Alloys - 17" or 18"

[37]

Considering London's crappy roads, I am more inclined towards 17" as oppose to 18". Could someone share their experience? Is the ride more rough on 18" in City/Motorways? What about their affect on suspension?

Also, I didn't quite understand the ET56 specification! I am assuming both of the following will fit mine - please let me know if not

Studs: 5 PCD: 112

17x7.5" ET56 -​

5x112 - 225/45/17

18x7.5" ET56 -​

5x112 - 225/40/18

Cheers

 

[leeds2592]

Go for 18's.

Yes, both those mentioned will fit. ET relates to how far in the arch the wheels sit. Standard ET on A3 wheels is 54 IIRC. These sit in the arch quite a bit so people usually add spacers to the wheels to lower the ET resulting in the wheels sitting further out, being more flush with the arch.

 

[stuartm]

I would go for 18's mate. Mine is sitting on rs4 alloys and look a lot better than what 17's do

in my opinion 18' fill the arches a lot better too.

 

[jimojameso]

18's mate. 17's just arent big enough i'm afraid

 

[TDI140]

Get 19's 18 's arnt big enough either lol

 

[stuartm]

Get 19's 18 's arnt big enough either lol

can you get 19's to sit in the arches without rubbing?

 

[37]

Thanks for the reply chaps. Although I would love to have 18s, I am a bit wary because of roads in London and fear the worst for the suspension. I am also not sure how much of an effect they will have on the motorways since I don't want a bone shaking ride.

Leeds2592, I know roads in Leeds are much better, at least where I was, but London is a completely different world.

 

[leeds2592]

What wheels have you got at the mo?

 

[danb986]

I've just gone from 17's on a Sport to 18's on S line suspension and while it is a little firmer, it's still very smooth and not crashy at all. Even my mum who normal moans a lot about my cars suspensions said it was comfortable.

If you go for 17's I think you'll always regret it and wish you'd gone for 18's.

 

[stuartm]

Thanks for the reply chaps. Although I would love to have 18s, I am a bit wary because of roads in London and fear the worst for the suspension. I am also not sure how much of an effect they will have on the motorways since I don't want a bone shaking ride.

Leeds2592, I know roads in Leeds are much better, at least where I was, but London is a completely different world.

i have FK coilovers on mine and it a really smooth ride not bone shaking at all, but I guess it's all about personal preference in the end.

 

[37]

What wheels have you got at the mo?

It's not name and shame now is it

- I bought it recently so it comes with stock 9 arm 16" Alloys.

i have FK coilovers on mine and it a really smooth ride not bone shaking at all, but I guess it's all about personal preference in the end.

I agree about the personal choice but I am more concerned about the roads. Even on these fugly 9 arm alloys, I can feel the bumps. Trust me, the roads are that bad where I live and that is why I am a bit reluctant in going for 18's cos I am sure it will damage the suspension.

On a different note, does ET56 mean closer to the arches or further away from arches as compared to ET54?

 

[S3Alex]

19s are possible but not with tyre sizes over 225-235 unless you resort to wide arches or rolling the arches.

I got around that with the help of AMDTuning and a complete suspension revision to allow a lot more camber adjustment.

 

[leeds2592]

It's not name and shame now is it

- I bought it recently so it comes with stock 9 arm 16" Alloys.

Not at all matey, I just thought you may already have the 17" Sport alloys, and if you dide I was gonna ask why you'd actually want to change them to different 17's.

On a different note, does ET56 mean closer to the arches or further away from arches as compared to ET54?

The lower the ET, the more flush they'll be with the arch.

Standard ET54 will look like this.

With 12mm spacers on to lower the ET to 42, it'll look like this. As you can see, they're further out making them more flush with the arch.

 

[percymon]

If you are that concerned about ride quality and potential rim damage then go for 17s - will be a nice visual upgrade over what you have and the tyre sidewall will only be half an inch shallower and still cushion the bumps. Moving to 18s is fine is you want the looks, but an inch less tyre sidewall isn't great if your roads are really that bad.

 

[stuartm]

I have a little bit of scrubbing with 18's running 235's

it doesn't happen all the time.

 

[percymon]

Whichever option you choose, don't forget to inform your insurance provider, and have your credit card ready for the premium extra.

 

[stuartm]

Not at all matey, I just thought you may already have the 17" Sport alloys, and if you dide I was gonna ask why you'd actually want to change them to different 17's.



The lower the ET, the more flush they'll be with the arch.

Standard ET54 will look like this.

With 12mm spacers on to lower the ET to 42, it'll look like this. As you can see, they're further out making them more flush with the arch.

just a quick question mate. Where did you get your spacers from? That looks a lot better.

 

[leeds2592]

just a quick question mate. Where did you get your spacers from? That looks a lot better.

I just nicked those photos from another thread on here so it's not actually my car. I have just bought some to put on my A3 though from DPM Performance, brilliant service, definitely recommend. If you need any advice on what size to get etc, PM Damian from DPM on here.

 

[S3Alex]

I have a little bit of scrubbing with 18's running 235's

it doesn't happen all the time.

Mine will scrape occasionally if heavily loaded up over a few big bumps but otherwise its fine.

Changing from 245x40x18 R888s to same size Supersports also made a difference as the sidewall is a different shape.

 

[stuartm]

Mine will scrape occasionally if heavily loaded up over a few big bumps but otherwise its fine.

