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Alloy size recommendations?

3921 Views 7 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  Neil F, 
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Hi all hope everyone’s all good. I’ve recently brought a 2017 A5 coupe. The alloys are currently 17inches. I’m looking to get some new alloys as the current ones are not aesthetically pleasing. I’m thinking either 18 or 19 inch but cannot decide between the two. Also not sure if they should be low profile ones or not. I’m quite clueless when it comes to cars 😅 would appreciate if anyone could give some advice 😊
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Key factor for your speedo and odometer to be correct is to keep the overall diameter as close to the same as possible. That being said, the bigger the rim, the less sidewall you'll have, which generally means more bumps transmitted to you since there is less tire sidewall to help absorb those road imperfections. My A5 came with 18's and I stuck with that size. LOADS of options in the 18" diameter.
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sayek
I did not think 2017 A5 would come with 17inch wheels. It does look a bit strange for a coupe.

I have 2009 A5 SE on 18's and comfort on city rough road is acceptable IMO.
19's would certainly look nice but the lower profile tyres maybe too much for my daily use.

I personally would stick with genuine Audi A5 alloys so they are direct swap and avoid aftermarket.

Another thing to consider is the tyre price for 19's..not cheap if buying premium brands.
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SimonRoma
Yeah good replies both! My old A5 came with 19s and I stuck with them, just had the wheels refinished and then replaced the tyres. Does look "poor" with 17s, I have seen only 18s and 19s in the past, so I would suggest if you wanna upgrade stick to 18s. Genuine Audi is the way to go, keep an eye on here cos sets come up for sale quite often.
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BarzyS5
I have 20s on mine. Fills the wheel arches great

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EricE101
I have heard that 19 inch wheels really emphasize the ‘feel’ of the road- which is a nice way of saying they provide a ‘tougher’ driving experience (as opposed to a smoother, more comfortable ride). And that’s supposed to apply to any vehicle, not just an Audi or an A5. But if looks are your primary concern, a 19 inch wheel will probably look a bit better. I have 19 inch wheels on my 2011, and they came factory, so the car can definitely accommodate the larger size. It’s just a matter of selecting wheels with the right bolt pattern, and occasionally using wheel spacers so that they sit the right distance from the wheel hub.

TireRack.com and discounttire.com both have tools on their websites that allow you to select the year, make, model and color of your vehicle, and then give you all the wheels available on their site that fit your car along with a picture of how they will look on your exact vehicle.

Hope that helps!
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TCSkier
My 2012 A5 had the stock 18's. I put 19's on it. Definitely does give a little more firm ride and also handles better. It is a personal choice.
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- What you are saying is a bit incorrect:

"I have heard that 19 inch wheels really emphasize the ‘feel’ of the road- which is a nice way of saying they provide a ‘tougher’ driving experience (as opposed to a smoother, more comfortable ride). "

- Side wall height primarily determines the ride feel. A shorter sidewall means less rubber between the wheel and the pavement. Less rubber will be a harder ride. The original poster has 17" and is looking at 18 or 19. Increasing the wheel diameter while maintaining the overall same diameter will be a shorter sidewall = harder ride than the 17

(Note tire aspect ratio determines the actual sidewall height)

- This is totally incorrect

"And that’s supposed to apply to any vehicle, not just an Audi or an A5."

- Larger what, wheel or tire. Width or diameter? Yes the 5 series A/S/RS can accommodate wider and taller wheel/tire combination but not because yours came with 19"

"I have 19 inch wheels on my 2011, and they came factory, so the car can definitely accommodate the larger size. "

- You are partially correct. It is not just the bolt pattern. Ideally it is best to have the wheel with the correct offset (ET). You can use spacers for the necessary or desired fit. I have 20mm/25mm f/r spacers with my stock 19" rotors for the desired fit

"It’s just a matter of selecting wheels with the right bolt pattern, and occasionally using wheel spacers so that they sit the right distance from the wheel hub."
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