2.0tfsi switch to "high" profile tyres?

ninthtoe

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Do I need to be persuaded out of this...?
I have a 2.0 tfsi A4 avant with 235 / 40 R18wheels (7.5Jx18 ET35)
I 've had the car a year or so, really like it, but I find the ride harsh over bumps.
I think therefore I'd like to go to taller tyes - "high profile"?!
The online calculators say I can go to 17 inch wheels and a 215/50 profile for about the same overall diameter
I'm not too fussed about the car looking snazzy and and I dont intend to race it.
I'd rather it rides more smoothly
BUT should I be dissuaded from this? Is it OK to get 17" wheels I see on ebay from more recent audis?
Thanks
 

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Probably S-line , harsh out of the factory and now even worse now the dampers lose their ability .

Refresh suspension with Eibach Pro kit springs and new dampers .
 
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I put 235 35 19” on my mrs car with lowering springs and i have to say apart from it being s lot more stable and flat round corners i definitely wouldn't say its more “harsh” id say its improved the ride, agree with gazwould that the suspension could be your issue, but for a lot cheaper and more realistic option id opt go for se dampers and springs.
 
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Hi Ninthtoe.

Short answer - yes, this can be done, and it will almost certainly give you the improved ride you are after.

(If I am allowed to swear on here, it's one of the first things I did to my C****** Picasso, replacing the daft 17" alloys with 45 profiles (with a harsh, jittery ride over rough surfaces) to 16" and 55's; smoother, quieter, no alloy kerbing, cheaper tyres...) After a bit of research, I found the replacement alloys off an early C5 would fit my C3, so look at other Audi models other than the A4 for possibilities too)

This site is one of the best: https://www.wheel-size.com/calc/?wh...-17X7.5ET35&fcl=50mm&scl=50mm&wcl=30mm&sr=0mm (I'd started to fill it in with your details...)

What year is your car, because that site suggests the OE size is 245 on 8" rims for most A4 tfsi?

The calculator on there will indicate how the new wheel/tyre possibilities will differ from your current setup - arch fill, indicated speed change, and any change in wheel 'offset' - how far in or out the centre line of the wheel sits in relation to the hub face (think in terms of adding/removing spacers). The latter is important as it can affect the steering geometry although - as with all these dimensions - there are what's considered 'acceptable' deviations.

You clearly know all this because you've already calculated that the smaller wheel/tyre you've considered will be almost the exact same overall diameter. Not sure how the narrower tyre width will affect things, tho' - quite possibly not at all unless you drive 'on the edge', but my personal temptation would be to try and keep the tyre widths as close as possible to the original. Apart from everything else, it'll also provide greater sidewall protection for your alloys :)

Finally, seriously consider informing your insurance company of any changes - tobesure tobesure.
 
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Assuming you have the s-line option then its the oem s-line suspension, not the most user friendly suspension to be honest, very crashy in general and that's when new, and after more than 10 years they will be pretty well as good as fitting solid bars instead of dampers and springs.
Going down a size rim with taller profiles will help a bit and a cheaper option than changing suspension but then changing suspension is by far the best option and you will benefit across handling and road holding etc.
I had 18" oem alloys with 235/40 18 tyres on s-line and the ride was very poor even a grain of stone felt like a boulder.
changed the dampers and springs and the change was like night & day, now run 19" 235/35 and still just as good.
 
Totally agree Rob my 235 35 19”s on my b7 feel like crap compared to my mrs car when it comes to hitting a bit of uneven tarmac or a slight hump in the road where her car more or less glides over without breaking your back mine crashes and feels like i ran over a dead body (disclaimer-I've never ran over a body...unless it was in the mrs car and i didn't notice as hers has superior dampening) :) so i would say it isn't the wheel and tyre (in my case anyway).
 
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Wow, thanks for all your help, what a great response
Yes, it's an S-line, 56 plate. Tyes are currently 235/40 R18 (and 3 out of 4 of them leak air slowly so have to be pumped up every 2 weeks)
The websites seem to say that standard was 225/40 but its def got 235/40on there and they look the right size (see photo)
I'll investigate the suspension and get the haynes manual out to think about doing that.
I presume that would be both front and back?
I dont think I want to lower the car (would rather raise it as I have to go over a few bumpy roads and tow a trailer occasionally).
can you recommend a link/brand for new springs and dampers, should I hunt on ebay?
 
Wow, thanks for all your help, what a great response
Yes, it's an S-line, 56 plate. Tyes are currently 235/40 R18 (and 3 out of 4 of them leak air slowly so have to be pumped up every 2 weeks)
The websites seem to say that standard was 225/40 but its def got 235/40on there and they look the right size (see photo)
I'll investigate the suspension and get the haynes manual out to think about doing that.
I presume that would be both front and back?
I dont think I want to lower the car (would rather raise it as I have to go over a few bumpy roads and tow a trailer occasionally).
can you recommend a link/brand for new springs and dampers, should I hunt on ebay?
Yes you will need front and rear the se model b7’s are about 25mm higher and softer dampening so I'm sure that set up will benefit you more all round, hopefully you can get your current tyres repaired as it will also save you having to buy new tyres if you go the suspension route.

You should pick up the se b7 dampers with springs 2nd hand on ebay or a local breakers? I've not looked at prices but i would have thought they would be very cheap.
 
just watched a vidoe on this and it looks do-able (I'll start with the rears)
thanks, to clarify i should look for SE suspension rather than S-line suspension?
 
just watched a vidoe on this and it looks do-able (I'll start with the rears)
thanks, to clarify i should look for SE suspension rather than S-line suspension?
Correct :) make sure it’s compatible with your model i.e avant or saloon, quattro or fwd, ect I'm not 100% sure they all work together but so as long as it works with your model there shouldn't be an issue, if there a competent company they should let you know it will fit your car before you buy it by cross referencing the part numbers.
 
Probably S-line , harsh out of the factory and now even worse now the dampers lose their ability .

Refresh suspension with Eibach Pro kit springs and new dampers .

Agreed. OE S-Line suspension is solid and way harder than it needs to be. Since I changed to AP Coilovers the ride on my 235/35/19s is very smooth. Supple and soaks up the bumps. And it sits nice and low :)
 
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Personally, I like the ride of my sline - not as harsh as a B*W M3, that's for sure!
I think by putting higher profile tyres on, you're masking the problem - being worn suspension. You could get Eibach & Billies, but maybe try SE suspension instead?
 
Thanks to all for telling me to look at suspension first, great advice. I checked and one rear spring was broken (only a small piece at top, dropped down still there and rattling around at the base) so I have new standard rear springs and shocks arriving and will fit this weekend, rear suspension looks to be the easier to do. I will do that first and see how it affects things.