Advice with 17" wheel replacement?

Seems like I'm the only one that likes the comfort of "thick rubber".
My winter tires are currently 185/65-15. Compared to the original 175/60-15 there is a difference but the ride is still very hard compared to the Mercedes I also own with 195/65-15 tires. The comparison is not fair though, due to the fact that the merc has a much softer suspension from the start.
 
toby1 said:
Yes, I've been looking at the same company. Strange thing is, if you order the wheels without tyres it's cheaper on their website than it is on their ebay ad!
Redders and Rhyd4, did you order with tyres? If so what brand did they supply?

Cheers chaps.
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i upgraded to falkens, 205/40/17 as it stated that the tyre got the less tread width so better for tight spaces.
what i would say is they do show the edges off a lot.
 
I am considering the replacement of my 175/60/15 inch rims
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The wheels on my TDi 75 SE 2004/June are 185/50/16 - 81V. So what is the standard?

Edit: mistyped the tyre size. Sorry
 
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Rob Earl said:
Standard tyres on SE 16" rims are 185/50/16, not sure about the 81V bit.
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It's the speed rating:
V = up to 149 mph
H = up to 130 mph
T = up to 118 mph

I think these are the most common ones.
Full list here http://www.tyres-online.co.uk/techinfo/speed.asp

The 81 is the load rating:
http://www.tyres-online.co.uk/techinfo/load_indices.asp
81 is 462 Kg

As for the other markings:
http://www.tyres-online.co.uk/techinfo/sidewall.asp

185 The tyre section width in millimetres
50 The aspect ratio in % (the height of the sidewall divided by the tyre's width)
http://www.tyres-online.co.uk/techinfo/aspect_ratio.asp
R Denotes the tyre's construction type - in this case it's a radial
16 Rim diameter in inches

This looks useful: "Up-Stepping" by Fitting Low Profile Tyres
http://www.tyres-online.co.uk/techinfo/upstepping.asp

as does this: "Technical Aspects of Alloy Wheels"
http://www.tyres-online.co.uk/techinfo/alloy.asp


On another car I once went for H when the OEM was V. Garage told me to tell my insurance company to cover myself. Insurance company never replied to my letter.
 
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In theory (and in law as well I believe) no-one 'needs' to go for a speed rating higher than N, which equates to 87mph. This is because, although the vehicle may well be capable of exceeding this speed, the UK limit is 70mph and any tyre sold for on-road use in this country is perfectly adequate.

I was told this by an MOT-testing friend, so, what others have to say on the matter, including the insurers, is another matter.

For more info, including a full chart of load indices, check out the following link:

http://www.blackcircles.com/general/sidewall

Cheers,

Mike
 
I agree. My work colleagues in my old job who were MoT testers did not inspect the speed rating of the tyre, only for cuts, tread depth and condition, etc.

As my FSi has a listed top speed of (something like) 120 mph, why spend the extra money on a speed rating that you can never attain? Even downhill with a tail wind. Mind you I haven't tried to max mine out yet to see. Speedo would read fast anyway, but I suppose you could do it on the revs and calculate the mph/1000 rpm in top. Academic really, I'll be purchasing no more than V rated (never seen H rated for sale yet in 205/40 17) and that's only due to availability in the brand/size.
 
Alan_uk said:
The wheels on my TDi 75 SE 2004/June are 185/80/16 - 81V. So what is the standard?
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Are you sure they are 185/80-16?
I'm having trouble figuring out how they can fit. Aren't they 185/50-16?
 
Getting blind!

Xiter said:
Are you sure they are 185/80-16?
I'm having trouble figuring out how they can fit. Aren't they 185/50-16?
Click to expand...

Ops. Thanks for spotting that. Yes they are 185/50/16 81V.
Must go to the opticians!
 
Redders said:
I have some RS4 replicas being delivered tomorrow from Rochford Tyres, they are 17 by 7.5 ET35. I am buying them as I have three buckled originals!!! I will let you know if I have any problems with the change from 17 by 7 ET38!
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How did this swap go? Any issues/rubbing or probs with your tyre transfer?

As you prob know I too have 3 buckled wheels and the ride is awful atm. In fact, I've owned the car 3 times as long with a poor ride than I have with it driving well! :(

Ian
 
I had the new wheels fitted yesterday.

Apart from needing one new tyre as the side wall was cracked they were a straight swap. They didn't have the tyre in stock so I am currently running 3 replicas and one original. Does give me the opportunity to compare original Audi with replica!!

Have not really done any mileage on them yet, I am waiting for all four to be fitted. I will post if I have any issues.

The only thing I will say is the 205/40 tyre on 7.5J alloys do show the rim a lot, there is not protection at all!!!! I am taking bets on how long the misses takes to curb one!!! Now I have written that you can guarantee it will be me!!

If anyone needs one alloy, I am open to offers on the only straight one (it is curbed, no surprise there!!).
 
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