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Comments
http://www.quattroclubusa.org/news/2001/newa4/
and new A6's (slightly different from the current A6 bodystyle).
http://www.quattroclubusa.org/news/2001/newa6/
Billy
I can't figure out how to link to this because the web address stays the same for every sub-page, but it's at www.clairparts.com
go to accessories, then audi, then a4 1.8, sedan, 2001, then finally wheels. is the 9 spoke wheel listed as AUDI OEM RS4 STYLE WHEEL the exact same rim as ony my 2001.5 17" sport tire? If so, it's close to $200 cheaper than what Audi parts charges for it. If this is the same tire, why would anybody purchase it from an Audi dealer?
I've seen those RS4 rims that they've got listed on their web-site and I believe that they are the same rims that come with the '01.5 sport pkg but to make sure, I'd call them. If that isn't the exact same wheel, they'll probably be able to get it for you for a lot less than your local dealership. They have a toll free number (1-800-354-5100), just make sure you call that number during business hours so that you'll be talking to an internet parts person. If you get the right person, they can be really helpful. The times I've called, they answered all my questions curteously and professionally.
If I were in your shoes, I'd buy a non-Audi wheel for your summer wheels and use the scratched ones for winter because during the winter you're more apt to get even more scratches. Go to the AudiWorld wheel and tire forum and describe your problem and see if there are other wheels that are more resistant to curb bumpage or that have more recessed edges. Or call Eddie at Tirerack (1-800-428-8355 ext.369) and ask him what he recommends.
I think I already gave you the web-site for Wheel Collision Center, did't I? ...let me see if I can find it again. Okay, here it is http://www.wheelcollision.com/index.html
I thought about your last suggestion, but just don't have the money to buy 4 new rims. I'll probably buy one for now, and keep a scratched spare in the trunk for awhile. Both scratched rims will eventually make their way to the wheel collision center or some place like it, but I want to play it safe, and put new rims on my car rather than refinished ones which may possibly never look perfect again.
I see another potential problem with your suggestion - winter tire selection for 17" rims probably isn't great, from the limited research i've done. If i'm going to throw down well over $1K for another set of tires and rims, i want good snow performance. As it is, I'm still under the (perhaps delusional) belief that I can brave next winter with my sport tires. If I do purchase a whole new set, it'll be smaller rims and the best reasonably priced snow tires I can find. What do you think?
As far as wheel scratches, I guess I will just have to be that much more careful with my car, and treat it with more respect. Has anybody else on this board had problems with sport rims?
I guess my question would be, if it's that easy to scratch the rims you have, wouldn't it be sort of frustrating to keep buying new rims everytime they get new curb rash? ...jeez, I don't know what I'd do if I were you. Man, I guess I should be glad that I have the 15" high profile "big" tires that the non-sport pkg have--I've bumped the curb once in the back and put a nice "graze" in the sidewall of the tire that is hardly noticeable after rubbing on it a litte but I'm sure if I had your rims, I'd have had damaged the wheel.
I don't know, crud, I'm sure you have't been treating your car "disrespectfully" --I mean, you can drive as carefully as you can and still, in a moment of inattentiveness, bump a curb now and then. It happens to even the most skillful drivers, believe me. I don't know what to say but I guess it's the price you pay for having those nice looking wheels.
Emm.....I wouldn't recommend you to drive in the snow with sports tires.....you got to get snow tires for the winter. By the way, what brand and what model are the ones that come with your 17" rims? Pirelli P6000's?
I have seen quite a bit of people both on AudiWorld and here in Chicago that have Dunlop SP5000's.....they're ultra high performance tires yet they also qualify as all-seasons that provide relatively OK winter traction. Of course no way can one tire deliver both excellent dry and snow performances, but that SP5000 is a good compromise. Might want to check them out, I think they are available in 17" sizes but it's 235 on the width.
About the RS4 rims, sorry I don't have enough time now to check the Clair website but the geniune RS4 wheels are NOT the same as the sports 2001.5 A4 wheels. The RS4 wheels have receded centers but the 2001.5 A4 sport wheels don't. The RS4 wheels are also 18". BUT I will definitely, like Scirocco said, call them up and see if those are the same (maybe they're the same, maybe it's just the way they call them) or they can find the real A4 2001.5 sport wheels for ya.
