17 101V XL M+S
225/50 R18 99H XL M+S
245/45 R18 100Y XL
255/40 R19 100Y XL
255/35 R20 97Y XL



Also, does anyone know what model wheels have the correct offset for the different brake sizes? I know that my car has the biggest caliper/disc sizes that Audi fit the A6 with (apart from the S6/RS6 of course), so the same wheels that would clear the smaller caliper/discs on the 2.0 A6 won't fit ok on mine.

The offset is more to do with the position of the wheel with respect to on one side the wheel arches and, on the other side, the suspension components. Where the wheel rests against the car’s wheel hub is not in the centre of the wheel (looking across the width of the wheel / tyre). The ET (offset) measurement indicates how far off the wheel centre line the wheel / hub interface is. As this changes the position of the wheel changes in relation to the wheel arch / suspension.


Wheels sizes for 4G A6 (non Allroad) are:

7.5 x 17 ET37
8 x 17 ET39
7.5 x 18 ET37
8 x 18 ET39
8.5 x 19 ET45
8.5 x 20 ET45.

This list is probably incomplete, but it’s a start.

There is clearly some 'give' in the ET value if choosing non original wheels as there is clearance between the wheel arches / suspension components using the Audi sizes, don't know how much though.

IMO it's better to go for original Audi wheels as it eliminates any worries about quality, fit and the possible attitude of an insurance company to non standard items. Easy to get off German ebay at a reasonable price.

[Adamski_03]

I've not used them, and Tyre Men are forum sponsors and have a very good reputation. Free tyre bags for storing your wheels off the car are included.

I know I should wash my mouth out with soap, but if you don't want new rims, Kwik Fit store the summer tyres for you over the winter if you buy the winter tyres from them. After the first year they charge £20/set of tyres for the tyre hotel but that does include doing the swap-over which would probably cost that much anyway.

Thanks that's great, however just checked kwik fit online and they don't appear to do a 20" winter tyre that would fit my rims. Back to the drawing board for now.

[wja96]

http://www.tyremen.co.uk/tyres-explained/tyre-hotel

It seems Tyre Men have a tyre hotel as well. £50/year though.

and £1000 for 20" tyres!

http://www.tyremen.co.uk/category/car-tyres?page=1&attributes=10-11-Yes,11-12-255,11-13-35,11-14-20

[Westyfield2]

The offset is more to do with the position of the wheel with respect to on one side the wheel arches and, on the other side, the suspension components. Where the wheel rests against the car’s wheel hub is not in the centre of the wheel (looking across the width of the wheel / tyre). The ET (offset) measurement indicates how far off the wheel centre line the wheel / hub interface is. As this changes the position of the wheel changes in relation to the wheel arch / suspension.


Wheels sizes for 4G A6 (non Allroad) are:

7.5 x 17 ET37
8 x 17 ET39
7.5 x 18 ET37
8 x 18 ET39
8.5 x 19 ET45
8.5 x 20 ET45.

This list is probably incomplete, but it’s a start.

There is clearly some 'give' in the ET value if choosing non original wheels as there is clearance between the wheel arches / suspension components using the Audi sizes, don't know how much though.

IMO it's better to go for original Audi wheels as it eliminates any worries about quality, fit and the possible attitude of an insurance company to non standard items. Easy to get off German ebay at a reasonable price.
Thanks! :D Is it the same for saloon and avant? Also, any ideas why the allroad is different? I haven't got an allroad, but am just curious :).

[Westyfield2]

I've not used them, and Tyre Men are forum sponsors and have a very good reputation. Free tyre bags for storing your wheels off the car are included.

I know I should wash my mouth out with soap, but if you don't want new rims, Kwik Fit store the summer tyres for you over the winter if you buy the winter tyres from them. After the first year they charge £20/set of tyres for the tyre hotel but that does include doing the swap-over which would probably cost that much anyway.
That's good… but I can't find any Winters in my 20" size :(.

My Lexus dealer used to do the same and stored my off season tyres for me :). Wonder if any Audi dealers will do it, or if they are only interested in selling wheel/tyre packages?

[Chesterfield313]

That's good… but I can't find any Winters in my 20" size :(.

My Lexus dealer used to do the same and stored my off season tyres for me :). Wonder if any Audi dealers will do it, or if they are only interested in selling wheel/tyre packages?

Audi service price match includes tyres. So, if you can find approved audi winter tyres cheaper, then they should match the price. Gives reassurance if you're worried about fitter damaging alloy, easier to claim for damage. It's a bit of a pain as you have to get the quote e-mailed, but shouldn't be too difficult. Camskill list Audi OE winter 20" tyres.

Not sure about Audi storing the tyres, you can bet it'd be expensive if they did!

[retired99]

Thanks! :D Is it the same for saloon and avant? Also, any ideas why the allroad is different? I haven't got an allroad, but am just curious :).

Same for saloon and Avant.

Don't really know why Allroad is different. Speculating; Allroad uses different tyre widths on some wheel diameters which would affect clearances.....

[Sam]

Now this is where the moderators should step in and ask the OP's if it ok to merge. 2 live threads on exactly the same subject, even in the same sub forum. I just posted something in the other thread that word for word would be just as relevant (or irrelevant :D) in this thread.

Unlike Batman we can't be summoned by shining a light into the sky or by saying a magic word, we have to either be reading a thread or have a very helpful member bring it to our attention.

As I said on your leaving thread (good to see you didn't leave), there is a report button for things like this. If you use it, we can help. Thankfully (for us and maybe you) such a thing just happened and someone, not you, reported the thread.

Now that we are aware we have a duplicated thread we can attempt to sort things out.

With a thread merge, all the posts are merged in time/date order - I don't feel that'll work here so I propose closing one thread and diverting people to the other.

I will ask NewAudi, via PM, if he minds me closing his thread and pushing traffic here. If he does, I will try something else.

Thanks again to those who reported the posts - very helpful indeed.

[wja96]

Same for saloon and Avant.

Don't really know why Allroad is different. Speculating; Allroad uses different tyre widths on some wheel diameters which would affect clearances.....

allroad wheel/tyres are taller and narrower for increased ground clearance and better traction on slippery surfaces.

[Splash]

allroad wheel/tyres are taller and narrower for increased ground clearance and better traction on slippery surfaces.
Advantage of narrower tyre is to cut through the snow pack and allow more pressure per unit of area for traction. For this reason they are also less prone to aquaplaning than a wider tyre with the same tread pattern.

Neither of these apply as much to a dry or damp road in low temperatures - more common for the UK than snow. That's why I'm happy to use the same or slighty narrower winter tyres with plenty of tread and just be more careful when anything covers the road surface.

I did a test fitment of a 17" wheel I normally use for my C6 allroad (taller than stock at 235/55 17) this morning but it didn't fit - mainly because of the ET45 offset and inside profile. Will stick with my 18" all-seasons.

[retired99]

allroad wheel/tyres are taller and narrower for increased ground clearance and better traction on slippery surfaces.

Was really about why offsets are different. E.g. an Allroad 19" wheel is 8.5 x 19 ET43 and wears a 255 45 19 tyre. A non Allroad A6 19" wheel is 8.5 x 19 ET45 wearing a 255 40 19 tyre. Same width tyre but different (very slightly) offset. The non Allroad wheel sits 2mm nearer the suspension and 2mm further away from the wheel arch assuming there are no differences in the suspension set up causing the hub to be positioned differently wrt to the body and / or suspension components. 2mm is such a small number would have thought there must be more to it.

[wja96]

Advantage of narrower tyre is to cut through the snow pack and allow more pressure per unit of area for traction. For this reason they are also less prone to aquaplaning than a wider tyre with the same tread pattern.

Neither of these apply as much to a dry or damp road in low temperatures - more common for the UK than snow. That's why I'm happy to use the same or slighty narrower winter tyres with plenty of tread and just be more careful when anything covers the road surface.

I did a test fitment of a 17" wheel I normally use for my C6 allroad (taller than stock at 235/55 17) this morning but it didn't fit - mainly because of the ET45 offset and inside profile. Will stick with my 18" all-seasons.

I was thinking more of muddy fields, wet grass etc. it is supposed to be a go-anywhere type vehicle.

[wja96]

Was really about why offsets are different. E.g. an Allroad 19" wheel is 8.5 x 19 ET43 and wears a 255 45 19 (tel:255 45 19) tyre. A non Allroad A6 19" wheel is 8.5 x 19 ET45 wearing a 255 40 19 (tel:255 40 19) tyre. Same width tyre but different (very slightly) offset. The non Allroad wheel sits 2mm nearer the suspension and 2mm further away from the wheel arch assuming there are no differences in the suspension set up causing the hub to be positioned differently wrt to the body and / or suspension components. 2mm is such a small number would have thought there must be more to it.

The A4 allroad has a wider track than the standard A4 and runs ET26 wheels to allow it to fill out the extended wheel arches. The A6 doesn't but possibly to compensate for the slightly narrower tyre they moved the wheel out a bit but as you say 2mm is pretty insignificant.

i would love to fit the ET28 wheels from the A7 but I don't know if there would be clearance with the car dropped down in Dynamic.

[Chesterfield313]

Unlike Batman we can't be summoned by shining a light into the sky or by saying a magic word, we have to either be reading a thread or have a very helpful member bring it to our attention.

