Found Some 18" Wheels Like New
 

I've been looking for the 18 wheels when these 19" tires are gone. The rims currently got scuff marks all over and some may be bent. I took a chance to get these 2013 Q5 with 2k miles on the wheels and tires. The wheels are brand new, the only thing is the width is only 8" and not 8.5". Do you think they will fit the 255x45x18?

http://www.dognmonkey.com/media/audi.../q5wheels1.jpg
http://www.dognmonkey.com/media/audi.../q5wheels4.jpg
http://www.dognmonkey.com/media/audi.../q5wheels3.jpg

Cheers,

Louis

Net, yes, with a few "*"'s
 

1. The tires will mount. The 2000 A6 4.2 ran a 255/40 on an 8" rim factory as a reference point and a 45 will generally be more liberal incrementally on rim widths--that pushed the normal spec, but is an example. On Q5's when they run 255's (the 20 and 21" width), they do go to an 8 ½" rim at 45 and 40 series, respectively. C5's went to 8 ½ only on the RS6.

2. Owning a Q5--and I think seeing those wheels on SF Bay Area C.L. and remembering them as a good buy; Q5 wheels in 18's are their baseline--the Q5 net offset might be a small amount more aggressive than the D3, but if anything will improve the look slightly.

3. You will need concentric rings for these, just like any D4, C7, B8 or other recent Audi since they went to the larger hub center size.

4. Do not expect or assume these are milled for TPMS sensors. TPMS sensors were used on early U.S. Q5's, but then they went to the ABS type simpler system a few years back; same as the D4 and others as they give up on the pricy prior Beru sensor approach. Having looked at this in C5 RS6 to D3 crossovers, you need a flat spot milled into the inside of the rim barrel for the sensor if it's not there. TPMS via sensors is still a current Q5 option in some markets, including Canada apparently, so it could be they are pre milled. You would have to dismount a tire, or at least push on it with a tire machine/dismounter to see the inside area near the valve stem where it would be milled (or not).

+1 + a bit more about "*"'s :)

2. Half of 0.5" (6.35 mm) narrower rim and 6 mm lower offset annuls each other. So wheel face stays where it is.

4. TPMS sensors will work even without specially milled flat spots.

On TPMS,
 

I would want to do a test fit if not milled. I tried one on a loose OE C5 RS6 wheel (the older 9 spoke style virtually identical in look to the early polished OE 20s used on 2005 and 6 W12's) and it really did not seem to want to sit flat.

You are right. They may fit to some not specially milled rims and not to another.

Like previous post, they will mount but to get even tire wear, you will have to probably run a little lower air pressure than normal.

He was asking for $750 a few weeks ago, I didn't have time to go see the wheels. Last week, he reduced the price to $500, I took the family to dinner and dropped by his house to take a look, the wheels were so clean and polished, the tires are new, perfect for my Q7. I called the tire store before coming, it would cost $30 to remove, mount and balance to the Q7. He didn't even believe I would pay the full asking price. I got a great deal and the amazing thing was all these wheels fit my Q7 with 2 kids in the back seat. Just love the room there in the Q. I'll replace the tires on the Q7 this month before going to the Sierras for New Year vacation.
A8 tires should last about 10k more miles.

Cheers,

Louis

I am selling my OEM 18" fat fives (at least thats what they look like) off my A8 if you are interested. Here is a link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/171184775631...84.m1558.l2649

make me a reasonable offer if interested