Good luck and sorry to hear that!
4,630 miles without any glitches.....and maybe it's about time to schedule my 5k service since it takes most people 2 weeks to schedule an appointment :<
Billy
...got this from the Clair site. Does this look like the '01.5 sport rim? Difficult to tell from the pic but it's awfully close.
...here's a better pic of the RS4 rim. IMO, it sure looks like the '01.5 sport rim. And it's size is in fact 7.5" x 17" but in this pic there does seem to be a slight indention in the middle as Billy mentioned so I don't know...
"These 17"-inch, nine-spoke alloy wheels are an exclusive offering designed by Audi AG's performance and tuning division, quattro GmbH. Features a durable silver finish and uses factory-fit wheel bolts. No adapters or additional wheel bolts are required."
So my conclusion is that I agree with Billy that these are not the same rims that come with the '01.5 sport pkg. Your wheels are almost completely flat, right crud? These RS4 replicas, as Billy mentioned, have slightly recessed centers.
Interesting article that I ran across while researching this:
http://www.evo.co.uk/news/newsdetail.asp?id=89&page=h
...so maybe you don't want the RS4 rims or even their replicas, crud! lol
oh, hang on a sec... on that same thread over on AW yesterday, someone asked and had that same question answered. Here's the start of complete theread if you guys haven't already read it:
http://forums.audiworld.com/a4/msgs/602373.phtml
...so after all this, the answer is NO, the RS4 wheel (or its replica in a 17" size) isn't the same wheel on the '01.5 sport package! whew! lol
I'll have to go take a close look at my tire to see if the centers are flat or recessed. I'm thinking a call to Clair Parts with my VIN number might be my safests bet though. I'll let you guys know happens later this week.
And talking about THAT RS4 coming to US.....mmmm wouldn't that be something. Why do we US drivers always get cheated by auto mfgs for fast cars like the RS4 or Nissan Skyline or the Japan spec Mitsubishi Evo VII or Japan spec Subaru STi.....I guess only BMW noticed that we want to have the same original cars so they brought it an almost similar E46 M3.....OK emission laws ate up a few ponnies but still a mighty fast 333hp beast.
Billy
I love that car.
I was doing 70mph on a stretch from Chicago to Michigan City, IN for about an hour. Hey don't look at me like that.....cop car was doing 70 and there's no way in hell I will pass that cruiser (and nobody did). I got something like 33mpg.
Oh yeah, we can show those SUV drivers what an AWD CAR can do, AWD and excellent mileage.
Billy
Yeah the one thing I like about German cars is that they have excellent high speed handling. Bet a lot of research was spent on wind tunnels. American car companies didn't do that I guess and once I was driving a rental Mustang and man it's not fun playing with the steering at 90mph. At some point there was enough crosswind I thought I was going to be lifted up and blown to the side of the highway.
Billy
Yep, I feel like I am driving two different cars when I go to work(8AM ~70F) and when I head home(6PM ~97F).
Just for this, I am planning to return the car when the lease ends around Dec ,2001. I want to get the 3.0 engine next, but am not really brave enough to test out a brand new engine!
Black_tulip, yeah I wouldn't try that engine out especially there are rumors over at AudiWorld they're delaying the debut of the 3.0 engine because of production problems, etc.
Mingdeng, sorry to hear about that vacuum loss. Heard that reported before at AudiWorld (www.audiworld.com) and it's surely frustrated that the car won't start or people loses turbo cuz of no boost coming from the turbo. I guess get it fixed, and keep an eye out, and if you got problems again within a year, you might be able to use the lemon law and claim it's a lemon. By the way how many miles you got in the month-old car? Mine is about 3.5 months old and 4650 miles, and touch wood it's still running like a champ. Good luck!!!
Billy
The center cap for the 2001.5 sport 17" rims are receded, but I'm saying the area around the center cap (like around 2-3 inches out) should not. The recession about 2-3 inches from the cap on the 18" RS4 rims is VERY pronounced. I guess the best way to find out is, drive to any Audi dealership and check out the 17" rims on the existing sports rims. IF they're the same as yours, you are fine. I highly doubt they have the 17" version of the European RS4 wheels on yours. Another way to do it is, take a picture and post it here. We can then definitely tell ya if that's the normal 17" rims.