As I said on your leaving thread (good to see you didn't leave), there is a report button for things like this. If you use it, we can help. Thankfully (for us and maybe you) such a thing just happened and someone, not you, reported the thread.

Now that we are aware we have a duplicated thread we can attempt to sort things out.

With a thread merge, all the posts are merged in time/date order - I don't feel that'll work here so I propose closing one thread and diverting people to the other.

I will ask NewAudi, via PM, if he minds me closing his thread and pushing traffic here. If he does, I will try something else.

Thanks again to those who reported the posts - very helpful indeed.

Apologies for not following the correct process. The previous forum that I was on was much busier and you didn't have time to report anything as moderators were extremely active members and saw it before you did. Admittedly that was for a single car model and therefore they didn't have as many sub forums to keep an eye on.

[NewAudi]

This is my choice of winter wheels.... expensive yes but they do look very good (mine will be the darker version of this though with black insert).

25665

They are called "Aluminium-Gussrad im 5-Semi-V-Speichen-Design. Size: 8.5 x 19" ET45. Part Number: 4G0 071 499 (there's also 4EE at the end but not sure if this is included or not in the actual "real" # number).

According to the data sheet, they fit A6 4G only and if the car has 19" and above wheels fitted as standard, the (already fitted) cover does not need to be ordered in addition to the weels: 4G0 201 974.

Tyres are: 255/40R19 100V

[Sam]

Apologies for not following the correct process. The previous forum that I was on was much busier and you didn't have time to report anything as moderators were extremely active members and saw it before you did. Admittedly that was for a single car model and therefore they didn't have as many sub forums to keep an eye on.

I will ensure Stuart flogs us all for not being extremely active.

[fest0r]

With regards to tyreleader’s prices changing (the other thread) I got a reply from them:

“Hello, several factors come into it, including our prices.”

Extremely informative I think you’ll agree :D The Primacy 3 price has changed twice since Sunday and the Alpin and Nokian stayed the same.

Anyway, I’m probably going for the Nokian WR A3. Hopefully they’re as good as everyone says.

[NewAudi]

Having had the rate looked at what Audi wants for wheels + tyres (or either), I may well go for aftermarket wheels in the end..... just waiting to hear what fits the car as it's a case of how big the calipers are so either ET35 or ET 45. ET35 does not seem to fit my car which automatically means 17" and 18" are out and only 19" and bigger would fit.

Does anyone know if the BiTdi has bigger brakes than the normal standard A6?

[rafletcher]

Well the Le Mans did have bigger than standard A6 brakes, although it took 17" rims with ET43 - I still have a set of 5 I need to sell, but no good to you as they're for 57mm spigot not the newer 66mm (and my A4 B8 has the 66mm spigot so I had to get replacement rims)

[wja96]

Does anyone know if the BiTdi has bigger brakes than the normal standard A6?

No, they are the same. The allroad has bigger back brakes for the hill descent system.

[wja96]

Having had the rate looked at what Audi wants for wheels + tyres (or either), I may well go for aftermarket wheels in the end..... just waiting to hear what fits the car as it's a case of how big the calipers are so either ET35 or ET 45. ET35 does not seem to fit my car which automatically means 17" and 18" are out and only 19" and bigger would fit.

Standard S-line 5 Doppel Speichen are 18" and fit fine. There's loads of genuine ones on German eBay.

[retired99]

Having had the rate looked at what Audi wants for wheels + tyres (or either), I may well go for aftermarket wheels in the end..... just waiting to hear what fits the car as it's a case of how big the calipers are so either ET35 or ET 45. ET35 does not seem to fit my car which automatically means 17" and 18" are out and only 19" and bigger would fit.

Does anyone know if the BiTdi has bigger brakes than the normal standard A6?

Have a look at the A6 price list on Audi.de, there is one 17" winter wheel available for the BiTdi, and you will be able to see the entire spectrum of Audi wheels available.

Not difficult to buy nearly new original Audi wheels from ebay.de

[dobinn]

Has anyone investigated any 'all season' tyres? Sound perfect for the UK and no need to change or store wheels. I only do around 5000 a year so keen to avoid the faff as long as they perform well.

[niv2]

I ran Vredestein Quatrac 3s on a Mercedes C270 estate for a couple of years with no complaints. Seemed to be ok during summer and were superb in the snow.


Has anyone investigated any 'all season' tyres? Sound perfect for the UK and no need to change or store wheels. I only do around 5000 a year so keen to avoid the faff as long as they perform well.

[Westyfield2]

Have a look at the A6 price list on Audi.de, there is one 17" winter wheel available for the BiTdi, and you will be able to see the entire spectrum of Audi wheels available.

Is this the right PDF? http://www.audi.de/content/dam/nemo/models/misc/pdf/my-2015/kataloge/katalog_a6-limousine_a6-avant_a6-allroad-quattro_s6-limousine_s6-avant.pdf

(http://www.audi.de/content/dam/nemo/models/misc/pdf/my-2015/kataloge/katalog_a6-limousine_a6-avant_a6-allroad-quattro_s6-limousine_s6-avant.pdf)EDIT: Just found the second one, http://www.audi.de/content/dam/nemo/models/misc/pdf/my-2015/preislisten/preisliste_a6-limousine_a6-avant_a6-allroad-quattro_s6-limousine_s6-avant.pdf

One interesting thing though...

The columns in the compatibility table on page 19 are:


A6/A6 Avant
A6/A6 Avant 3.0 TDI 235KW
A6 allroad Quattro
S6/S6 Avant
A6 3.0TDI Competition


"A6/A6 Avant 3.0 TDI 235KW" is the 320PS / 650NM version of the 3.0 diesel.
"A6 3.0TDI Competition" is the 240KW / 326PS / 650NM version of the 3.0 diesel.
Odd that they're listed differently? For a whole 6horsepower :p.

Also, in the price list they've got the 3.0TFSI engine (as it's just us in the UK that don't get the petrol option). That's 245KW / 333PS / 440NM. But it doesn't have its own column in the compatibility table, so presumably is included with the regular "A6/A6 Avant". But it's got more horsepower than either of the two named diesels? :confused:

[wja96]

Has anyone investigated any 'all season' tyres? Sound perfect for the UK and no need to change or store wheels. I only do around 5000 a year so keen to avoid the faff as long as they perform well.

They're fine so long as you respect their limitations. I had Michelin Latitude Cross on my Touareg and they were OK until it got really icy, at which point they were still better than summer tyres by a long way. They're also surprisingly hard-wearing. I got about 35,000 miles out of a set, which is good on something as big and heavy as the Touareg.

[wja96]

Is this the right PDF? http://www.audi.de/content/dam/nemo/models/misc/pdf/my-2015/kataloge/katalog_a6-limousine_a6-avant_a6-allroad-quattro_s6-limousine_s6-avant.pdf

(http://www.audi.de/content/dam/nemo/models/misc/pdf/my-2015/kataloge/katalog_a6-limousine_a6-avant_a6-allroad-quattro_s6-limousine_s6-avant.pdf)EDIT: Just found the second one, http://www.audi.de/content/dam/nemo/models/misc/pdf/my-2015/preislisten/preisliste_a6-limousine_a6-avant_a6-allroad-quattro_s6-limousine_s6-avant.pdf

One interesting thing though...

The columns in the compatibility table on page 19 are:


A6/A6 Avant
A6/A6 Avant 3.0 TDI 235KW
A6 allroad Quattro
S6/S6 Avant
A6 3.0TDI Competition


"A6/A6 Avant 3.0 TDI 235KW" is the 320PS / 650NM version of the 3.0 diesel.
"A6 3.0TDI Competition" is the 240KW / 326PS / 650NM version of the 3.0 diesel.
Odd that they're listed differently? For a whole 6horsepower :p.

Also, in the price list they've got the 3.0TFSI engine (as it's just us in the UK that don't get the petrol option). That's 245KW / 333PS / 440NM. But it doesn't have its own column in the compatibility table, so presumably is included with the regular "A6/A6 Avant". But it's got more horsepower than either of the two named diesels? :confused:

I think there is a small amount hiding lights under bushels there. The Competition is indeed 326PS but 346PS for up to 30 seconds on an 'over boost' function. The other BiTDis don't overboost their 320PS.

And i I suspect the reason it's listed separately in the wheels section is it runs VERY low. 30mm lower than standard and 15mm lower than the S-line so it probably has a higher offset than other wheels in that range.

[Sauron]

Much of the 'general wisdom' on the internet regarding winter Tyres seems to point to the need for narrower Tyres for winter use. As previously posted, for insurance reasons, I wanted to stick with an Audi approved size for winter wheel/tyre combination which for the A7 meant 17" or 18" rims. For me, purely a personal choice, I don't think the car will look right with the smaller of the 2 so went for the 18's; meaning a 255/45 profile tyre.

While just surfing I came across the video at the link below:

BMW M3 / RWD vs other cars in a snow race - Winter tyre vs summer tyres - YouTube (http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=iv&list=PLA_nKXy9lI0eDsgSQhszSax3izawVOT0L&v=vOv2g5qTpvA&src_vid=STaximkaQxo&annotation_id=annotation_175201).

of an M3 with winter Tyres. Now to me the rears look pretty wide (standard is 255/40, with 235/40 on the front). Even if he has slightly narrower rears than standard, I'm content that the AWD will provide at least a match to this M3 with RWD, which to my mind is more than acceptable winter grip in snowy conditions; as well as the improved performance in general cold and wet.

