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Well, after a long and painful wait, my car is finally done! For those who have been following my story, you'll not need any reminding, but to recap, here we are:

At the beginning of August, I decided I was bored with the look of my S4. I decided that when I was on holiday, I would buy some wheels, lowering springs and sort it out - how hard could that be

I chose my wheels and opted for the 8.5J x 19 Zito 569. After a week or so, it was apparent I would not be getting these in 8.5J , so rather than waiting indefinately for them to be stocked, I decided i would get the 8.0J and put spacers on.

I got the wheels from LK Performance who were brilliant throughout my pain. They took receipt of the wheels some days later and off their own back, they tried them on an S4 which they had there. Good job as well, cause the fronts didn't clear the suspension arm and the rears didn't clear the calipers!!

They suggested 5mm spacers, but these were not wide enough, so 10mm were the answer. However, by the time the 10mm spacers were available, the guy who had the S4 had gone on holiday

So I waited until he returned and kept my fingers crossed that the 10mm were the answer

He returned and yes the 10mm were good , so I asked LK Performance to dispatch the wheels . I got a quote for some spacers from them, but fell over when I heard the price so I did some looking around and went with ESP Engineering. After the initial purchase etc, I thought great, a few days and my spacers will be here - oh no!! 4 weeks of head banging , phone calls, emails , lots of complaining and to date they still havent arrived!

So I ordered some from M.A.P.S LTD and they arrived some 3 days later

Now, prior to this, I had ordered some H&R Lowering Springs, also from LK Performance and there was a 2wk wait for them to come from Germany, but they arrived all in good order

So, now I need to find somewhere to get my springs fitted. With an average of £70+ Hr for labour and a quoted 4-5hr job to fit the springs, I again fainted in shock

I found a guy in my local village who refurbs alloys for £30 (info courtious of my postman! ), so I went up to see him and asked him if he could do the job. Without much thinking, he said no dramas, call it £150! I fainted again and confirmed he realised the job involved - he nodded and understood . Brilliant I thought, when can you fit me in - 2wks time! Well, I thought better than nothing, after all, I can't put the wheels on yet, still no spacers

The springs were fitted and just prior to collection, I was told the Hub Carrier had cracked! As a dealer part only at £250 ish, I fainted I dusted myself off and ordered the part from Shrewsbury Audi and that arrived the following day and was fitted two days ago.

With my suspension now sound, spacers and wheels upstairs, I could now put it all together after wating for nearly 8wks!!

After fitment, I have found that the rears catch on the arch on heavy bumps as do the fronts, so I am gonna change the rears to 10mm and as for the fronts, I'm gonna have a think on it (suggestions welcome).

The following pics were taken today in pretty dull conditions, the car wan't particularly clean, but hopefully you'll get the idea.

Thanks for everyone who has helped me through my struggle with advise and contacts, I couldnt have done it without you.

Now that looks suitably mean The wheels really do suit the car, sorry to hear how much grief you have suffered for your new look but I think it's worth it.

Time to enjoy it I think

Pete

That looks awesome.
The wheels, stance, badges (4.2 V8 - nice) and tints blend very well.
It's the look that someone sees, goes to the Audi dealer and orders an S4. When it arrives they say "No, that doesn't look like the one I've seen."
I agree with Pete - well worth the wait.
A job well done.

Looks the dog's danglies!

you must be pleased with the end result. They look great.

Wow!
I don't normally like aftermarket wheels, but those look fantastic. Gives the car a more aggressive look and feel.
Nice one.

Thanks guys for all your comments, its much appreciated

Hi mate, car looks cool and the lowering really helps with the stance of the car, more aggressive and in keeping with the nature of the car. Glad your happy with the results despite all the hassles!

Cheers Lee and thanks for the previous advise