Wheel and tyre combination for S6

[801]

I do not understand wheel sizing and what would be ok to fit on an s6 (c6).

What combinations of wheel and tyre in 19 and 18" varieties are ok?

A couple of tyre sizes are offered in the user manual but no indication of wheel size.

Offset I assume plays a big part in the handling characteristics but what about tyre width?

[801]

This is frustrating. Audi seem unable or perhaps are unwilling to help and from other posts on this subject there is a dearth of replies.

[xxx_mojo_xxx]

[Ian_C]

Wrote a reply before realising you are talking about C6 not the C7

If you have access to a physical car, its worth checking the Sticker inside the drivers door. Mine lists the winter wheel and tyre size (and tyre pressure) - something I'd never seen listed anywhere else

[barryrs]

I can tell you that my S6 has 265/35/19s with an offset of 52 if that's any help?

[801]

I know what the wheels are on my s6... What I can't figure out, for example, is if I wanted to fit 255 40 r18 tyres (as shown on the filler cap...) what alloys would I need?

Today I went to my local Audi dealer and asked if 255 35 r19 would be ok on the existing alloys or if I should get a different set of alloys with a different offset. If I look at the offset of the winter wheel/tyre combination offered by Audi when the C6 S6 was in production the offset was ET36 with a 235 40 r18 tyre. That offset outs the tyre near enough in the same position relative to the outside of the car as my current tyres. Does that mean that as long as the offset and tyre combination achieves that statistic it should be ok?

I have found some Le Mans alloys with and offset that would mean the outside face of a 255 35 r19 tyre would be 0mm further out from the wheel arch (according to carbibles, that is).

This is all in the eternal search for a winter tyre that does not cost £415 a corner as I have just been quoted by kwikfit!

[Ian_C]

255 40 r18 would be 18x8.5, a very common size.

[barryrs]

According to the calcs i have just done.

265/35/19 offset 52 as standard

If you were to use a set at 235/40/18 offset 36 the wheels would extend 3mm closer to the arches but you would have a 3.5% reduction in tyre diameter whereas if you went with a 45 profile this difference would be just + 0.15%

A 45 profile also appears to be around £30 each less than 40's at just £160 a tyre

The Le Mans alloys have an offset of 48 and are 8.5 inch wide; this would mean that there will be an extra 2mm of Clearance between the wheel and arch but the tyres will set you back £300 each.

Hope that helps?

[Ian_C]

Agreed - 235/40/18 on a 18x8 would be even better.

801, sounds obvious but the narrower the wheel / tyre, the more flexibility you have in terms of offset too

These are winter wheels I take it - or are you just wanting the stealth look

[801]

Winter wheels. Currently looking at £1385 for 4x michelin pilot alpin 2. The problem I had was trying to find a genuine et36 rim otherwise the 235 tyre would be my choice. I realise the narrow tyre would be less expensive (as well as being better in snow) and there is more choice too. Don't really want to have a puncture in a 265 wide winter tyre and not be able to find a replacement! My concern was whether having narrower tyres with et 36 rims would affect handling?

[801]

Ps thanks for the reply...

[801]

The other issue not yet mentioned is whether 18" rims will fit over the front brakes?

[barryrs]

According to the 2006 A6 range brochure you could have the 8.5jx18 'S' design alloys fitted with 255/40/18 tyres as a no charge option on the S6.

[801]

Thanks. Any idea what the offset of those rims would be?

[Ian_C]

No idea, they will rarer than hens teeth. When going for a winter set, I tracked down some alloys first and *then* ordered the tyres. As above, you could have any 18 x 8.5 or 18 x 8, tyres 255/40 or 235/40 R18