B6 wheels on a B5... Can it be done?

[mboy]

Looking to put some 17" wheels on my B5, and want OEM looking at least. So been searching on eBay and lots of 7.5x17" 5 spokes, as fitted to a number of B6 A4's are on there.

I know the bolt pattern is the same (5x112), but how do they compare for offset and the centre hole diameter? Car is a 2000X plate 2.5TDi quattro, with 7x16 5 spokes on with 205/55/16 tyres on at the mo. I want to run 17's for the wider tyres, and stiffer sidewalls.

And should I be running 225 or 235 wide on the 17's, space does seem quite tight in the arches already (well tyre is v close to ARB drop link), but then I suppose the RS4 came on 18s with 255 wide tyres!

Please advise...

[fourringsrus]

Mboy , your centre bore will be the same at 57.1, your pcd at 5x112 also the same.
As you pointed out the only issue is the et or offset .The best place to look is a google search on model specific offsets or et.
Another trick would be to find the et figure usually stamped on your own rim somewhere and find out what the et is on the particular rim you fancy.
225 or 235 will also be easier to sort once you know the et figure of both rims.
The RS4 certainly had wide 18 inch rims but also had very low et figure so don't let that cloud your judgement

Stuart

[mboy]

What offset will I need?

Wheels I want to run look like these...



And here is my car, with it's current 7x16's on...

[fourringsrus]

If you look on your rim , maybe behind your centre cap or on the rear face of the spokes you will see what et you should be using.
In reference to the rim you have shown above, these are what I have on my '52 A4 cabriolet ( b6 ) sport, they are on 235 x 17 and if you don't mind hanging on till later this afternoon when the wifey returns , around five o clock , I'll whip one off to get the et from it.
Gorgeous looking b5 by the way

Stuart

[fourringsrus]

From google
A4 '94-2000 5x112 et 35/42
A4 cabby 2002 5x112 et42 on 7x16 215/55 or
et45 on 7.5x17 235/45.
These are from google and not me stating facts, if you have access to the rims to try on first it might be the way to go. My interpretation is that the et 45 rims will be 3mm max closer to the suspension set up than the old wheel

Stuart

[mboy]

Many thanks fourringsrus

Just found this website...

www.willtheyfit.com

Seems that on 235/45 tyres I might be pushing it a bit, but on 225/45 tyres I shouldn't have any issues hopefully. Might be worth me getting some 3mm spacers though if I do go ahead just to move them out in the arches just that little bit.