I got a set of factory alloy 5 spokes, looks like an 05 A4 wheel with these specs
Rim Width: 7.5 Rim Diameter: 17 Offset: 45,( which I got from matching with some e bay pics,as the guy did'nt know what they came from) with 225/50/17 tires, looking to put on a 97 A4. The guy said he had them on a 2000 A4 and they fit fine, except he needed a spacer because he had larger brake caliper, so I should'nt need anything. I also have a set of 235/45-17 tires, I could put on the rims, would they fit better or pretty close. And can anyone reccomend the best all around good looking 17" tire size that fits these cars with no hassles?

 

225/50R17 is too tall for a B5. You need 225/45R17 for a best fit. 235/45R17 is also too tall, but it may also require a spacer to clear the upper control arms. Best bang for your Buck all-season is still the Conti Extreme Contact DWS. Michelin, Yokohama, and Bridgestone some great tires too, but it really depends on your budget.

 

The guy said he had the 225/50 (25.86 tall) ( which I haven't tried yet)on a 2000 A4 with a spacer to clear the calipers only, said the rear was good, but I tried the 235/45 (25.3 tall) which are a little shorter, and they were seriously close to the rear upper control arm, which makes me wonder if he was bullshitting me to get a sale. I could call him and ask what size spacer he supposedly used. The 225/45 at 24.97 tall is abt. 1/2" shorter than the 235/45, is 1/2" that much of an issue, is i mostly an issue with the rear arm , if so could I use a spacer to squeak by, and what size would I need, also with spacer would the stock lugs still be OK?
Has anyone tried and succeeded with any of these tires. I guess 225/45 is the ultimate size when I get new tires, but for now I'd really hate to not put these to use, since I have them already.
By the way, do we have a tire chart on the site, I would have thought it would be a sticky, anyone know.

 

You'll need new longer lugs with spacers. Check with Achtuning.com for fitment of slavers and lugs.

A 1/2" is a massive difference when dealing with speed sensors. Proper overall diameter is about 634 mm. A 225/50R17 puts you at 657 mm, way too tall. 235/45R17 puts you at 643.5 mm. Still too tall, but much closer. I'd use the 225/45, but you'll need at least 3mm slavers and lugs, which will run you about 150.

 

Ya I called the guy last night, he said 10mm spacers with the 225/50, so I'll use them on my girl's car till they wear and then go with the 225/45 you reccomended to keep the speed sensor working, how much do you think my speedo will be off and what direction. I'll use the 235/45 on my car and I think it might just clear without a spacer, but you think the speedo will be off? Also the 225/45 you say is pretty close to stock height? The 15" stockers I removed were just abt. 25" tall exactly with a tape measure.

 

A taller tire causes the speedometer and odometer to read slow due to the larger rolling circumference. In other words, you'll be traveling faster than your speedo indicates.


225/45R17 is an OE sized tire and puts the rolling diameter at about 634 mm. 25" converts to about 635 mm. The trick with tire sizing is tokeep the overall diameter (and thus the circumference) the same.

Hope this helps.

 

I'll need 3 mm spacers on 225/45 ? , or is that a typo and you meant 3mm on the 235/45 ,
because you mentioned 225 being stock height?

 

Sorry, yes it was a typo. 225/45R17 is sock size.

I meant to type that I would use the 235/45R17 that you mentioned, but it will require a spacer to prevent the wider tread from rubbing the upper control arms. I like to see at least 3mm of space, usually a 3mm spacer is enough to bump out the tire/wheel assembly, but you'll have to measure to be sure.

 

PS I apologized for confusing typos. I have no internet at my house, so I'm stuck typing on a Droid that constantly auto corrects into strange words.