Well, I've decided that I definitely want RS6 style alloys. Thing is, I think 18's would really look the part. However, what are the disadvantages of having such big wheels? Obvioulsy the rolling radius will be virtually identical to that of the OEM alloys...

The wheels will of course be aftermarket.

Any thoughts welcommed!!!

Problem with 18s? Arch rubbing and severe discomfort of having to run silly low profile (35) tyres. Even with this combo I suspect its 4% or 5% bigger than the standard vRS 16" tyre size. (well 225/35 is 4% bigger) A big con would be cost of tyres

This is also a problem with 17" but obviously the issue of arch rubbing is only apparent when cornering under load, and when lowered 75mm. (who's done that? ) Pro's are they're slightly more comfortable than 18s due to using 205/40s, and they're "meant" for the car if you know what I mean. Cheap(er) tyres too

Aesthetics vs comfort...

Personally I wouldn't do it, it will probably severly ruin the ride/comfort, what do you use the car for? Do you do a lot of miles, or just pootle around your town/city?

Will you be lowering it aswell, otherwise it could look quite silly

much better turn in and general solidity(is that even a word?? :confused: ) in driving but be very careful of kerbs/pot holes/lumps/bumps etc and the ride will be much harsher

and the cost of tyres like said above

Views of a person who has run a car on 215/35 18 tyres.

Pro's

Looks good (in my opinion)

Room for even bigger brakes

No one else has done it as yet, be different

215/35 tyres are now pretty cheap (

be warned about some RS6 alloys they can be very heavy compared with the OE ones(which sadly dont fit your car)

be warned about some RS6 alloys they can be very heavy compared with the OE ones(which sadly dont fit your car)

Ever felt the weight of a genuine TT/S3 wheel, jesus they weigh a ton, never bend though (gen RS4 wheels certainly do..lol).

Pro's

Look good! and room for bigger brakes!

Cons:

They will slow your car down!

They will not improve handling!

And they will cost you 5MPG to run!

They will not improve handling!

And they will cost you 5MPG to run!

i beg to differ

They will not improve handling!

In what way don't they improve handling? You have more tyre in contact with the road so you have more grip. You will also have lower profile tyres so less sidewall flex! They may ruin the ride quality though.......

Chris

i agree, mpg will be worse but handling really should be improved. acceleration may suffer too

You have more tyre in contact with the road so you have more grip.

In the dry, yes, but not in the wet.

In the dry, yes, but not in the wet.

or snow :(

My Megane Coup

It may handled better but you won't be able to fly around corners coz the wheels will rub like mad!!! 17" will work better but 18" will LOOK better!!!!

What makes you so certain they will rub? 18's dont rub on a Fabia (I've actually tried and tested this as has a euro Briskoda member) with 215/35 tyres even when lowered on Eibachs. The tyres are no wider of bigger in rolling raduis than a 17" wheel fitted with 215/40 17's which are also fine (again tried and tested).

Hmmmm.

As Lummox says - will be running on 215 35 tyres, so the overall size of the wheel/tyre will be the same. Hence there will be NO rubbing etc. Not that I'm too concerned about that, as coilovers will be going on for a 35 - 45mm drop. (Just think it needs a LITTLE bit more than the Eibachs to look good imo).

So I guess they will ride a little more harsh. Big deal. I live in the Fens and drive about 500 miles a week. I'm used the the crap roads (I can say that - I help maintain them - tis my job). Be wary of potholes why? I don't understand why having 10mm wider tyres means you need to be ultra cautious of potholes...

Any idea how much heavier the wheel tyre package will be compared to the standard 16's? What real difference will this have to performance?

Cheers for all the comments so far!!!!

its not the the width of the tyres to worry about with pot holes its the slim tyre wall that splits easier.

if the wheels are heavier then it effectivly increases transmission losses therefore lowering wheel bhp

(I can say that - I help maintain them - tis my job).

How many jobs do you have? On another thread you said you were baking bread in Tesco's :confused:

thats his real job, he doesn't really do anything with cars

Crikey. I'm a Highways Technician for the County Council. Half my time is spent repairing potholes, resurfacing schemes, working with developers, drainage etc. The other half is traffic management. Speed limits, traffic calming, signs and lines, disabled bays, waiting restrictions etc and all the legal gumpf that goes with it.

I still work on Sunday at Tesco in the bakery. In a really good shares scheme, and its a good laugh to be honest!

Phew. Got that cleared up

thats his real job, he doesn't really do anything with cars

'eh? No you're right - I dont!!!!

Ever felt the weight of a genuine TT/S3 wheel, jesus they weigh a ton, never bend though (gen RS4 wheels certainly do..lol).

Alloy wheels don't bend, they either chip or crack, steel wheels bend...

Trust me genuine RS4 alloys had a big problem with bending, hit a pot hole etc and they went oval causing shocking vibrations.

Alloy wheels don't bend, they either chip or crack, steel wheels bend...

They do bend... my Khan RSR's did.. and colinD has a set of "50p rims"