Hi all,

 

I've found some nice Audi alloys on eBay that I'm considering buying for my MkII Superb...

 

Diameter (17"), width (8J), offset (ET26), centre bore (66.6mm).

 

The problem is the current set-up on my MkII Superb is 17" x 7.5J, ET47, 57.1mm CB,  

 

I understand that going from an offset of ET47 to ET26 means that the wheel will stick out a further 21mm than the current alloys.

 

Add to this the extra width (7.5J to 8J) and I'm looking at the new wheels sticking out a further 27.4mm than they do today.

 

My question is; are there geometry issues with this? Will I be exposing the suspension to additional forces that it wasn't designed to cope with?

 

Will this be an issue with insurance too?

 

Orange existing (7.5J / ET47), green new (8J / ET26)...

 

 

Any help would be appreciated!

Since you're staying with 17", and only going up half an inch in rim  width, why are you even considering a higher tyre profile? The 225/45s are within spec for the 8Js.

 

Ok, now that's out the way, you'll need to check tyre to outer arch return lip  clearance, and may need the lips rolling or arches pulling. Failure to get this right can result in damaging tyre or wheel to arch contact.

 

Also, you will change the required toe angle, and theoretically increase the bending loads on the suspension. Depending on which Audi model(s) your new wheels are from, this may be a total non-issue though.

Edited 13 November, 201312 yr by KenONeill

Thanks Ken,

 

The only reason for wanting to increase the tyre profile was to offer more protection against the poor road conditions during the winter months.

 

I had a few bad experiences with the low profile 18" tyres on my Octavia vRS last winter.

 

Ordinarily I'd go with the far more popular 16" rims for winters but they look tiny on the Superb so I'm happy to pay the premium on the tyre prices to maintain the larger rims.

 

The alloys I'm looking at are off an Audi A4 and have winters already fitted, these are the ones...

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321246785932?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

 

I think I'll keep looking as it sounds as though there are too many compromises to be had with this particular set.

 

Thanks for the advice.