[retired99]

I think there is a small amount hiding lights under bushels there. The Competition is indeed 326PS but 346PS for up to 30 seconds on an 'over boost' function. The other BiTDis don't overboost their 320PS.

And i I suspect the reason it's listed separately in the wheels section is it runs VERY low. 30mm lower than standard and 15mm lower than the S-line so it probably has a higher offset than other wheels in that range.


The Competition, according to the German pricelist, comes with the S-Line suspension, which is optional on other variants, as standard. Sport suspension is 20mm lower than standard and S-Line drops the car another 10mm giving a drop of 30mm.

The Competition shares a few wheel types with other variants so suspect there is no difference in the tech spec of the wheels just a desire to differentiate the Competition from other variants on aesthetic grounds.

A higher offset would act to move the wheels inboard, not really linked to ride height.

[NewAudi]

No, they are the same. The allroad has bigger back brakes for the hill descent system.


Just had my brakes (discs & calipers) measured - 346mm at the front. Seems rather big :D


Standard S-line 5 Doppel Speichen are 18" and fit fine. There's loads of genuine ones on German eBay.


Have a look at the A6 price list on Audi.de, there is one 17" winter wheel available for the BiTdi, and you will be able to see the entire spectrum of Audi wheels available.

Not difficult to buy nearly new original Audi wheels from ebay.de

I have received various quotes from Audi for new wheels as I don't feel comfortable buying old ones (even if only a year or less old) as one simply does not know what previous driver/owner has done to them. You may not see a hairline crack in them. A vital thing and even more so in winter IMO.

The offers from Audi for 17" wheels (the smallest I can have) and the 18" are soooooo ugly!

Of course, there are other wheels available, but one issue you will have with say, highly polished wheels in winter is that they will corrode from the salt and c**p on the roads. Don't feel like spending the better part of €2.5-3K only for the wheels to last a season or max 2. Anyway, lots of after market wheels available in both 18" and 19" so looking at that at the mo. The rate for the one's I am looking at will not cost more than €1K :) Add tyres and a total of €2K. Lots of money "saved".

[NewAudi]

Deed is done!

Gone for after market wheels from a German company with a good reputation called MSW. Owned by OZ Racing. 18" in Matt Black + Conti 810S Winter Tyres (245/45/18) which are V rated for speeds upto 240km/h (as per Audi spec for the BiTdi in Germany). Cost....well, around €1500 which is less than half price of Audi :D

Btw, here you get a "TUV" document to show to the police in case of accident etc that show that they are made to EU specs and can be fitted to the car in question with the size of tyres etc. This also means that one never has to be forced to buy original wheels. Also, the insurance company will be happy in case of a claim.

25673

[Sauron]

I previously posted (on the winter wheel thread that has now been closed)

'Just a quick observation regarding the above link. I have just ordered some of the Vredestein's for my A7 (255/45 R18 103V XL) but don't believe they are advertised correctly. If you check the Vredestein website they don't make the Wintrac 4 Xtreme in either 245/45 or 255/45 on an 18 inch wheel (or 100V or 103V for that matter). Therefore, I believe they are actually the Wintrac Xtreme's'.

Took ok delivery today and I can confirm that the Tyres are Wintrac Xtreme not Wintrac 4 Xtreme. Therefore, I would suggest that anyone considering getting Vredestein from Tyre Leader to review the Vredestein website which shows what the various size/speed combinations they actually make to hopefully indicate which tyre is being advertised.

Other than the misquoted product price and delivery very good (ordered Sat and delivered this morning by DPD).

[wja96]

A higher offset would act to move the wheels inboard, not really linked to ride height.

Surely that depends on whether or not you need to clear the wheel arch on the bodywork side?

[Westyfield2]

Is there anything special about the Audi Winter wheel packages? The selection of wheel designs isn't that great... and surely you can just get a normal set of Audi wheels and then stick your own Continental/Dunlop/whoever winter tyres on them?

[rafletcher]

Is there anything special about the Audi Winter wheel packages? The selection of wheel designs isn't that great... and surely you can just get a normal set of Audi wheels and then stick your own Continental/Dunlop/whoever winter tyres on them?

Correct. I just bought some Audi rims of the right size and offset (for me) and stuck my Nokian WR A3's on them (that had previously been on another set of rims that suited the A6 I had then)

[fest0r]

How did you get on with the Nokians? Just bought a set of WR A3’s ;)

What do you run normally and is there a noticeable change when you swap?

[rafletcher]

Well I had an A6 Le Mans when I got them first, so going from 19" to 17" tyres meant a lot softer ride, but grip wise the Nokians were fine, and they seem to be wearing well despite the supposedly softer compound. Now I have the A4 with sports suspension I don't expect to notice much difference in ride. The Nokians are maybe a bit noisier than a summer tyre but not wearingly so. And a reasonable price too.

[Splash]

They're fine so long as you respect their limitations. I had Michelin Latitude Cross on my Touareg and they were OK until it got really icy, at which point they were still better than summer tyres by a long way. They're also surprisingly hard-wearing. I got about 35,000 miles out of a set, which is good on something as big and heavy as the Touareg.Just to reinforce this point:

I would agree entirely from my experience in my C6 of a similar pattern from another manufacturer. Unsurprisingly brilliant at clearing standing water too.

There are varying degrees of all-season tyres ranging from those with a higher silica compound to those which, to us in the UK, look like winter patterns. An M+S marking may only signify an "open" pattern which, while probably good at clearing snow, does not guarantee grip, particularly in icy conditions, unless the compound is suited to those low temperatures.

My current C7 allroad tyres are "all-season" according to the manufacturer's website despite none of the usual retail websites categorising them as such. Good enough last winter, but not really a true test and time will tell. Always worth checking manufacturer websites and reviews.

[wja96]

If anyone is looking for a brand new set of winters, Wolverhampton Audi have these on their eBay site

Genuine Audi - A6 2011 2014 - #### Winter Wheels & Tyres Set of 4 #### | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Audi-A6-2011-2014-Winter-Wheels-Tyres-Set-4-/231325462000?pt=UK_CarParts_Acc_Wheels_tyres_Rims_ Car_Wheels_ET&hash=item35dc126df0)

I actually quite like that design, but no good for the allroad.

[fest0r]

Well I had an A6 Le Mans when I got them first, so going from 19" to 17" tyres meant a lot softer ride, but grip wise the Nokians were fine, and they seem to be wearing well despite the supposedly softer compound. Now I have the A4 with sports suspension I don't expect to notice much difference in ride. The Nokians are maybe a bit noisier than a summer tyre but not wearingly so. And a reasonable price too.

Thanks for the info. I’m sticking with the same size so just hoping for some enhanced grip when the temps go down. I see that some user reviews mention much better economy and some even kept them on throughout the year.


Just to reinforce this point:

I would agree entirely from my experience in my C6 of a similar pattern from another manufacturer. Unsurprisingly brilliant at clearing standing water too.

There are varying degrees of all-season tyres ranging from those with a higher silica compound to those which, to us in the UK, look like winter patterns. An M+S marking may only signify an "open" pattern which, while probably good at clearing snow, does not guarantee grip, particularly in icy conditions, unless the compound is suited to those low temperatures.

My current C7 allroad tyres are "all-season" according to the manufacturer's website despite none of the usual retail websites categorising them as such. Good enough last winter, but not really a true test and time will tell. Always worth checking manufacturer websites and reviews.

The Nokian WR A3/D3 are classed as “all-season” in more extreme climates. I guess they are somewhere between full snow and proper all-season tyres. They are supposedly good in snow/ice and great in dry/wet conditions… ideal for the UK.

I’ll let you know next year :biglaugh:

[Splash]

Hopes dem gud wid grime 2 innit. Mind man's dubs - wud vex me 2 kerb 'em.

[fest0r]

Yeah bruv... innit :cool:

[ukgroucho]

OMG Splash is having some kind of mid life melt down / seizure :)

[ukgroucho]

If anyone is looking for a brand new set of winters, Wolverhampton Audi have these on their eBay site

Genuine Audi - A6 2011 2014 - #### Winter Wheels & Tyres Set of 4 #### | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Audi-A6-2011-2014-Winter-Wheels-Tyres-Set-4-/231325462000?pt=UK_CarParts_Acc_Wheels_tyres_Rims_ Car_Wheels_ET&hash=item35dc126df0)

I actually quite like that design, but no good for the allroad.

Dunno... maybe not those specific wheels but the same 5 V spoke design IS available as a winter wheel for the allroad... At least it is listed in the audi catalog
https://www.audi.co.uk/content/dam/audi/production/RestOfSite/OwnersArea/WinterTyres/PDFs/a6.pdf
£2k with Dunlop 3D winter tyres fitted...

[wja96]

Dunno... maybe not those specific wheels but the same 5 V spoke design IS available as a winter wheel for the allroad... At least it is listed in the audi catalog
https://www.audi.co.uk/content/dam/audi/production/RestOfSite/OwnersArea/WinterTyres/PDFs/a6.pdf
£2k with Dunlop 3D winter tyres fitted...

