DaMnIt

Folks, looks like my dealer screwed up my order and forgot the 19" Wheels. I am not too concerned because I was likely going to get new wheels anyhow, and it seems like I will save $800 now. However it has come to my attention that if you get the 18" Wheels the Top Speed limit is set in the ECU to 130mph, while the 19" is 155mph. As I understand the all season tires are speed rated to 130mph, so that is why.

So I called the dealer, asked what he specified, he said he did not specify, so they should come with 18" five spoke summer tires. If this is the case, my guess is that it will be top speed rate limited to 155mph if they go based on tires, however I do not know if this is accurate nor does the dealer.

Needless to say I am a bit disappointed I did not catch this sooner, not that I plan on driving that fast anyhow, but I wonder just how the ECU is programmed differently with gear ratios when the Top Speed limit is set differently.

I would also like to know what people think about handling, ride, grip with 18" vs. 19" (assume same tire).

Finally I am wondering if I do get 19" aftermarket wheels if I will have any issues with the ride height, wondering if they change anything in terms if lift at the factory when you choose 18" vs 19".

Stereodude

There are 18" summer tires and 18" all-season tires. If you get the all season tires you get a 130MPH speed limiter. If you get the 18" summer tires you get a 155MPH speed limiter. Which are on your order?

Osicom

Confirmed. I got the 18" with summer tires. The speed limiter DID NOT kick in at 130+. My old A4 did kick in at 130.

need_TQM

The stock 18's are 245/40-18 and the 19's are 255/35-19 which are close to the same diameter (25.7 vs 26.0"). There is no change to suspension or even speedometer calibration to my knowledge.

Evlengr

If you are interested I am going to put my 19" stocks up for sale as soon as I get my winter tire/wheels. I thought they would grow on me, but I just don't like the looks or maintenance required to keep them clean.

Just the wheels mind you. The tires are fine. And yes I will sell them cheap.

mkato13

While the overall diameter is within a few tenths of a point its always been my experience that the lower the profile the better the ride for cornering ONLY! Its harsher on bumps and more likely t blow out or bubble since there is less sidewall to absorb impacts. The low profile (19" 235/35 I am referring to) are also gonna be more money to replace. I also think that all other things being equal(meaning the exact same wheel and tire combo but in 245/40R18 vs. 235/35R19) the 19" are heavier too. Now while it may only be 1-3 lbs per corner heavier and $3-50 per wheel and tire more(guesstimate) its up to you to decide what to do. In northern NJ with crappy roads I would never get 19" wheels. Thats just me.

DaMnIt

Guys thanks for the feedback. Please see my attached order. It does not seem like there is a SKU for 18" or 19" so I am hoping it's the summer tires.

DaMnIt

That is good to know I am in South Pasadena so it looks like there will be another EBC on the streets soon!

Evlengr

WillA, sent you a PM..Thanks for asking.

well_armed

You're car will come with high performance summer tires.

Unless this line is on your order, you will be fine: