I'm trying to learn what wheels will fit 1997 A6. I would really appreciate if someone would fill me in. I guess I learned that the bolt pattern has to be 5x112, others won't fit. But what about the offset. What offsets will fit this car? Will ET45 fit?

And also. What is offset? I thought offset it the width of the wheel. But from reading other posts I don't think I'm right. What is the maximum and minimum width of the rim that can fit 97 A6?

Next question :) I believe my stock wheels are 15". I've heard people say that if you go bigger the tires will be the same diameter and the rim will look ridiculous. Now what sizes are we talking about? Which one should I avoid: 16" or 17"? Can I put 18" on this car?

Did I miss anything?

I feel stupid asking these questions. But I'd rather feel stupid than buy wrong wheels.

My 97A6qw has the 5 spoke 16x7in ET45 wheels that are very common on the 96-98(?) A4. I have seen this wheel on all the stock 97 A6 cars. It came with a 205/55 R16 tire.

So, with the 205/55 tire and offset ET 45 wheel the tire is less than a finger width from the strut housing. It may be difficult to get a larger tire in there with stock rims.


Offset is the distance between the center of the wheel and where is mounts. So ET 45 means the wheel mount is 45 mm towards the face of the wheel. ET 35 is 35mm towards the face of the wheel, this wheel sticks out further given it is the same width.


Also try tirerack.com their web site should show you all the wheels and tires that would fit your car.

Russ
97 A6qw

There's a lot to it. There are so many combinations that you can get when purchasing wheels that, for a newbie, it's best left upto the "pros". Tirerack knows what wheels fit what cars as do other similar shops.

Best thing you can do is read up and ask questions!!!

<A href="http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AR4&url=%2Fwheels%2Ftech%2Foffset.htm">Offset</a>

<A href="http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AR4&url=%2Fwheels%2Ftech%2Fplusone.htm">Plus Sizing</a>

HTH!!