The 'standard' wheel is 7x18 et 43; the next is 8.5x19 et 36; and then 8.5x20 et 36
So if you use 9x20 et 35 almost the entire extra half inch (except the skinny mm) of width over the 19s or 20s that Audi use, will be split evenly inwards and outwards, from the upmarket (19-20) wheel. So you can figure about a 1/4 inch each way ... that help?
oh, and from the 'standard' wheel, the reduced offset plus the added width 'fills' the wheel well more to the outside, but also adds some to the inside. The change in offset (reduced positive by 8mm or about a 1/3 inch) contributes to a moving 'inward' but the extra width (1 1/2") contributes to a larger outward result (as well as a larger inward one too) ...
Net result is something like :
1 1/2 inches divided by 2 = 3/4"+ 1/3" to the inside
3/4" -1/3" added to the outside ...
From the widest OEM wheels(8.5 ET 36) to the wheels I'm about to order (9.0 ET 35), looks like it will add 5mm inward and add 7mm... I'm wondering if this added 5mm inward will cause problem with strut....
okay, strut is fine - it's the lower spring cap you'll have to worry about - and this will depend on what tire size you pick to go with those wheels. If you add even a few millimeters of OD or width of the tire shoulder, you may have a clearance issue with it. If your OD is the same or a tiny bit less, I think you'll be fine with up to 255s, but I don't think I'd try 265s ...
There's a Q3 that's on 9" ET 26 with 5mm spacer with 255/35/20 tires, that seems fine. If my calculation is correct, he's basically running 9" ET 21.... am I right?
And if I run 9" ET 35 with 5 mm spacer (to ensure I don't hit spring cap), it would be 9" ET 30.
The 5 mm spacer about makes up for the reduced offset - I have 255/40-19s and the factory spec for 20s is 255/35 (same OD as me) which I think would be okay with the 9s. I'd be careful with spacers at that offset as your moving the whole thing now out farther from the wheel bearings. There's only so much cantilever they can stand ... also, lowering will change camber (in at the top) where you can't adjust (unless you get camber plates too) and might have clearance issues otherwise (unless all the lowering is coming from the bottom of the spring cap - or if you're using smaller diameter springs and new caps which could give you plenty of clearance). I think with 255s though you should be okay as long as your OD is close or less than mine (27.0").
the same OD - as for 8.5 vs 9 and/or spacers - I'd opt for the solution w/o spacers - since you'll have to worry about them sticking, fitting, and the different bolts just for them - unless you can bolt them on (and 5mm is too thin for that), they're a hassle to me. I'd bet your new springs and caps will be MUCH narrower than the OEM units so the clearance issues should disappear...
Now I'm curious which wheel you're looking at - :laugh:
Also, there is the same rims but at 8.5 ET 40... which adds 4mm inward instead of 5mm... Should I go for this one instead and maybe add spacers with this one?
Before the suspension changes, I'd appreciate your impressions on the ride quality. Also, what size and type tires you go for?
Thanks!
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Audi Q3 Forum
16.7K posts
7.3K members
Since 2014
A forum community dedicated to Audi Q3 owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about troubleshooting, performance, modifications, classifieds, maintenance, and more!