It does look like the same wheel. Sadly I already have mine.

[Splash]

OMG Splash is having some kind of mid life melt down / seizure :)Post Referendum Euphoria (don't know if you got my email).

I've been surfing my mid-life crisis for a while now, and guess what - I'm really stoked!:D Parents told me that it started when they sent me to boarding school - so sometime before my 4th birthday (they actually did).:(

[newA6]

I noticed those and just bought them.... £960 for a ful set of new winter wheels and tyres is a bargain, 2 other ******** offering same for £1680 and £1800 +
Pick em up next week.... they told me someone just picked up a set in an avant and they fitted ok in the back

[Westyfield2]

I'd seen the same deal a week or so ago. I skipped it because it looked too good to be true. Will be interested in how they turn out :).

[newA6]

picked them up from the Audi dealer, exactly as specified, a complete set of new alloys and tyres still in the wrapping - an excellent buy I think.... just need cold wet and snow now

[tyremen]

Do not, ever, mix winter and summer, not worth it they cancel each other out. You can get OE wheels (original equipment) which have been taken off in the factory when upgrades are done. I had some last year on my A4. Came to me fitted, infalted and balanced, just bolt them straight on, no issues at all! I got them with Vredestein Wintrac Xtreme S tyres and came in at a grand!

I should get 3 years out of them, but my mileage isn't high.

Jason

[Sam]

Jason

Jason, your username would suggest you are the site you bought from. You don't appear to be sponsoring the forum any more so strictly speaking this is unauthorised advertising.

Happy for you to correct me though.

Having spoken to t'boss, I have edited your post.

[NewAudi]

Winter wheels + tyres fitted today (we had 1.5C yesterday and 11C today!).

18", matt black with Conti 810S.

2601626017

[Johnny31]

Winter wheels + tyres fitted today (we had 1.5C yesterday and 11C today!).

18", matt black with Conti 810S.

2601626017

Hey, they look good. Any chances of sharing where did you get them from? J.

[john2107]

After much research I took the plunge and ordered a set of 18" genuine Audi wheels fitted with Conti TS 830P tyres direct from Germany using the world's favourite auction site. They are used but with 7.5mm tread on all 4, from one of the excellent feedback suppliers. Price including delivery to the UK and centre caps for the wheels is £896 (but I paid in Euros).

Now seeing as 6 weeks ago a set of replacement 20" summer tyres (Vredestein Sessantas) cost me £812 and that I do have the space to store the spares, it seems a bit of a no-brainer to go for the winter set, especially as you can only wear out one set of tyres at a time.

As an aside, the most difficult part of the process was finding out how to pay via Paypal in Euros, as I have a card which doesn't inflict punative exchange rate charges....I got there in the end but without that research I would have paid an extra 5% in exchange rate charges. Happy to share the details of how to do that if anyone is interested as it is far from intuitive on the Paypal site....

[BigAid]

Hi Chaps

As the thread is running already I though I'd ask here.

I currently have A 3.0 245 A6 C7 on 20" 5 arm rotors - 8.5Jx20 - ET:45 - 255/35 R20 97Y XL.

A bit of googling it appears they have
PCD:5x112 - 5 bolts with 112 spacing
Bore: 66.6 - diameter of the centre bore
Offset/ET:45 - How far out from the centreline of the wheel the alloy sits from the mounting face
20x8.5J - rim size and width of tyre

Rather than buying some 20" winter tyres I can either:

- Buy a set of the Audi official ones at £1800 - 5 V-Spoke 225/50 R18 99H XL M+S with Dunlops

- I could have a look at the german eBay site and get a set from there - either the official ones - or a compatible set

- Get a compatible set in the UK and then get new winter tyres put on them.

From the door plate I've added what I think the ET value is and width - I could be totally wrong as its mainly been googling to find out and forum sites

225/55 R17 97Y - ET39 (8.0J)
225/55 R17 97H M+S - ET37 (7.5J)
225/55 R17 101V XL M+S - ET39 (7.5J)
225/50 R18 99H XL M+S - ET39 (7.5J)
245/45 R18 100Y XL - ET39 (8.0J)
255/40 R19 100Y XL - ET45 (8.5J)
255/35 R20 97Y XL - ET45 (8.5J)


If I'm going to get a set in the UK second hand then get new winter tyres added - Are there any other catches other than they need to have a bore of 66?

And I need to keep the speedo variance to less than 3%?

I've been having a look at Online Wheel and Tyre Fitment Calculator. Offset, Tyre Stretch and Speedo Error | Will They Fit (http://www.willtheyfit.com)and just need to work out how much extra clearance there is between the outside of my car with the ET45 - I'd be looking at a less than ET45 I think - I have seen some secondhand 19x8.5J A7 wheels with an ET:32 & a set of A4 18x8.0J with ET:43 and wasn't sure what they would look like / how it would work.

I'm not so fussed about the state of the existing tyres and loading as I'll get them replaced with new winter tyres of the correct loading.

Is there an minimum size of ET I need to get? +/- 5 seems to be acceptable with ranges from 37-45 for the A6 C7 depending on rim size? So could I go as low as 32 or as high as 50?

And I assume if I get new winter tyres in a stock size defined above put on an Audi wheel (possibly with a different offset) as above then I wouldn't have any insurance issues? - I will obviously confirm with my insurer.

[newA6]

Well I am happy..... looks like the £960 I paid for a full set of these from a dealer recently was a bargain....



Model - A6

£1,888 inc. VAT

Description

5-V-spoke 225/50 R18 99H XL








Tyre info:

Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D AO






Part number:

ZGB-BOM-912- -AU


-

-



/





https://cdn-media.amplience.com/audi/images/ZGB-BOM-912-%20%20-AU.jpg

[BigAid]

Yep - I was really surprised what a discount you got them for.

[M1tchy]

Nice, they look good.

Still too warm to put them on here at the moment.

[MarkTM]

^^^Really? Consistantly below 10 degrees in Somerset today, so the wheel change scheduled for Thursday will go ahead as planned.

[M1tchy]

Yeah its been a good 10 degrees all day here. (right by the sea so never gets that cold) I know it won't hurt to put them on now but going to give it a few weeks longer.

[MarkTM]

Common sense tips for when fitting winter wheels (or indeed when changing back to Summers)

1) Try and coincide with any suspension or brake work - as the change will be cheaper/free
2) Check/calibrate your air pressure gauge and inflate replacements to their correct pressures
3) Wash your car just before the change - do you want mucky wheels and tyres in your boot?? :(
4) If you've had the wheels on before check wheel weights are secure - some places take all existing off before they balance - waste of time/money as they'll not budge if they're on
5) Take along some wheel wax to apply after they are balanced, no point doing before as the weights won't stick - I always use a nano protect over the top of the wax
6) Take along some rust protectant for your hubs and some brake cleaner for your calipers (let the car sit for at least an hour after any protectant is applied)
7) Deflate old tyres by around 5psi and brush pressure wash and dry the rubber and rims and apply a thin coating of white lithium grease to the sidewalls
8) The place your summer tyres will be going should already be clean and vacuumed...but double check, if the first time ensure it is the right place
9) Even if using tyre bags use some old carpet between your wheels (if your not lucky enough to have a tyre stand)
10) A good time perhaps to have your alignment checked and to mark the wheels coming off if you want to do a rotation next Spring.

But you all drive expensive cars and are no doubt captains of industry, so will know all of this:)

PS: I appreciate that most of this wouldn't apply to company or company leased cars, as usually such owners (from my experience) don't want to get their hands dirty if the car's being handed back in 3-4 yrs

[ukgroucho]

Good advice - I did mine on Monday, prior to a quattro wheel alignment on Tuesday 'cos the summers were wearing on the outer edge (front right specifically).

I must confess I don't go to all of the detail that you do but I do clean the wheels AFTER I take 'em off cos I want to get inside the back of the rims and make them as close to new as I can. Did not get chance to do the wheel / alloy protection coat this time as it rained as they were sitting outside drying so I'll do that before they go back on (after a quick polish).

If you do the change yourself then add a thin layer of light / medium grease to the hubs before you fit the 'new' wheels.. it can save a lot of pain when you come to take them off again in spring.

If you have air suspension then remember to go into the MMI Servicing and checks menu and set the suspension to wheel change mode before you start the work and UNSET it when you are done - probably at the same time you reset the tyre pressure monitoring. Not sure entirely what it does, I suspect it locks the valves on the air suspension so it cannot 'sink' on one side if you happen to leave the car on a jack for an extended period.

[MarkTM]

Just back from having mine fitted, as they are non-original wheels I need to go in seach of hub caps (OEM won't fit) and the car also looks like it's on stilts (still 18" but SE and now OEM tyres where I had 45's on my summer alloys which filled the arches better).

Also one of the plastic centring hubs was missing, so will have to find one of those too :(

10 degrees in Somerset but was 7 when dropping kiddies to school this morn.

PS: If you ever take a tin of red caliper paint along to touch them up when the wheels are off, please ensure the top is secure when putting it back in your car :(

[Splash]

.
7) Deflate old tyres by around 5psi and brush pressure wash and dry the rubber and rims

Not entirely comfortable with pressure washing the walls or valve stems Mark, but can't give you a proper reason why other than it's a gut feeling (and the pain that some pressure washers can apply to finger tips). I do admit to occasionally washing the tyre walls (a quick wipe round) after I've washed each wheel; but I don't mind the muddy tyre look on my allroad and always ask the dealer's valeters to skip the tyre shine stuff.

