18" or 19" wheels?

[Ash25]

hi guys, newbie on the forums here. really sorry if this question has been asked way too many times before but i have searched and asked but no-one seems too be able to give me a straight answer!

well... hoping if anyone out there can help me please!!!!

i am looking into buying new alloys for my '99 S4 which is totally stock in every fashion, mainly because i can't afford to upgrade much coz of the crippling insurance! i would ideally want the largest wheels that can fit but which size is this? i really don't want ANY trouble with rubbing or anything like that as it means bodywork changes which i am not really wanting to do. i was hoping i could go upto 19" wheels on stock suspension, but would i experience any rubbing when fully loaded and cornering at all? would it be safer getting 18" or has anyone had 19s fited with no trouble? i like the look of the rs6 replicas, but would any brand 19" rims fit, if they were the right dimensions of course? and also what would dimensions of et and the like would i be looking for, and also what size tyres would be recommended so as not to have any rubbing at all with 19s?

sorry if that was a bit longwinded but i hope you get the idea, 19s with no rubbing- possible or not?

also what experience has anyone had with stock suspension and larger wheels?

cheers in advance for all your help!

Ash
Silver '99 S4

[Morpheous]

My car runs stock suspension with 18 inch RS6 reps.
No rubbing issues at all, lower profile stiffens the feel of the suspension slightly compared to when I fit the 17s back on.
You may get lots of comments about lowering to make it look better, this is personal taste, I prefer to run standard suspension as it never goes on a track, and I don't drive it fast enough long enough to need stiffer suspension. Done all of that on previous cars. I have a full set of brand new standard, built up springs and dampers, ready to fit for when it starts to feel soggy after 45000.
The ARBs were changed by Sitas3 which are still fitted.
I have no experiance of 19 inch fitted to the S4, so can't comment on that.

[sitas3]

Morpheous, are you sticking with the H&R ARB's i fitted?

[Golfather]

18's go on and dont rub at all - even after 30-40mm drop
19's go on and dont rub on standard ride height.
If lowered, then they may cause rubbing issues.
Try to keep the width as small as possible, 8" is OK, 8.5inch and you'll have more chance of rubbing.
Offset is also crucial, ET35 is OK.

[grizz]

I've put 19'S on my Y2K S4 , IT'S got H&R coilovers & is very low ! . Even with the car 5 up it does not rub . They are rs6 reps & make it look the dogs . Only one problem with 19's it the price of the tires over 18's , i've just got 2 new 235/35/ zr 19 conti's @ £ 150+vat each !! 18 's would be £85 +vat , that's a big differance ......... go on get a set .
grizz

[grizz]

I've put 19'S on my Y2K S4 , IT'S got H&R coilovers & is very low ! . Even with the car 5 up it does not rub . They are rs6 reps & make it look the dogs . Only one problem with 19's it the price of the tires over 18's , i've just got 2 new 235/35/ zr 19 conti's @ £ 150+vat each !! 18 's would be £85 +vat , that's a big differance ......... go on get a set .
grizz

[Morpheous]

Morpheous, are you sticking with the H&R ARB's i fitted?

Yes Simon, seem to give it the little edge without the harshness.
Had the front suspension arm links replaced due to slight knock.
Running great thanks.
Hope your new RS4 is sweet.

[S4RS4]

I have had both 19" and 18" on the S4 without rubbing issues. I only got rubbing on the front when I had to space the wheels out to clear 6 pot Brembo's. I am seliing a spare set of BBS 18" with Pirrelli tyres and a set of new 19" x 8" RS6 replicas with Pirelli tyres. PM me if interested.

[Ash25]

thanks for the quick reply guys, you have all been a great help. so i gather that on stock suspension, 19s will fit with no problem whatsoever with rubbing? even under full load?

so its definetly safe to get me a set of rs6 19s then?

thanks a lot for your help!!!

Ash