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gnomik007
December 17th, 2002, 12:04
Dear friends,as you all know the winter tires for our best loved :addict: is 225/45/18,which I find absolutely impossible to find and in some places I am even told such tires dont exist.I really need to fins a set or I will have to leave my beauty in the garage for long time because winters in Russia are quite a thing. Therefore I ask you for any advice on where I could get hold of these freaking wheels:vsad:

PLEASE HELP:360:

Nrn
December 17th, 2002, 12:30
If you would settle for 225/40/18, atleast bridgestone, michelin and nokian have wintertires!

Couldnt find any in 225/45/18 eihter, but Ill keep looking :bigeyes:

BR /Nicke

gnomik007
December 17th, 2002, 12:48
A friend of mine went to Dunlop(audi suggests these) dealer in germany and was told that the production has already been stopped and the only chance to find official winter tires for :addict: is if there are some left in stock around europe:vsad:

Nordschleife
December 17th, 2002, 12:48
Guys
I purchased winter tyres and wheels from the dealer in Munich.
I suggest you get in contact with sebastian.anders@mahag.de

R+C

s6plus
December 17th, 2002, 12:55
Nokian came with a new high-speed winter tire...250 km p/u
maybe you should check their site...
I've got also those nokian's...the older ones, and they're perfect ...

but remember, the most crashed superaudi's i've seen......were all wearing wintertires...:bigeyes:

scoop
December 17th, 2002, 14:31
I just got 225/40/R18 Dunlop SP Winter Sport M2 for my RS4 last week for the 5-arm rims from Audi. While I usually avoid Dunlop tires where I can, they seem to be capable of building nice and tight winter tires after all, the RS4 still behaves well in corners, even with a slippery or wet street.

Just my $0.02

taipan
December 17th, 2002, 20:30
Give a shot with www.reifendirekt.de.

They have multi-language versions of their site and ship in many countries -if you pay with Visa first. Plus a lot of choice (from no-brands to major brands, many sizes, etc.

I've used them twice for Michelin Sport and Yokohama AVS for a Z3 M Coupe : very fast and cheap delivery, very competitive prices compared to French resellers.
I have personnally used Michelin Alpin Sport for 4 years on a Passat V6 4Motion to drive from Paris to a resort in the Alps (over 2,000m high), and found these great on rainy as well as snowy/icy road.

Here's a copy from a thread on RS4.org.

=============================
Message 1:

I've now been using Michelin Pilot Alpin speed H on the same Passat Avant V6 4Motion (so roughly same weight and 4WD technology than the RS4, all the rest being different ;-) for 4 years now.

I did about 40,000 kms with them in winter (using my second set now).

Just great to drive on the high-way - a bit noisier than Pilot Sport- and a hell of fun as soon as the snow hits the road. Bites the snow very hard for a superb grip on acceleration and braking.

I'm sure all other major tire manufacturers have similar great tires for H speed (up to 210km/h) but being highly satisfied, I wouldn't consider changing away from the Michelin's.

One quick note : I was told that there's a side-effect with the speed factor. The higher it is, the harder the compound mix is. Which is rather bad for biting the snow as the softer, the better.
So maybe it's important to estimate what's the main priority if you can choose between speed factor: performance at high-speed during winter time or on snow/ice at "reasonnable" speeds.

=============================
Message 2:

This is an extract from a test published by Sport Auto, a German magazine, in its Nov 2002 edition.
First time I found a 17" comparative test of that extent - I still have to find an 18" or 19" comparative test, maybe the market's too small/confidential for Editor's-In-Chief to spend testers' salaries there... ;-)

Size tested : 225/45/17 H on a BMW 330CI (231HP).
Models and price in Germany :
- Dunlop SP Winter Sport M3, for 182 euro
- Fulda Kristall Rotego, for 132 euro
- Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW3, for 189 euro
- Michelin Pilot Alpin, for 213 euro
- Nokian WR, for 147 euro
- Pirelli Snowsport W210, for 180 euro
- Toyo Snowprox S 950, for 143 euro

A. Snow chrono on 1,070 m distance.
1. Pirelli 1.10.11 min
2. Goodyear 1.10.3
3. Nokian same
4. Fulda 1.10.4
5. Dunlop 1.10.6
6. Toyo 1.14.1
7. Michelin 1.15.4
Note : this test shows a clear gap between the 5 first tires and the last 2, while the other tests show a more even distribution between the 7 tires.
The Toyo and Michelin being so far outside the 1.10.11-1.10.6 tight range of the other 5, I'm suspicious about a potential change in either driver or climate (like snowy road turning icy, for the last 2 sets).