Great advice by the way...

Only other thing I would do is fit any kerbed wheel to N/S front as that's the most likely to get involved in another incident prior to any refurb. Might merit a rebalance for peace of mind. Just watch out for directional orientation.

[ukgroucho]

I have to confess I pressure washed my wheels and tyres - including much of the tread - but that was because I had been 'liberal' with the alloy wheel cleaner and felt it was better to give 'em a good blast than to leave that stuff sitting on the rubber for 4 months or more.

Kerbed wheels... ahh one thing I really like about the 18" 'high' profile standard wheels on the allroad is that it is quite hard to kerb them. Not impossible I know but I've had a couple of um, incidents, and have got away without a blemish. I KNOW if I'd even gone for the 19" wheels there would be expensive refurb to do. I look at the wheels on my wifes A1 and it makes me want to cry out in pain.

[Splash]

Know what you mean. A few lucky escapes so far thanks to 55 profile on both, and extra width on the little one. I learnt the hard way having put a virgin full-sized spare on the front N/S only for her to kerb it in the ice a few winters ago. Reckon mine could kerb the wheels on a hovercraft...

Talking of which, Guy Martin was here a few weeks ago and it's on this weekend.

[Tripletrouble]

Get a set of Alloygators fitted

[MarkTM]

Triple, do you have any experience of this product? I do and mine wasn't good...see this post:

Alloygators Fitted (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?145244-Alloygators-Fitted&highlight=alloygator)

[Tripletrouble]

Yep, been on my car for 24k miles. Saved my alloys many times.
I fitted them myself. Took an hour, very easy to do.
I reckon I lose about 2psi a month, regular tyres will lose that anyway and I check my pressures monthly so that's no big deal. I thoroughly recommend them.

[asr]

Hi I am swapping my A5 coupe next weekend for an A6. The A6 is on 19" wheels tyre size is 255/40/19 and my A5 is 245/40/18. I have a full set of winter tyres for my A5 and they are not being included in the sale. So my question is can I pick up a set of 18" alloys and use my winter tyres on the A6, or will this case an issue with the speedo? The other complication is that I am doing a 700 mile round to pick up the A6. Both car are 3.0ti quattros.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[neilos100]

Yes you can...just make sure the offset matches or is close to the A6 recommended.

Sent from my HTC One using Xparent Red Tapatalk 2

[BigAid]

If your looking for a set it's worth giving a dealership a ring and seeing if they'll do you a deal.

I had a puncture up-north and couldn't get a tyre - The real downside to those 20" rotors is when they go, no-one has a spare in stock if you are on Michelin's.

After trying 6-7 different tyre places I gave the main dealer a call. They would have sorted me out a part-worn Pirelli for £60 fitted which would have been better than a space saver doing the 200 miles south.

I mentioned I was looking for a set of winter tyres and they did a damn good deal - less than £1,000 for an official set left in the warehouse from last year.

I had been looking at a second hand set for £600+postage from Germany and by the time I'd put postage on this was only £150 more for new unused ones - which got me home.

[asr]

So how do I change the speedo to register the smaller rotating diameter (18" compared to 19")?

[BigAid]

Online Wheel and Tyre Fitment Calculator. Offset, Tyre Stretch and Speedo Error | Will They Fit (www.willtheyfit.com) will let you know the difference if you punch in the figures.

[MarkTM]

Asr, you can't

[Guest 2]

Use the sizes listed inside your fuel filler flap or inside of the drivers door jam and you'll be fine.

[asr]

Cant use the 18" 245/40 tyres on a set of new alloys or change the speedo calibration?

[asr]

Also don't get the A6 until next weekend, really need to get the winter tyres on sharpish!!

[Guest 2]

Maybe someone else with a C7 who has the same engine as you could check their sizes listed.

[neilos100]

So how do I change the speedo to register the smaller rotating diameter (18" compared to 19")?

Just look at the label on the inside of the b pillar when you open the drivers door...it'll tell you the correct size of the 18 s and I'm pretty sure yours will be as near as dammit the correct size....you won't need any adjustment.

Sent from my HTC One using Xparent Red Tapatalk 2

[Splash]

Cant use the 18" 245/40 tyres on a set of new alloys or change the speedo calibration?Whilst probably technically possible (but then so is driving with a flat or just on rims if you watch Police Interceptors) it's not advisable due to the large (5% ish from memory) difference. Don't think you could do anything about the calibration either although as it would overread your actual speed that's not a problem. Just work out what you need by reference to the sticker, then adjust parameters within a couple of percentage points on the circumference to expand the choice if your insurer accepts close tyre conversions. The tyre price might also be cheaper in more common sizes.

[MarkTM]

On my C6 correct tyre size on an 18 is 245/40/18, and the speedo is about 6% out. So, when doing 100MPH (where permitted) your actually doing 96.

This should (?) mean that with every 100 miles covered you've actually done 94, so in a 100k car it should be on 94k. Anyone checking VCDS will see that the total recorded distance covered may differ from what your car shows. However this isn't to the magnitude of 6%, so clearly the cars computer is doing an internal adjustment.

I fit 245 45 18's in the summer, and according to my 2 x GPS devices my speedo is accurate to 1%, I prefer this as at least am assured that I am accurate.

In winter with the correct 245/40 rubber fitted I just adjust my CC/driving to the GPS devices and speed warning accordingly....not had a fixed penalty notice yet! :)

[Johnny31]

Asr, you can't

Actually, you can... :)
There is a useful MMI setting to do exactly that (will pop out slightly later and check exactly which menu) - I remember it as was playing last year to get the speedo and sat nav measurement in sync...

[Whippy53]

This'll be interesting.

[Johnny31]

(Hopefully) adding some value to the thread with my approach this winter:
Love the looks of new Michelin Alpin 5s... And Costco is running £50 off if you get 4 new tyres... My only challenge was that they only come in up to 17".
So, long story short, as I had my original 17s (that SEs come with), I promoted them into the winter wheels!
The only downside is that since they are 8J (unlike the 7.5J that the factory winter 18s are), you cannot fit many chains. In my books, quattro+winter rubber does not require extra chains but! just in case! already found a brilliant self tensioning model that also has quattro in the name and does not require any clearance inside - so problem solved! :)
The set will be mounted on 25th this month so will keep you updated on the results...

[MarkTM]

Agree waiting with maggot breath!

[Whippy53]

Shouldn't that be, "baiting with maggot breath"?

[Splash]

(Hopefully) adding some value to the thread with my approach this winter:
Love the looks of new Michelin Alpin 5s... And Costco is running £50 off if you get 4 new tyres... My only challenge was that they only come in up to 17".
So, long story short, as I had my original 17s (that SEs come with), I promoted them into the winter wheels!
The only downside is that since they are 8J (unlike the 7.5J that the factory winter 18s are), you cannot fit many chains. In my books, quattro+winter rubber does not require extra chains but! just in case! already found a brilliant self tensioning model that also has quattro in the name and does not require any clearance inside - so problem solved! :)
The set will be mounted on 25th this month so will keep you updated on the results...

Costco is selling the Easy Grip aramid snow chains for £90 for quattros (I assume a set of 4) or £70 for 2WD. They don't have the full range and Michelin is associated with the brand, but the original website is EasyGrip EzyShoes - Easy grip chaine à neige composite Michelin (http://www.easygrip.fr/en/)

I can't tell you if they're any good as I've had no cause to use the ones I bought for a car I no longer have. Thankfully they'll fit a range of sizes (205/50/17 225/45/17 235/45/17 245/40/17) and won't get eaten by moths. ;)

[asr]

I have now been told that if I fit a different set of alloys with winter tyres to the car I need to have new pressure sensors fitted to the wheels and each time i change between Summer and winter the ECU reprogrammed. Is this true? upon questionning I was told the car will not run because the TPMS will say that there are no wheels fitted.

[asr]

Actually, you can... :)
There is a useful MMI setting to do exactly that (will pop out slightly later and check exactly which menu) - I remember it as was playing last year to get the speedo and sat nav measurement in sync...

Johnny 31, any update on this please?

[BigAid]

I have now been told that if I fit a different set of alloys with winter tyres to the car I need to have new pressure sensors fitted to the wheels and each time i change between Summer and winter the ECU reprogrammed. Is this true? upon questionning I was told the car will not run because the TPMS will say that there are no wheels fitted.


Are you in a C7 2011+ A6?

AFAIK the tyre pressure monitoring system in newer Audi's is indirect - There are no sensors in the tyres. It works by using the ABS sensors to measure the radii and frequency of rotation of the tyres. When the tyre pressure reduces the radii of the tyre changes which it can detect. That's why you need to go into settings and save the tyre pressures under car after filling all the tyres correctly so it has a baseline, it recognises if the tyres deviate from this.

I just changed the wheels, checked all the pressures and pressed save in the MMI when I switched from summer to winter.