Changing from 245x40x18 R888s to same size Supersports also made a difference as the sidewall is a different shape.

its only big bumps or heavy loaded when mine scrub. I'm on 235x40x18 at the moment thinking of going to 225x35 at tyre change see if scrubbing stops.

 

[stuartm]

I just nicked those photos from another thread on here so it's not actually my car. I have just bought some to put on my A3 though from DPM Performance, brilliant service, definitely recommend. If you need any advice on what size to get etc, PM Damian from DPM on here.

thanks for the advice mate ill give Damian a pm. They definitely look a lot better spaced out.

 

[leeds2592]

thanks for the advice mate ill give Damian a pm. They definitely look a lot better spaced out.

They certainly do. I've gone for H&R Trak+ spacers 8mm front and 12mm rear myself.

Can't wait to stick them on beginning of next week and lower the front down a bit more!

 

[stuartm]

My front doesn't need spaced out its just the back the does. I went for the FK coilover route and lowered it till it's sitting on the arches.

 

[37]

So the next bit - Since I don't want to spend too much on alloys, yet want OEMs, would you say going for used ones is a

1. no-no?
2. there is nothing wrong in it
3. 50/50..

 

[Persian]

Me and brother both Audi owners and are in London (zone 2) so do face humps and bumpy roads everyday. We both are on 18" and also lowered 50mm and don't face any sort problem.

I'm also on wider wheels as I'm on ET43 8J wide. I would only recommend 18's.

 

[37]

Me and brother both Audi owners and are in London (zone 2) so do face humps and bumpy roads everyday. We both are on 18" and also lowered 50mm and don't face any sort problem.

I'm also on wider wheels as I'm on ET43 8J wide. I would only recommend 18's.

How long tyres last on your car? i.e miles?

 

[Persian]

How long tyres last on your car? i.e miles?

Well as I'm a daily driver and I do granny driving most times I get about 20K but really depends on what tyres I'm running recently have just got Eagle F1's all around so I'm looking to get upto 25/30 out of them.

 

[leeds2592]

So the next bit - Since I don't want to spend too much on alloys, yet want OEMs, would you say going for used ones is a

1. no-no?
2. there is nothing wrong in it
3. 50/50..

2

Why would there be anything wrong in getting used alloys? As long as they're straight, no cracks etc you'll be sound.

 

[37]

2

Why would there be anything wrong in getting used alloys? As long as they're straight, no cracks etc you'll be sound.

I was looking for alloys with tyres. The only thing making me skeptical was the fact that since tyres are on, I can't see whats underneath...

 

[Persian]

I was looking for alloys with tyres. The only thing making me skeptical was the fact that since tyres are on, I can't see whats underneath...

Well in my opinion alloys without tyres are best as all those which come with tyres have cheap rubber on! I like picking out alloys alone and then choosing quality tyres.

I would say go for some used one with or without is really a big deal but if u really wanna be sure about cracks and buckles then get them without tyres.

 

[Turbo jay]

Not at all matey, I just thought you may already have the 17" Sport alloys, and if you dide I was gonna ask why you'd actually want to change them to different 17's.



The lower the ET, the more flush they'll be with the arch.

Standard ET54 will look like this.

With 12mm spacers on to lower the ET to 42, it'll look like this. As you can see, they're further out making them more flush with the arch.

IMO it your going to run standard oem 18's 7.5j ET 54 you would be best with 15mm spacers on the back. Like this sits out that little bit more and looks a lot better.

 

[AudiMafia]

18" the best bet mate.

 

[37]

Well in my opinion alloys without tyres are best as all those which come with tyres have cheap rubber on! I like picking out alloys alone and then choosing quality tyres.

I would say go for some used one with or without is really a big deal but if u really wanna be sure about cracks and buckles then get them without tyres.

The ones I've seen have Conti's on with good tread hence my inclination towards it.

IMO it your going to run standard oem 18's 7.5j ET 54 you would be best with 15mm spacers on the back. Like this sits out that little bit more and looks a lot better.

I would love that, but that's a no no. Sometimes i've got load at the back, since like to travel a lot, so don't want to damage/scuff outer wall

What does remanufactured/refurbished means? It is just fixing the color/scuffs properly or something else is involved too? I'm guessing they are 2 different things?

 

[MrLapou]

imho 17", less likely to buckle if you hit the now numerous potholes....

 

[samuelhann]

Anyone got anymore pics of the offsets just side on etc and where i can get the spacers from??

 

[Persian]

Anyone got anymore pics of the offsets just side on etc and where i can get the spacers from??

For spacers have a look at the forum here and also eBay and second hand ones are always a win. Got some 30mm fk's from here really cheap just search around.

 

[Sidhu88]

Another vote for 18s. Im running 18s with s line suspension, u do feel alot but i guarantee ull wish u got 18s if u buy 17s. 17s look too small on an a3. 18s are perfect.

 

[stuartm]

Another vote for 18s. Im running 18s with s line suspension, u do feel alot but i guarantee ull wish u got 18s if u buy 17s. 17s look too small on an a3. 18s are perfect.

i second that 1 too mate, 18's look a lot better. They fill the arches a lot better also.

 

[samuelhann]

ive got a sline 8p 3 door on the standard 5 spoke wheels and i jus want to widen it .. wt u guys think to 15mm spacers on rear and 10mm on rear ??