s3 Wheels question.!!!!

[s3press]

Hi guys im thinking of getting some nice 8.0x18s for my s3 but the only worry is it make it slower or have hars ride???? is a 02 model!!!

any advice woul be most apresiated ok.

philip.

[bakerdcb]

I put 18"s on my old S3 and there's no doubt in my mind they adversely affected the ride quality. Lower profile tyre (40 instead of 45) was probably mostly to blame and having already made the ride stiffer with a Bilstein suspension kit the 18"s didn't help. I would upgrade the suspension and brakes in preference to the wheels if I was you. Its a purely cosmetic thing after all. Didn't notice any difference in speed by the way but on balnce the 17"s provide better ride and just as good handling/cornering. Just my 2p worth

[neckarsulm]

I'd agree with bakerdcb, 17 inch ride is just acceptable to me, 18's would have been too harsh.
Plus if you are buying replica alloys, an original 17" wheel will be much much stronger, I have no doubt I'd have been turning back from a trip to the 'ring when I hit a big pothole on the dual carriageway in Dover.
And if you've even driven an R32, you'll know what 18's do to the ride...

[DuncS3]

My S3 came with 18s from the factory - ride is okay IMO, obviously couple that with Bilsteins as baker says then of course there will be a compromise.

Dunc