[MarkTM]

Wouldn't it be easier if everyone simply put their model and year in their signature strip....sigh!? :boggled:

[Splash]

Wouldn't it be easier if everyone simply put their model and year in their signature strip....sigh!? :boggled:You're right Mark, but it also depends on how incognito they wish to remain. I could probably find out where to put all the basics if I could be bothered, but I had a similar issue with Facebook when someone decided to set me up with a profile as it would be a good idea to have a presence - I just couldn't find my "Wall". Thankfully I removed myself and don't do any networking - I only "talk" to people like you lot that I like! (Status updates - about as much use as the "weatherproof slippers" that Costco are selling.) Humbug...

It also begs the question as to whether you should have a different username/alias/profile for each car as I do on another forum. I can see how simple your sig strip is, but the question remains even if just for forum etiquette.

[john2107]

Just a little more feedback. Fitted my winter wheels/tyres (from Germany via Ebay) at the weekend. 225/50/18s in place of 255/35/20s. Rolling circumference less than 0.5% difference, so speedo true. Have done 400 miles already, negligible difference to the feel of the car on the motorway, perhaps very slightly less precise round country lanes. Ride very similar.

No issues with TPMS, just pressed reset button. As I said in my previous post, if you have the space to store the summer tyres then financially the swap is a complete no brainer. Anyone who is hesitating - just do it!

[asr]

Wouldn't it be easier if everyone simply put their model and year in their signature strip....sigh!? :boggled:

OK, sorry, Currently have an A5 S line, 30Tdi Coupe Quattro S Tronic MK1, unfortunately due to selfish children growing and wife getting fed up with me borrowing her Golf to cart them about it may be getting changed for a phantom black 2011 3.0Tdi Quattro C7 A6 Saloon, with heated, memory seats, pre crash sense, Xenons, 4 zone climate control etc...

[GeoffreyS]

Yes, my insurer (Allianz) insists on me replacing all 4 together. And FWIW if I do so, and keep rolling radius the same, there is no "modification"

[GeoffreyS]

Thanks for this update, and for lots of useful info in this thread (and similar in the C6 forum)

FWIW, the german ebay option is becoming attractive to me, now that I have so much research under my belt - Otherwise it was going to be seller such as alloywheelsdirect or wheelbasealloys.com for OZ - MSW alloys package with Nokian WR tyres- around £875 including shipping. It is tempting to source from one seller so that tyres are matched to rims and put on, delivered quickly - against saving poss. £200 buying used but original Audi wheels from Germany.
Anyone have experience of buying wheels + tyres package from either of the above online sellers?


Audi A6 Allroad (C6) 2010 on 19" 7 x 2 spoke / 245/40/R19

[john2107]

The German supplier I used was Tuning-Lifestyle. Can't fault them. 4 day shipment time, good communications, English spoken. They seem to have a good selection too. The listing was actually in German, but just use babelfish if you can't understand anything.

[GeoffreyS]

Thanks for the steer. They are a bit light on 4F spec wheels, but I found another ebay seller that has a good offer - and google translate is doing a grand job, now I'm in the swing of it. Danke.
Is the german ebay "ebay guarantee" - refund if not as specified, etc. - robust?

[Guest 2]

4F wheels won't fit the 4G.

[GeoffreyS]

You're right - thanks for that. I'm in the wrong forum for my car, I know, as I have a 2010 C6 Allroad - but the winter tyre discussion here was so helpful and more up to date!

[john2107]

Re German Ebay, I actually bought mine through the UK Ebay site which is where they were listed. Would imagine same rules apply for the German site and likely to be exemplary in terms of business dealings.

[M1tchy]

Finally taken the plunge and bought a set of winter tyres. I've gone for a set of Dunlop winter sport 3D tyres in size 245 40 18 for £488 delivered. Not a bad price I think.

They should be here tomorrow so will get them fitted and on. Although it's not been that cold yet and only had frost once.


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[MarkTM]

3D's seem to wear very well, mine went on in Nov for their 3rd winter and are all still around 5mm (and that was on partworn to start with!). So new ones should last 5yrs or so :D

[M1tchy]

That's good to know, cheers


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[ukgroucho]

They are the standard fitting (at least they were in Germany) for the allroad winter wheels, my wheels came with a set.
They seem pretty good overall.

[Tripletrouble]

Finally taken the plunge and bought a set of winter tyres. I've gone for a set of Dunlop winter sport 3D tyres in size 245 40 18 for £488 delivered. Not a bad price I think.

They should be here tomorrow so will get them fitted and on. Although it's not been that cold yet and only had frost once.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

From where?

[M1tchy]

Lovetyres.com


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[M1tchy]

And for anyone considering just two winter tyres, have a watch of this.....

2 winter tyres vs 4 winter tyres - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7xXDMkVFlE)

[neilos100]

Excellent demonstration of why only an idiot would fit only two winter tyres.....it not just about getting the car moving...cornering and braking are as if not more important.


Sent from my HTC One using Xparent Red Tapatalk 2

[razor77]

And for anyone considering just two winter tyres, have a watch of this.....



Aged 17 at about 50mph in a Nissan Cherry, I lost traction on ice, I came to a stop going backwards against the dual carriageway central armco. All my fault, but afterwards a few people pointed out every tyre I had was different and could have affected my *luck at re-gaining traction. I used to get the tyres fitted really cheap from a scrap yard, always with great tread and the right size, with hindsight they will have had very different compounds, disbursement and tread patterns (trapping snow/slush) therefore not behaviour equally when it counted.

Since I have always matched brand and model of all four tyres. *If there is a chance of regaining traction, luck is less of a factor today, not entirely replaced with skill, but Quattro and all the electronic tech.

[A6S]

Totally agree.
2 things that need to work on a car is tyres and brakes. You just don't go anywhere if anything else fails. Unfortunately it's the 2 things people take for granted and don't check often enough.
I always change tyres in pairs across the axle and new tyres always go on the back as under steer is easier to handle than over steer.

[MarkTM]

Another anticlimactic winter?

Left fitting winter wheels until Dec but it was a balmy 15 degrees yesterday in my part of Somerset, since purchase of my C6 quattro in 2012 I've yet to experience any conditions to test the grip!

Boo hoo....hiss! :(

[Westyfield2]

I was at the dealers today. Chap said that they'll store your summer tyres and vice versa if you buy your winter tyres through them.

[Guest 2]

Got them on the A6 this evening, not the best pics but boy does it look odd.

I can now see why 17" rims are the minimum for the 3.0, the brakes just about fitted in. Pic #2 are the rears, quite tight.

Car isn't sitting level so I'll update with a few better pics tomorrow or so.

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz90/57_audi/A6/IMG_6933_zps0a7903fd.jpg

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz90/57_audi/A6/IMG_6935_zps093dfa60.jpg

[MarkTM]

I was at the dealers today. Chap said that they'll store your summer tyres and vice versa if you buy your winter tyres through them.

Did they give you a price?

[M1tchy]

I believe it's free at a main Audi dealer if you buy the winter tyres through them.


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[MarkTM]

Mitchy, yes I know, but imagine that dealer price maybe twice that of other sources?

Weirdly (and perhaps mistakenly) I assumed that anyone driving a C7 would have a garage and/or storage space, never thought for a moment they'd be living in a council flat :(

[M1tchy]

Oh yeah you will Defo pay for it somehow (probably the overly priced tyres)!

I don't normally have a garage, I do at the moment and will need it in the future as spare tyres are far bigger than they look!


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[Westyfield2]

Yeah, the dealer said it's free for storing the tyres. Given that it was 10C on my dashboard, I didn't bother asking for a price for the tyres. When I bought winter tyres a couple of seasons ago through my Lexus dealer they were actually pretty reasonable.

I would need the dealer to store them though. The garage has got my race car and a few different sets of slick/road/wet wheels & tyres already stored in it. Haven't got the space for anymore tyres, especially at 20".

[M1tchy]

Well I've left home (where it's 9degrees) and headed up north to see family. It's snowing like mad and got a good 2-3inches of snow. My brother tried to leave 3 times but couldn't get off the street!

I really wanted to try the new tyres but A had a drink and B on a hill that everyone is sliding down so not worth the risk.

Can't believe how well it's settled despite the warnings!


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[Bash D Bishop]

I've tried looking through this thread but with 18 pages I've given up. Simple question: do the all the Audi Original 4G 18" winter tyre/wheel combos for sale on ebay.de fit an allroad or do I need the specific allroad combos that are there? There are many more non-allroad specific sets for sale.

[MarkTM]

I've tried looking through this thread but with 18 pages I've given up.

Crumbs the user manual must be a complete no go then:confused: :biglaugh:

[retired99]

I've tried looking through this thread but with 18 pages I've given up. Simple question: do the all the Audi Original 4G 18" winter tyre/wheel combos for sale on ebay.de fit an allroad or do I need the specific allroad combos that are there? There are many more non-allroad specific sets for sale.

The wheel offset and tyre aspect ratio on Allroad are different.

That isn't to say that the non Allroad wheel / tyre won't physically fit an Allroad, they might well do, but the speedo would be out and your insurance might have a view on fitting a non standard size.

[Bash D Bishop]

The wheel offset and tyre aspect ratio on Allroad are different.

That isn't to say that the non Allroad wheel / tyre won't physically fit an Allroad, they might well do, but the speedo would be out and your insurance might have a view on fitting a non standard size.

