Wheel and Tire questions...Opinions needed!

All, 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? 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. 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? So, let me know what you think and thanks in advance for your thoughts and opinions. Rick 98.5 Avant QMS 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.

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.

CraigB

which ways should i go?

Hey Craig,

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.

Thanks,
Rick

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'.