Re: 17 inch tire size for A4 - advice summary

[Greg Spark <sparkg@wave.co.nz>]

Wow! thanks for all the useful advice guys.

Summary of info:
Stay with narrower section (215, 225) for best wet grip

235/40-17 is smaller diameter - speedo error & wheel well-empty look
225/45-17 right diameter ( I suspect 245/40 ok too)
235/45-17 slightly big but speedo exactly right - interesting!

Mixed opinion on looks - some felt 17s unbalanced neat compact look of car.
This obviously personal - my feeling is that 16s retain integrated proportions
and smooth lines but 17s give serious drivers car look - can't quite decide
on this one!

Dealer has warned of warranty problems with non-factory approved wheels.
I know one Auckland dealer fits BBS wheels on new cars but rumour is there
have been some bearing problems.

NZ importer supplies and recommends MTM 17x8.5 with 245/40 rubber but
these will cost me about $200NZ extra each rim cf TSW (non-approved).
The MTMs are a 7 slim-spoke design (mmmmm red porsche calipers in behind
would look good ala RS2) and look stunning but I'm concerned re reduction
in wet grip.

Still haven't decided but will report back. Those MTMs do look good tho.

-- 
Greg Spark
sparkg@wave.co.nz
Hamilton, New Zealand
'96 A4 1.8Tq 5sp with 4 empty wheel wells.