That could be an issue. However, so long as the circumference was the same there would not be too much of an issue with the speedo but the offset may well cause problems. I think I have read that the front is virtually the same but the rears are quite a bit different.

There aren't too many on ebay.de (that I can find) but reifenprofi have a good selection on their website. There are a wide range of prices and I can't always see why. Some are obvious e.g. tyres are 4mm - 6mm, but others less so. There are some 19s and 20s on their too but I'm sticking with the 18s I have at the moment.

[retired99]

That could be an issue. However, so long as the circumference was the same there would not be too much of an issue with the speedo but the offset may well cause problems. I think I have read that the front is virtually the same but the rears are quite a bit different.

There aren't too many on ebay.de (that I can find) but reifenprofi have a good selection on their website. There are a wide range of prices and I can't always see why. Some are obvious e.g. tyres are 4mm - 6mm, but others less so. There are some 19s and 20s on their too but I'm sticking with the 18s I have at the moment.

There is no difference between the front / rear wheels on an Allroad nor, as far as I'm aware, any other 4G A6. The speedo comment is because the tyres fitted to Allroads have higher profile tyres which will affect the speedo.

Just looked at ebay.de and there are at least 23 18" Audi winter wheel / tyres listed, prices mainly in the 900 euros range.

[Bash D Bishop]

There is no difference between the front / rear wheels on an Allroad nor, as far as I'm aware, any other 4G A6. The speedo comment is because the tyres fitted to Allroads have higher profile tyres which will affect the speedo.

Just looked at ebay.de and there are at least 23 18" Audi winter wheel / tyres listed, prices mainly in the 900 euros range.

Is that Allroad specific or A6 4G in general?

[Bash D Bishop]

Order placed today with Reifenprofi Reifen, Felge, Komplettrad (http://www.reifenprofi.de) They appeared to have a greater choice on their website than on ebay.de. The range of prices for 18" varied from €699 to €1099. The €699 were slightly trashed with low tread so they were ruled out quickly. The best value appeared to be in the €949 to €999 range.The €1099 were "ohne Macken" (unmarked) but I eventually settled on a set at €999 with a claimed tread depth of 8mm. These were described as "Neuwertig (1x Felge leicht beschädigt)" - (Mint 1x rim slightly damaged) although on the set I've bought that "slight damage" looks to be about 3mm long. The tyres still have the coloured stripes at the bottom of the tread so look to be good.

The strength of the pound against the Euro has helped and even using PayPal I got €1.26 to £1. With delivery the total cost was £910.

Overall I am going to lose out as I bought the Audi Select Full Maintenance and Tyres package when I bought the car. If the winters are on for around 4 months a year that will be 4 months that the summers aren't being worn down. However, it may make me drive more like a loon to ensure I get my value for money. :p

I've consoled myself with the thought that when the time comes to sell the car I'll probably get a good price for the rims. At least that is what I am telling myself and, more importantly, my wife. :biglaugh::biglaugh:

[Bash D Bishop]

I believe it's free at a main Audi dealer if you buy the winter tyres through them.

Not at Edinburgh Audi it isn't. Their "Tyre and Wheel" hotel is £125 a year!

[ukgroucho]

The strength of the pound against the Euro has helped and even using PayPal I got €1.26 to £1. With delivery the total cost was £910.

Good grief! how much did they charge you for shipping?!? Looks like 150 Euros!
When I bought my set of ebay.de (and they are 'as new') they charged me 50 Euros for shipping and they showed up in 3 or 4 days....

[Bash D Bishop]

Good grief! how much did they charge you for shipping?!? Looks like 150 Euros!
When I bought my set of ebay.de (and they are 'as new') they charged me 50 Euros for shipping and they showed up in 3 or 4 days....

Delivery via DPD (2 to 3 business days) was €121. The additional €26 was for paying with PayPal. If I'd made a Bank Transfer I'd have avoid it but I decided that the security of PayPal via a credit card was worth the extra. There were a few other options on ebay.de but they seemed to be collection only.

[ukgroucho]

OK still seems steep.. I paid with paypal for my 'as new' wheels with 7 or 7.5mm tread (Dunlop 3d winter jobbies) as an ebay.de purchase... my shipping was 50 Euros

Just to be clear, I'm not trying to make you feel bad, what I'm trying to do is establish (and publish) if the guys you bought from are loading the shipping to UK - to help other folks here who might want to buy from Germany.

[Bash D Bishop]

Not happy with reifen profi and DPD. Order was placed last Friday and payment acknowledged. I was told they would be dispatched on Monday. No dispatch notification was forthcoming so I chased. "No dispatch until payment" I was told. Mmmm. Have a look further down the email and you will see confirmation of payment. Apologies given and promise of imminent dispatch. Didn't happen as it was too late in the day.

Order was collected on Tuesday and went to local DPD depot that seems to be next door. Next scan was at 03:21 on Wednesday morning in a depot about 80 miles away and then nothing since.

Chased today and told Monday or Tuesday for delivery.

Very annoying and very slow. The tyres and wheels I ordered from mytyres.co.uk for my wifes Kuga were dispatched on a Wednesday and with me in East Lothian on the Friday!

Really wanted to try then out this weekend as I'm in Braemar for a weekend at Glenshee. As it is I've brought the Kuga and I'm well impressed with the grip from the Nokians.

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[Bash D Bishop]

Last weekend I enjoyed total surefooted driving with my wife's Kuga and Nokian Winters Tyres. On Saturday morning heading from Braemar to Glenshee the road was very snowy but the Nokian's gripped brilliantly and felt very secure. I almost got stuck once when leaving the upper car park as the Piste Basher had left a bit of a raised track and I rather adventurously tried to take a short-cut over it a beached. Quick reverse and a slightly different angle and I was over it without so much as a slip from the tyres.

My own wheels and tyres finally arrived from Germany on Monday. I've been away all week and only now have I had the opportunity to look at them. I am very impressed. The wheels look brand new as do the tyres. In fact, the tyres look as though they haven't even been on a road. Clearly reifen-profi give the wheels as good clean to give that "as new" look. One wheel has a 2mm chip on it but this was shown on the photo so I'm not concerned. Hopefully I'll get a chance at lunchtime to nip up to my in-laws farm and borrow their trolley jack and get them changed over.

Any tips on the best place to place a trolley jack on an Allroad? Or more importantly, places NOT to place the trolley jack?

[Splash]

I did a test fitting of a 17" to the rear of my allroad (didn't fit but it was worth a try since the wheels were spare). From memory there's an obvious "bar" for use with a trolley jack. Just ensure you can find a small piece of timber or preferably an ice hockey puck as a saddle cushion if your jack doesn't have one.

I didn't try the fronts as it's the rear calliper which limits fitment on an allroad, but I'm sure there's a similar "bar". Don't forget to set the "wheel change" mode in MMI (under "CAR") first and reset the tyre monitoring afterwards assuming pressures are correct first.

[Bash D Bishop]

From memory there's an obvious "bar" for use with a trolley jack. Just ensure you can find a small piece of timber or preferably an ice hockey puck as a saddle cushion if your jack doesn't have one..

I had a look and could not see somewhere I felt confident to put the trolley jack so decided to use the Audi scissor jack instead. My logic being that Audi provide it and therefore would need to stand behind it if it failed. No consolation to be without the car but I liked my rationale.

To make life easier I raised the car up to full off-road height before selecting the wheel change setting. This meant I had less to jack up as the suspension was already at extended length. From start to finish I changed all 4 wheels in 45 minutes. That includes wrestling the jack out and in from its storage place.

Amazon are delivering a torque wrench between 16:46 and 17:46 today so I'll torque them up later.

[ukgroucho]

I also balked at using a trolley jack and use the scissor jack that comes as standard. I change my wheels on my gravel drive so I stick a substantial wood plank (maybe 8" by 2") down and use that under the jack. Works fine and I'd say 45 mins or so is a good estimate of how long it takes - excluding giving the wheels that were removed a proper clean after the swap is done.

And do remember to apply a little grease to the hibs on the car before fitting the replacement wheels... First time I did the swap to winter the factory fitted wheels were firmly 'stuck' and an absolute nightmare to remove (whacking the inside of the tire with a 4 pound club hammer to free the wheel is no fun when using just a trolley jack). Since using the grease regime I've not had an issue on the last two swaps.

[Splash]

Not strictly "winter" tyres or CWTs, but my all-season M+S rated tyres have been quite handy - for M+S...

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/phawmail/MampS.jpg (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/phawmail/media/MampS.jpg.html)

[Splash]

It does look like the same wheel. Sadly I already have mine.Anyone know if Walter's in hibernation or still stuffing turkeys whilst keeping a low profile? Just curious...

[ukgroucho]

Nice!
I assume that is your Scottish gaff.

I'd suggest a jetwash but as it would be "just the same" once you've gone back down the drive it might be pointless. :)


Not strictly "winter" tyres or CWTs, but my all-season M+S rated tyres have been quite handy - for M+S...

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/phawmail/MampS.jpg (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/phawmail/media/MampS.jpg.html)

[Splash]

Nice!
I assume that is your Scottish gaff.

