<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/15492/zenderlemans1.jpg"></center><p>Would like forum members opinions on these wheels.

I am seriously thinking of the Zender Lemans in 17 or 18 for my silver 2001 A6 2.7t. Will do Eibachs/Bilsteins as well. I like the "organic" and "fluid" look of the rim - I think it goes well with the smooth A6 body design. FWIW, I am into a slick, stealthy look, not boy racer air dams and rice cracker styling.

Thanks in advance...

Mike

Not sure if that rumor was based on fact though. You know how easy it is to spread false information. Jake at Colorado tire was selling his set last week. Maybe he has some comments on the performance of these wheels

I think BBS wheels look great on Bimmers, but not Audi's. I have an '01 A6 2.7T and am strongly biased towards 5-spoke wheels on the car. Just my $.02

For an A6, I think that the 18s would be the way to go. I've seen some pics of 17s on the A6 that looked too small, in my opinion.

Unless you are getting an INCREDIBLE deal, I think that there are better wheels out there.

I would also question that 18" weight that you quote. Where did that come from? I would guess that they are closer to 27lbs in an 18". I had 16" wheels on a Miata and they weighed about 22lbs in a "lighter" design than this. I ended up all 4 being out of true and 1 bent all to hell. This was on a MUCH lighter car where the impact they were taking was vastly less than on an A6.

Like I said, if you're getting a great deal, get them. I think that you can do better in terms of weight and quality, though.

On a 3800 lb car, what's a pound or three, even if it is unsprung weight? I don't race it, so light weight isn't really an issue to me. As you said - a light wheel might not hold up on the A6.

I'm also looking at the AEZ Radon, and BBS RK as well...haven't made a final decision yet. All input welcome...

Jake at CO Wheel said he was pleased with his thqat he sold - is putting a set of 18s to replace sold set. Says he had no problems with bent or out of true rims.

Mike

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/15492/aezradon.jpg"></center><p>Whatcha think of these 2....

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/15492/bbsrkpol.jpg"></center><p>

I'm a fast driver, but easy on equipment. I rarely hammer stuff, and try to be as smooth as possible. Also, the car is not a daily driver, as I walk to work. Mostly pleasure use with a little (very little) track time.

"Heard" they were not strong? What does that mean - you have a dear personal friend who four wheels his car over parking blocks and bent a rim? Or you read and believe one of the many rumors that float around here on Audiworld?

Now, the guy who bent the Trophys has first-hand experience. THAT'S what I am looking for....extrapolating useful data from rumor and hearsay is difficult. ;)

Mike

with 18" wheels, they would probably be BBS CH's

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/7275/bbs_ch.jpg"></center><p>

...who is a reseller of AEZ wheels. He told to stay away from them because he's had several customers come back to him with bent wheels, as the wheels were not very "strong". What the customers did to yield a bent wheel is indeed subject to interpretation.

You could be ultra-skeptical and assume these customers were all a bunch of whackjobs that prefer to race Land Rovers off-road, or you could simply take the salesperson's advice, as he was very knowledgeable. I did the latter, as I did consider these wheels for my car as well.

Is that specific and credible enough for you?

(Sorry, I'm trying to kick off short, but informative posts while trying to do my job in between...) :)

Looks sharp - much better than on TireRacks website, what with their lousy selection of car colors!! Plum, fer christsakes!

May have to seriously consider these, too. I would prefer to go with 18s and the RK can't be had that way...

Thanks for the photo!

Mike

The guy who gave me this advice was one of the sales guys at AutoAddictions here in Allentown, PA. Yeh, in hindsight - you might say his credibility is questionable in some areas... Seemed very knowledgeable about wheels though.

Oettinger is a really great wheel which several people, including myself, believe is the best-looking aftermarket wheel on an A6, since it's curves suit the A6 lines very well. Just our humble opinions...

Here's a link to their website:<ul><li><a href="http://www.oettinger.com">http://www.oettinger.com</a</li></ul>

Wife prefers (as do I) a more spoked wheel, as they tend to recall the days of wire wheel classics, and we both think they look good on the A6's clean lines.

Will look at the Oettinger's though - we haven't made a firm decision, and or open to all possibilities. I personally prefer the AEZ Radon in 18, with the BBS CH a close second right now.

Again, I don't know if what I was told is indeed true, but the salesguy was trying to steer me clear of them. I would venture to guess that BBS's might be stronger wheels.

From the pics I've seen, I think the BBS CH's design is slightly more elegant than the AEZ radon, but they are both unique and tasteful.

The only obvious downside to traditional cross-spoke wheels is that they are a bitch to clean!

;-D

Still not at a 100% final, but continue leaning heavily towards the Lemans in an 18. All discussions of strength to this point are based mostly on rumor, not experience. And beauty is totally in the eye of the beholder.

Also still considering the AEZ Radon, and possibly the BBS CH, depending on pricing, esp for the latter. $409 (at Tirerack) is more than I want to spend, as I plan on getting 5.

Wheels are really a tough, subjective decision, aren't they?? EVERYBODY has an opinion, and they often vary widely.

Will post photos upon install, whatever I get, and you can abuse me or envy at your discretion!

Mike