B. Snow road breaking at 40 km/h
1. Goodyear 14.5 m
2. Pirelli 14.6
3. Toyo 14.6
4. Dunlop 14.7
5. Nokian same
6. Michelin 15.1
7. Fulda same

C. Wet/Rain chrono on 1835 m distance
1. Toyo 90.1 sec
2. Nokian 91.6
3. Michelin 92.6
4. Fulda 93.0
5. Goodyear 93.7
6. Pirelli 93.9
7. Dunlop 94.3

D. Wet/Rain road breaking at 100 km/h
1. Goodyear 50.9 m
2. Nokian 51.6
3. Michelin 51.7
4. Fulda 52.7
5. Dunlop 54.9
6. Toyo 56.7
7. Pirelli 58.3


E. Dry road breaking at 100 km/h
1. Goodyear 44.8m
2. Nokian 45.5
3. Fulda 46.4
4. Pirelli 47.2
5. Toyo 47.5
6. Michelin 47.6
7. Dunlop 48.2

Last note : (1) I think you can extrapolate to 18" with little risk -as opposed to keeping all-seasons tires in winter ;-) - and (2) I also think that if seven of us drivers did the test with the same car but with the same unique tire brand -like the Goodyear only- we'd get the same difference/distribution of measurements. It's the driver who makes the difference, isn't it ;-)
===========================

Eric

Erik
January 6th, 2003, 18:47
Wheels (for use in winter):

B&B "CH" 8,5"x18 ET with 225/40-18 Dunlop SP WinterSport 240

B&B "EVO" 9"x18 ET with 225/40-18 Dunlop SP WinterSport 240

Notice: 225/40-18 Dunlop SP Winter/Sport have permission up to 240km/h

Also there's plenty of 275/30-19 for summer use.


WOW! 0 - 100 km/h in 3.8 secs and to 200 km/h in 14.5 claimed for the B&B stage 4 which is under preparation.

Erik
January 9th, 2003, 12:01
I can recommend these winter tires. Quite good grip :MTM:

:rs4addict

s6plus
January 9th, 2003, 13:06
Damm...

looks like real spikes......nice fireworks on dry tarmac....:king:

I'm just back from Sweden. It's damm snowy and icy overthere...but this picture is a real hardcore solution...

Nice to race over thos frozen lakes...I couldn't get grip on clean ice...(with normal winter tires)

eph94
October 7th, 2003, 19:27
Has anyone in the USA already purchased a winter wheel and tire package? If so, where did you go and what size did you get? I'm starting to get a little worried about availability.

gjg
October 7th, 2003, 20:30
in US you can go to Tirerack:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/SearchTires.jsp

Dunlop Winter Sport M3 (Winter)
Size:225/45-18
Load Rating XL
VR Speed Rated Price: $154
Estimated Availability: In Stock

Dunlop Winter Sport M3 (Winter)
Size:225/45-18
Load Rating XL
HR Speed Rated Price: $154
Estimated Availability: Back Order

Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22 (Winter)
Size:225/45-18
VR Speed Rated Price: $215
Estimated Availability: In Stock

I've used both (Dunlop and Blizzak), Dunlop on my 390 hp S6 Avant and D's handled very well overall during winter.

Blizzak did not do that well on dry road however in snow conditions worked very well.

Over all, for the money, Dunlop is a good deal IMHO.

gg

GoFastKindaGuy
October 7th, 2003, 22:14
Just ordered Dunlop Winter Sport M3 (Winter) tires. Size:225/45-18 from Tire Rack. In stock. Plan to put these on the stock wheels and then, in Spring, put the Dunlop SP9000 on aftermarket wheels -- probably 18x8.5 OZ Superleggera III from Pure Motorsports.

At least in the US, there appears to be no shortage. Tire Rack also had Blizzaks avaliable. I used these before -- stickier on snow and ice than Dunlop, but faster ware on pavement. Dunlops are said to handle better by others on the board and by Neal at Tire Rack. That's my read.

:incar:

eph94
October 8th, 2003, 05:31
Any 18 x 8.5 wheel will do? Are there any other specifics that I should know before ordering? When I go on to the Tire Rack website to "Shop for Wheels" there are no options for the RS6. I want to have my winter tires mounted on a dedicated second set of wheels.

GoFastKindaGuy
October 8th, 2003, 15:04
Try calling Neal at the Tire Rack. 800-428-8355 x624. He is the only one I've found there that knows of the RS6. He says there are wheels he knows clear the brakes.
:bye:

Alan
October 8th, 2003, 19:15
225/45VR-18 Dunlop Winter Sport M3 XL

18 x 7.5 ATI S5 wheels


the wheels are backordered - the tires are available

eph94
October 8th, 2003, 22:21
Thanks, I will give them a call!

RS6FEVR
October 8th, 2003, 23:34
:cheers: all
I also ordered the 225/45VR-18 Dunlop Winter Sport M3 XL from Tirerack (a month ago, 184.00 ea, they look pretty cool) and will mount them on the oem rims. I'm planning on 18" Oettinger's with Conti's for non winter driving if I can get a spacing issue worked out and then just rotate the tires according to seasonal requirements. If the M3 XL works out as nice as the 9000's, I'm going to be pleased with this tire.