I'd suggest a jetwash but as it would be "just the same" once you've gone back down the drive it might be pointless. :)

Depends which drive. ;) No, seriously, I also have access through the farm which is handy when trees come down (like a week or two ago) or the snow's blocked it. That loadliner I bought has been handy for filling the boot with a few logs that a mate with a 20 tonne splitter has crunched!

I turned the outside taps off before I drove down a week ago to wash SWMBO's car and empty the bins, but neglected to wash "mine" given the return journey. A mistake as I don't think the hose pipe here has thawed yet. Besides, I like the "allroad" look.

Real mud is far nicer than what coated the road down to the village before the farm turned zero-grazing. Poor coos...:( and only 79p for 2 litres.

Got the beats SE sorted for Sir Mixalot who's now hooked up his Ergo. Thanks. Hope your thumbs aren't too cold...

[ukgroucho]

Glad you got the beats thing sorted. Nah thumbs are fine, not been using for a couple of weekends as I was skiing in Northern California - which was "spring skiing" as they are having an unseasonal warm spell.

[Splash]

So envious as I didn't go last year and won't this year either now. Nearly got my board out to go down the hill at the back since the snow isn't too deep so easy to climb. When it was knee deep a couple of years ago it nearly killed me wading to the top for a un-gnarly ride down. At least the kids enjoyed it when they broke up for Easter and there was even a tiny patch of snow left in a shady area when the went back for the summer term.

Was surfing the 'net, and it was a toss up between Beaver Creek or www.fanysmithacademy.com where I thought I might learn a few things (presumably not beaver wrangling). Wife, (who was a county swimmer and possibly even represented Wales at one point) heard I was planning a getaway so suggested a high diving course with Katja Dieckow. I always preferred the Italian diving girls myself....:Blush2:

[Splash]

Anyone know if Walter's in hibernation or still stuffing turkeys whilst keeping a low profile? Just curious...

Just spotted you lurking Walter. Don't be shy...

Now I've hijacked the thread I might as well say I'm planning on bringing out the 19s this weekend, although not 100% which car to fit them to. Been playing on willtheyfit.com. Funny how you get bored with a "look" and need to change appearance. Feeling the urge to buy some new tyres with the good sterling/euro rate too... :1zhelp:

[Scott K]

Reverse logic make a jacking point adaptor. Unfortunately they are in the US.
http://www.reverselogic.us/shop.html#!/Jack-Pad-Tool-for-Audi/p/23649507/category=4581222
Looks great. I use a trolley jack on mine with no issues-just put 19" summers back on. The trolley jacks with the small heads don't work so well as the head can get stuck in the opening.
The other option I heard about was to use a large socket in the recess-something like a 32 or 36mm.

[Westyfield2]

Reverse logic make a jacking point adaptor. Unfortunately they are in the US.
Reverse Logic Limited Store - Featuring Race Ramps (http://www.reverselogic.us/shop.html#!/Jack-Pad-Tool-for-Audi/p/23649507/category=4581222)
Looks great. I use a trolley jack on mine with no issues-just put 19" summers back on. The trolley jacks with the small heads don't work so well as the head can get stuck in the opening.
The other option I heard about was to use a large socket in the recess-something like a 32 or 36mm.
They'll ship to the UK. I bought one a few months ago :).

[Scott K]

Is it as good as it looks? Noticed they posted to UK and the price is reasonable.

[Moviestar]

you can get them in the UK:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-A6-C6-Trolley-Jack-Ramp-Scissor-Lift-Adapter-Pad-/281838339717?hash=item419edfc685:g:Xt8AAOSwMmBV0gl d


(http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-A6-C6-Trolley-Jack-Ramp-Scissor-Lift-Adapter-Pad-/281838339717?hash=item419edfc685:g:Xt8AAOSwMmBV0gl d)

[Scott K]

Nice spot. Just ordered a couple!

[Bash D Bishop]

you can get them in the UK:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-A6-C6-Trolley-Jack-Ramp-Scissor-Lift-Adapter-Pad-/281838339717?hash=item419edfc685:g:Xt8AAOSwMmBV0gl d


(http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-A6-C6-Trolley-Jack-Ramp-Scissor-Lift-Adapter-Pad-/281838339717?hash=item419edfc685:g:Xt8AAOSwMmBV0gl d)

That says "C6" not "C7". Are they the same? I bought one from the US and it looks to be much better quality than the ebay item.

[Scott K]

Got them today. Quality is good but nothing like as good as the U.S. Aluminium ones. They are make from a hockey puck with an additional 30mm diameter rubber / hard plastic rod on top. Pretty well made and should be perfect for me.

[Splash]

Is the rod bonded to the puck? I can see where it's been routed to accommodate the rod, but I can only see a slight advantage over having just a puck on its own. I blagged a couple of used ones from my local ice hockey venue - well, a contribution to their charity box by way of thanks, but inexpensive nevertheless. A quick search online showed me you can get a couple of new ones delivered for less than £10. Hopefully useful info for anyone else about to swap wheels.

[Scott K]

Yes it's bonded and also screwed. The rod has been drilled with a 3-4mm hole and 2 screws have been inserted from the base of the puck. The advantage is that the rod will sit in the existing recess of the jacking point. I have previously used a long 20mm socket for this.

[Splash]

OK. Time to hold up my hands as I think I maY have supplied some misinformation, albeit unaware at the time.

My allroad came with 19" wheels so I enquired about some 18" ones for winter. As I was told that they're ET38 I saw my friendly aftermarket OEM who fitted some Cooper tyres (all-season 10% offroad etc. etc.) that I had sourced. These remained on until this spring when I saw cracks developing in the tread so sent them back under warranty for a full credit from mytyres. Not bad after over a year's use and good customer service (in the end) from mytyres.

On the manufacturer's website my wheels only appear in ET30 and ET35 offsets, so I presumed I had been supplied with ET35s to approximate to the ET38 spec for Audi winters. Turns out they were actually some non-standard ET45s and explains why the wheels from my C6 allroad didn't look too bad (ET45, but with smaller tyres) on the C7.

So, for the avoidance of doubt and to correct any previous misadvice, the C7 allroad OE MY14 options given to me are:

8Jx18 ET41 default 5 spoke (4G9 601 025)
8.5Jx19 ET43 10 spoke (4G9 601 025A)
8.5J x18 ET43 5 spoke (4G9 601 025B)

7Jx18 ET38 semi-Y 5 spoke WINTER WITH TYRES (4G9 073 638)

all above colour code 8Z8

This info was correct in Dec 2013 for MY14 cars but may have been superceeded with addition of other wheel options for allroad Sport etc. Apologies for any previous advice based on assumption mine were ET35 so thought it best to give some official info after the post mortem.

Happy with Nokian Weatherproofs so far...

[ukgroucho]

Well done for coming clean Splash :) Your dirty secret is out now! So for my clarity / undestanding... higher ET means that the wheel sits deeper into the wheel well - or put another way the hub on the car sits deeper into the wheel.

So (using 18" as an example)
The 8J x 18 ET41s are stock equipment and are positioned 'perfectly' for no binding on suspension / brakes and also to not protrude too far so they cause unecessary spray.
7J x 18 ET38 actually sit 5mm further 'out' but as the wheels are 7" instead of 8" they don't protrude too much more (so little extra spray) and they have additional celarance for snow chains etc.?

Just fitted mine on Saturday when I got back from the US... bloody cold and windy it was too! Thanks for the hockey puck!

[Splash]

Well done for coming clean Splash :) Your dirty secret is out now! So for my clarity / undestanding... higher ET means that the wheel sits deeper into the wheel well - or put another way the hub on the car sits deeper into the wheel.

So (using 18" as an example)
The 8J x 18 ET41s are stock equipment and are positioned 'perfectly' for no binding on suspension / brakes and also to not protrude too far so they cause unecessary spray.
7J x 18 ET38 actually sit 5mm further 'out' but as the wheels are 7" instead of 8" they don't protrude too much more (so little extra spray) and they have additional celarance for snow chains etc.?

Just fitted mine on Saturday when I got back from the US... bloody cold and windy it was too! Thanks for the hockey puck!
Sort of get that.

Higher/lower ET means midpoint of wheel fits further in/out (repectively) regardless of its width e.g. 8". So to an extent the wheel widthalso has to be taken into account although frequently its actually the tyre's shoulder that will cause the fouling.

But, in the example, ET38 to ET41 is just 3mm then factor in the 1/2 " difference in wheel width equating to 12.5mm (converted) total or 6.25mm for each "side" of the wheel. So 6.25mm thinner, less 3mm further out nets to a face that's 3.25mm "in" compared to your "perfect" benchmarks, so gives room for chains on the outside face. That's for one side of the car so double for the stance.

For inside face, 6.25 + 3 = 9.25mm more room between inner face and vertical line to suspension arm to accommodate the chains.

Almost losing myself there, but willtheyfit.com should explain better if you plug in the numbers... Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

Not quite sure on the 5mm bit, but you may be using bigger rounding than me, or approximating 2.5mm one side to 5mm doubled for both sides. Red pen at the ready ;)

Glad the puck was useful. Don't know why cheap jacks don't come with a flat saddle or at least an adapter.

BIG MISTAKE - I used 1/2" difference in wheel width instead of 1", so adding another 6.25mm gives 15.5mm extra inside and 9.5mm outside versus original wheel. Must have sent you all to sleep...