alastairg wrote:So what are your impressions on downsizing(yes that is the correct size I recieved a detailed reply to a previous post)
I have four good 245/40 contisports which I will downsize when they are replaced
This implies to me that you're running 245/40 Contisports on the RS2 - this is actually very dangerous. When the RS2 was being developed, Audi approached a number of tyre manufacturers to make a 245/40 ZR 17 tyre for the 7inch RS2 rims (I think they approached Dunlop and Pirelli) Dunlop won the bid and produced the SP8000 245/40ZR 17 which was'nt really a 245 width tyre - it was actually undersize and nearer to 225. The SP8000 tyre had specially strengthened sidewalls to enable it to fit on the narrow 7 inch RS2 rims.
The SP8000 tyre is now no longer produced and unfortunately some owners are replacing them with 245/40ZR17 tyres from either Dunlop or other manufacturers. I myself suffered this problem when my Audi centre fitted 245/40ZR17 Dunlop SP9000 tyres when I asked them to replace the SP8000. None of the current 245/40ZR17 tyres from Dunlop, Pirelli, Michelin, Continental , Bridgestone etc are approved by the tyre manufacturer for fitment on a 7 inch rim - I know as I checked with all their techical depts. In the end my Audi centre acknowledged this was a serious safety issue and replaced all 5 tyres for Bridgestone Potenza RE40 225/45/ZR17 91Y tyres which are designed to fit on a 7 inch rim.
I suggest you check your tyre walls particularly on the inner walls of the front wheels as this is where failure occurs - the Contisport is particularly susceptible as it has comparatively weak side walls.
For more information on this register on Yahoogroups for the RS2 where there is detailed information.