:addict: FEVR :addict:

Alex K
October 9th, 2003, 09:49
Hi Guys,

Just in case somebody is fancying snow tires in the (optional) 255/35 R19 size:

Tried to order Dunlop M3s in this size (only tire that is at least listed) and was told that Dunlop wouldn´t start producing these before Jan 04. Now I am stuck with a second set of 9x19 rims and no tires to fit on these. Any suggestions (besides buying a set of 8,5x18 wheels) ??

avanti
October 11th, 2003, 08:37
When I looked up snow tires for the RS6 at Tire Rack, I received the following message: Due to the unique technical aspects of this application, we are currently not accepting online orders for snow-tire and wheel packages for your 2003 Audi RS6. Please call (888) 541-1777 to speak with one of our specialists about available products. When I contacted Tire Rack, the lady I spoke with told me the recommended RS6 (225/40/18) snow tire will not fit on the stock RS6 18" wheels. She stated they only offer one wheel which will fit the RS6 with the 225/40/18 snow tires. I noticed some of the posts are stating the 225/40/18 snow tires will fit the stock RS6 wheels. According to the lady at Tire Rack, the 225/40/18 snow tires are to narrow to fit stock RS6 wheels. Can anyone verify if the 225/40/18 snow tires will fit on the stock RS6 18" wheels? Also, has anyone considered using a full size 255/40/18 snow tire with their RS6. This size is about an 1" wider then the recommended 225/45/18 tire. I am wondering how much the extra width would effect the cars performace in the snow and on plowed and dry roads. Any thoughts or comments about using the full size snow tire would be appreciated. Thanks.

oregonbob
October 11th, 2003, 17:48
I ordered a second set of OEM wheels (18"x8.5") from my Audi dealer and a set of Dunlop Winter M3's (255/40/18) from Tire Rack. I have the four tires (they look very cool) and three of the four wheels. Expecting the fourth wheel next week. Thus, I will run stock sizes all year round.

I am more concerned with rain and ice than snow. Having had several BMW M cars on narrower winter tires, I was never satisfied with winter performance. The cars understeered terribly and felt sloppy. On my 2002 A6 4.2 with sport, I ran OEM wheels and OEM size winter tires (255 wide) and the Dunlop Winter M2's on that car handled rain better than the stock Continentals. I NEVER had any difficuly with the 255 wide winter tire. Of course, I didn't face deep snow either.

My wife drives a 2002 BMW X5 4.6 with 18"x8.5" winter wheels and 265/55/18 winter tires and never had a problem. (These are 10mm wider than BMW recommended but 255 were not available at time of order. The 265's work fine.) I will admit that the 18" wheels vs. 20" summer wheels make a BIG difference.

I understand the theory of narrower tires having less difficulty building snow barriers as they roll but, in my opinion, the trade off in overall performance of narrower tires isn't worth it to me. Again, I don't have deep snow so this may be the reason for my experience.

In my opinion, a 225 wide tire on an 8.5" wheel is too narrow. It may or may not fit per the tire manufactures specification but (1) the tire will not "ballon" out over the edge of the wheel making road damage more likely, (2) I don't like the look of a narrow tire on a wide wheel because I like the "ballon" look and (3) Audi does not recommend it.

So, for me, it's OEM sizes all year round on all my cars.

By the way, my local Costco has a Hunter tire mounter capable of mounting low profile (at least 35 series) tires on 20+" wheels. They charge $16 per wheel to mount and balance whether or not you purchase tires or wheels from them. (They don't carry Dunlop or a wheel to fit the RS6 so I didn't purchase from them. Their tire prices are competitive with Tire Rack after shipping and Costco includes Road Hazard at no additional charge.) Once mounted, they will remove/install summer/winter wheels/tires at no charge for Costco members. So, twice a year, we load wheels/tires into the X5 and head to Costco for wheel/tire changes. I don't get my hands dirty and my wife stocks up on paper towels while I wait. Our local Costco is first class. Worth every penny of their membership fee.

I hope this helps. Please remember, this is just one man's opinions after the lessons of seven cars and eight winters in Portland, Oregon. Your experience may be different. I moved here from Dallas, Texas. Quite the change for winter weather...

Bob

rs6w
October 11th, 2003, 19:22
On the AudiWorld RS6 forum ronal is offering up some winter wheel/tire combos. They too admit that there are very few wheels that will clear the RS6 brakes. ( They only have 3 wheels that will clear them, the R39,R38 in 18" fitment and LZ's in 19")

GmbHouse
October 13th, 2003, 22:45
I just bought a set of 225/45/18 M3's for my OEM wheels from Tire Rack with no qualms from the salesman about fit.