Time to bite the bullet and pay up for a winter set-up for my 2011 S4.
I've been doing a lot of research / price checking and it seems sticking with the stock 245/40/R18 is the way to go. One shop has said 17" will fit and said he has done many similar cars, all others I've spoken to say 18" is the minimum.
Likely going to go with Dunlop Wintersport D3's and Moda MD14 rims. Delivered to the US for $1600, so near enough $2,000 once I pick them up and pay duty (6% ?) and 13% HST
If a 17" package will fit, I can get the D3's (225/50/R17) & rims for $1600 all in, so a decent saving, but would I be giving up anything over the stock size (load carrying, performance etc etc)?
I did look on the Canadian sites (1010tires, Tiretrends etc) but the prices were all coming in much higher than Tirerack.
Was also given an option of 235/45/R18. This would be Dunlops but the M3, I guess the older version. We've had those tires on my wife's car for several years and they've been good, but they're H-rated vs the V-rated D3's. Save about $200 with this option. - Worthwhile?
Is the slightly narrower tire & higher sidewall a good option for winter use?
Any comments about the D3 and M3 tires? Also considered Michelin PA3 and Pirelli Sottozero's but was advised to go with the Dunlops
If I go with the narrower tires, should I change the offset of the wheels? +45 and +35 are both recommended on tirerack.com - what's the difference and does it matter which I pick with either tire size?
Cheers!
