BlackOptic

My path to OEM Ramus black wheel is documented here:
https://www.audiworld.com/forums/aud.../#post25271535
...and an update on the 20mm spacers here.
https://www.audiworld.com/forums/aud.../#post25439342

Nikon1

The Pirelli tires on the 18” are Summer Tires which make me very cautious when the temperatures drop into the 30’s or below. As far as snow — I can only hope we get some!

— John

Jimminez@Nemesis

I run Neuspeed RSe102 in 19x9.5" ET25 (added 8mm to be more flush but not required) with some 275/35R19 Michelin Aplins. Great price point for a light strong wheel.



They are available in different colors as well as 20" versions.

Not clear on the 255/275 comment. You run a staggered tire set up?

Now if you want something similar to the FI-R, BC Forged has a design similar and can be had in bronze as well, the KL01. They had one with the side pocketing but BBS provided them a nice cease and desist.



Happy to help answer any questions you may have if you want to message.

hollywood_wc

Caulk this up to not having a coffee ... both are 275s ... my bad.

laakness

Can't agree with this more. I've been using them for 12 years and no issues. I just sold my original set so they are still used every year.

Dan99

I came close to purchasing a set of these a year ago until I learned that very few were imported in the size used by the B9 RS5 SB. I was told it could take up to 6 months to replace a damaged wheel. Perhaps the supply has improved since then, but I would make sure I could get a replacement wheel in a timely way, if needed.

Dan99

It probably depends on how you use your car in the winter. I live around Chicago and we get more snow than you, but we also don't drive into the mountains. So, first consider how much snow you really drive in, and how often.

The conventional wisdom for winter wheels and tires is to get a smaller wheel with a more narrow, higher profile tire. The smaller wheel provides protection against impacts, the higher profile gives you the same circumference as the stock tires, and the narrow tire provides more pressure per contact patch and, therefore, more traction in slippery conditions. I followed this wisdom for many years on numerous cars. including 2 Porsches, a Mercedes, and 2 previous Audis (B8 S4 and B8.5 S4). However, I took a different direction with my B9 RS5 SB. This time I purchased a second set of wheels that were the same size as the stock wheels and put on winter performance tires the same size as the stock summer tires. I have tried most brands and prefer Michelin. I purchased Pilot Alpin PA4.

I have now driven 2 winters on these wheels and tires and it was the right decision for me. While we do get snow, many more days are spent driving on cold but dry roads. I have not had a bit of trouble getting through snow and the car seems much better than others on the road in the snow. I much prefer it over my wife's Jeep Grand Cherokee, which has Michelin All Season tires. Chicago has plenty of potholes, so I decided to stay with *forged* 20" wheels for the winter wheels and my winter wheels have had no problems. In contrast, I just had to repair slight bends in 2 of my forged summer wheels from last summer. Bottom line, my 20" forged winter wheels have done better than my 20" forged summer wheels.

The main reason I took this approach (same size wheels and tires) was that I realized that I sacrificed too much performance with conventional winter wheels and tires, so my car was less playful for 6 months of the year. Consider how many snow days you actually have, how treacherous the roads are in your area, and how you want to drive. The winter performance tires do not provide the same level of performance as the summer tires, but staying with the same size wheels and tires retained more performance than I got by following conventional wisdom.

jab23

I ran a set of Niche wheels with Michelin Pilot Alpins last winter. We didn't wind up with much snow, but the car performed great in the snow we had. I went with 20 x 9s with a 25 offset and stock tire size. Needed something to clear the brake calipers with the ceramic option.

hollywood_wc

Those Niche wheels are niche, hadn' thought of the nuespeed ones yet either. I'll keep looking. Keep on posting, nice rides!

garberfc

Just wondering, what's that on the end of your tire iron?