[Hooplescat]

Hi all

I need some help please - I have just ordered a 2.0 d s line with pan glass, bang and olufsen etc etc

I am really excited about the car, but because of the options I have ordered, there is no cost difference between ordering an s-line with comfort pack and sound pack, and ordering the s-line special edition, which comes with B+O, bluetooth, DAB, electric tailgate - basically the same options, but also with the 5 double spoke 20" off road design wheels...

My problem is that the wheels look absolutely fantastic, but I have read a review that says they are absolutely horrible to drive on. Does anyone have them that could tell me what they are like please? There are none to drive at the dealers.

I am trading a 330d BMW on 19" runflats, and I absolutely hate the hardness of those - but do love the look of these wheels.

I have to finalise my order tomorrow, thanks for any advice...

Matt

 

[evan]

Hey Matt,
I have 20's on my Q5 and they are fantastic...

I dont think Audi would release a car with standard option of 20" if it wasnt a comfortable ride... maybe...

Anyways, i have aftermarket 20" that are a high end rim, but none the less i run Pirelli scorpion asymm's on it and it is awesome... I had mine delivered with the 17's as standard fit, and the difference in handling and road stance and feel is aweseome.

Go for it..!!!

Evam

 

[Hooplescat]

Evan

Thanks for that mate, much appreciated and makes me feel a lot better - do you run 255/45's on it? What do you pay for tyres

Thanks for your help

Matt

 

[Guest]

Hi Matt,

I too got slightly concerned about ordering my Q5 S-line on 20" wheels, but I can assure you my car has the best ride comfort of any car I have owned. As I have said before on here, it is all relative, if you are used to the wishy washy ride of say a Rover 75 then the Q5 ride will seem "quite firm" but I came from a TT and all my other cars have been "sporty" coupes, so I can assure you the ride is absolutely fine.

The exaggerated claims of "back breaking" ride quality are just that "exaggerated", And to be honest I've struggled to find someone who can explain to me in rational terms why having wheel with an extra 1 or 2 inch diameter is going to effect the ride that much anyway....surely its the stiffness of the suspension has far more to do with the ride quality?

Anyway, go for it, I think you will agree the 20 inch wheels really do "finish off" the car nicely.

All the best,

Pete

 

[Guest]

Hi Pete,

I think I can see the confusion regarding the effect of a larger wheel size giving a firmer ride: -

The quoted wheel size (20?) is the size of the alloy hub not the outside diameter of the tyre. Strictly speaking the wheel size is the diameter of the wheel in inches where the beads of the tire seat on the wheel (i.e. excluding the wheel flange).

The outside diameter of the tyre remains the same.

Therefore going to a larger wheel size will result in less rubber (using a lower profile tyre).
As you can imagine the flexing of the rubber sidewall works along with the suspension to absorb bumps from the road surface.

Hope this helps.

 

[evan]

Evan

Thanks for that mate, much appreciated and makes me feel a lot better - do you run 255/45's on it? What do you pay for tyres

Thanks for your help

Matt

Nah mate, i'm running 265/45... Larger tyre with a larger rim 9" instead of 8.5"...

I'm in Australia so price won't mean much to you... but...

If your Tyre guys are anything like in Oz, they are definatley open to a deal... so haggle away brother...

This is a shot of mine with the 20's that i fitted... the shot looks like it needs to be lowered, it really doesnt do justice, i kept the ride height as is to maintain the ride quality, plus i like the height offered as standard...

Ev.

 

[Hooplescat]

Thanks for your help, everyone, you have made me feel a load better.

Pete - same as you I have always had very firm cars - Z4 sport, M3's an amg merc, so I take on board what you say, it should be fine.

Ev - nice car, and great wheels, they really suit the vehicle. I might investigate tyre options and see what I can get away with...

I have ordered the special edition s-line - it comes with 5 x double spoked rims that look real funky as they are quite angled and unusual. The 20" rims really seem to set the car off...

cheers everyone

Matt