All,<p>I am thinking of making the jump to 17" wheels in the spring. I currently have a set of 16x7.5 R-28s with 205/55/16 Dunlop SP8000s. My brother is picking up his A4 2.8 QMS sedan today and already knows that he wants Borbet Type C's on it. The optimum 17" tire size for the A4 is 225/45/17. With that said, what size wheel should be used 17x7 or 17x7.5? It seems to me that 17x7.5 would be a no-brainer, but do they make 17x8 or 17x8.5 that might be better for performance?<p>Now for tires! I have been reading this forum for almost a year now and have heard many tires promoted. I think I can narrow it down to three: 1) Toyo Proxes 2) Michellin MXX3 and 3) Dunlop Sp8000 ( but this may just be because so many of us use them ). However, I want to know what you guys think. <p>My brother and I want a tire that has excellent dry handling with excellent wet weather properties. It doesn't rain that much here in Denver, but when it does, it can be heavy. So, I need to make sure I won't hydroplane. Finally, and this is where I enter Dreamland, I would like it to last about 20-25000 miles. Price is really not that important. I mean, who would not pay to keep their A4 on the road at all times. Being cheap on tires is just asking for trouble ( in my humble opinion ). Also, who sells Toyo's anyway?<p>So, let me know what you think and thanks in advance for your thoughts and opinions.<br>Rick<br>98.5 Avant QMS<br>Brother with 99 A4 QMS

17x7.5 would also work well. From what the guys on the Forum say about the 17x8.5 R-28s with 225/45/17, I'd stay away from 8.5. Just my opinion.<p>Did you show your brother pix of my car with the Type Cs? Is he getting 16" or 17"? You can have him contact me if he needs more info.<p>CraigB

which ways should i go?

Hey Craig,<p>I have told him about your car, but did not show him pictures. He will be getting 17" this spring. I'll pass along your email address to him so he can contact you if he wants.<p>Thanks,<br>Rick<p>PS: How are things down in Denver?

i am geting 17" BBS RX with dunlop 9000's. but the dunlops are offered in 215/40/17 or 235/40/17 but no 225/40/17. would like to know what looks the best. i fear the 235 will be goofy looking, and the 215 too small. I am getting a screaming deal on the 9000's so don't want to find a different brand/model. thanks

You want 225/45R17 (not 40!) and the SP9000 does indeed come in that size.

a quick note of correction, the R-28's fit dead on a '3' series BMW and 225/45/17 works w. the 235/40/17 as well. See the photos at www.ronalusa.com, index of cars, BMW '3'.

A 2.3...in addition to the A4...<p>Steve S.<br>97 2.8QM

Huh? Are you kidding?<br>The michelin Pilot's are not known for long tread life. The Toyo, however has IME good wear for a UHP tire. Better than the Pilot in wet conditions as well. Not quite as sticky in the dry, however. The Toyo T1+ would be my choice of the bunch for a street tire.<p>erik<br>

I said (meant) the 225s are a stretch on the 8.5 inch rims (I used the R-28s as an example). Also, it was just my opinion (and not fact), as I stated. I like the looks, but there's no rim protection.<p>CraigB

NT

If I may offer this up. I have 215/45/17 on my 17x8 O.Z.s. 235 would have caused a problem with the spacing needed from what we measured. The only problem with the 215 is you have to be extra careful when parallel parking since there is no extra rubber to help buffer if you scrape.<br>I will say the ride is excellent with the 215s on the track as well as street. BTW, I have the Dunlop SP8000 as I wanted to compromise between a good rain, dry and long enough tread wear. I heard the 9000s didn't last as long. I've done 2 track events and about 12,000 miles on them and they are doing very well. Time to put the snows on though. -Cathleen

Phrased another way, I have no direct experience with Michelin Pilots or Toyo Proxes. My personal experience with other Michelin OEM tires is that they lasted MUCH longer than any other OEM brand (Yokohama, Toyo, or Goodyears). But none of these were UHP tires. The longest-lasting UHP tires (not OEM) I've ever used were B.F. Goodrich Comp T/As.<p>I have heard that Toyo has come a long way over the last decade.

I think you may have soved my problem 8000 rather than 9000 <br>225/45/17 thank you thank you

I would have gone for the 225s instead of the 215 but the 215s were in stock and they cut a good deal (rather than waiting for the 225 and paying full price).<br>Next set, I'll go to 225s. The 215 are fine and look okay but it's scary with no little extra bulge to sheild the rims.<br>-Cathleen