Just relax.....I think you are fine.
Billy
My hunch is that those RS4 replica wheels in the 17" size are your rims but again, I guess you'd just have to consult with Clair or some other dealer to find out for sure.
also, i called clair parts. to verify my rim they need a part number that i can only get from beneath the center cap. i'm hoping that it comes off easy, but will find out tonight. you know, i love how my wheels look, but if i could do it all over again, i would have skipped the sport package. it's not worth the hassle or the added expense (scary thing is, i knew all of this beforehand and went into it with my eyes wide open). oh well, at least my car looks really cool.
However the 2002 S4 is the SAME as a 2001 S4, just to note.
Billy
i am in charlotte, nc area.
thank you
Actually if you refer "4 speed" as the automatic tranny, the automatic tranny is actually a 5-speed automatic with Tiptronic finger shifting on the steering wheel. It's around $1200 ( I think ). Definitely get the 5-speed manual tranny. More fun, faster and cheaper too.
Good luck hunting!!
Billy
what does the price difference look like?
Engine wise, the 1.8T engine will be the same as in 2001.5 and 2002. The V6 engine will get a bump from 2.8L and 190hp to 3.0L and 222hp. Other changes are like rear heated seats will be available as an option, missing oil temp indicator, more VW-like styling *gulp*.
Conflicting opinion as of whether or not picking up the last 2001.5 from the lot will save you $$. Traditionally it would since it's an outgoing styling, but actually more people like the 2001.5 styling than the 2002 (I do). So my opinion will be, between the 2002 actually shows up in dealers and when the 2001.5 stops production, dealer's stock might run low and they might actually raise the price they want to sell, i.e. you have less bargaining power. Just my $0.02.
Billy
Oh, well. It's sunny and my A4 is back in my possession.
What happened Mike?? Got a minor accident? Last time it happened to me I got a rental GrandAm.....very crappy stereo.....which made me realize the Bose is sooooo much better :>
Billy
Billy
Well for my little accident, my insurance company was Progressive and the other party's insurance company is State Farm. My deductible then was $500 and the total cost of the accident was $860. Progressive said they can cut me a check for the difference and told me they'd go after State Farm for the deductible. After asking around, I decided to go after State Farm myself and declined the $360 check. I basically called State Farm every 10 hours and asked them what's teh status, until 2.5 days later their agents got so tired of me they finally got a hold of their own client on a Sunday. After that it's all smooth, so I guess if you want the $$ fast enough, you better go after them yourself.
Oh by the way, I switched to State Farm after that, cuz they offer cheaper rates.
Billy
Progressive is terrible.
mmcbride, sorry to hear that Progressive is slow in the claims department.....with a little push the State Farm agent for the party-at-fault was pretty quick in settling the claims, so I guess, you can try what I did by calling your agent like every 10 hours.
Billy
1. Take a big, deep, cleansing breath
2. Read the post
3. Realize it is an attempt at humor
4. Stop obsessing about these cars
5. Lighten up
no's 4 and 5 can be reversed if you like.
Can you believe the pit crew only spent 5.5 minutes to swap out the entire R8's rear end and the clutchbox, refuel and other stuff?? Wish the dealer's service shops are that quick.
Billy
I (and you for the time being) can only imagine what the 3.0V6 would have been like -- but I think the 2.5TD and the 3.0 V6 (from the perspective of torque) should be close, so I feel reasonably safe to comment.
The 2002's in V6 form (in the US) will have significantly more grunt than the 2001's (of both flavors). I assume the 1.8t for 2002 will be similar in engine feel to the 2001.
The car rides better, subjectively handles better, has higher content and is slightly bigger in all dimensions.
An even greater sense of solidness is apparent when driving the 2002 when compared to the 2001's.
Styling, as always is subjective -- I like the evolution of the concept -- you may not.
As noted this is a new Audi -- totally new, no, much more than a facelift, however.