19inch wheels

[targa32]

I've had my new Avant Le Mans for a couple of weeks now and I love it but I've a problem with the 19inch wheels.
There seems to be no protection at all from the tyres so the slightest touch of an edge or kerb rips lumps out of the rims.
I'm wondering if its the type of tyre that has been fitted, conti sports I think. I know some tyres offer better rim protection.
Has anyone else found this a problem or am I just clumsy

[bluefoz]

Same car, same wheels, same problem.

In my opinion the very low profile tyres offer very little impact protection (either head on or side on). For what it's worth I had my previous car (5 series with 18" wheels) for 4 years / 90K miles and never had so much as a scratch on any wheel. I've done 4K miles in the Le Mans and two wheels have minor damage - and I don't even recall doing anything that would have caused them.

I really think that even deep potholes are enough to cause them.

My beemer had Dunlop SP9000 that have a really good "shoulder" to protect the rims - whether they do the right size for the A6 I don't know.

The wheels look great when new but scuffing them is really gutting

So if it's any consolation it's not necessarily your driving.

There's always the spare that you could use

[targa32]

Now that I know how easily they are damaged I have been ultra careful and have not done any more damage.

I'll certainly look at different tyres come the time to change them.

[BlackS6]

Just picked up my 08 S6 and noticed that there was no additional charge for either 18" or 19" wheels. Before buying, I inquired why many have 19" and mine came with the 7 "twin-spoke" 18"... The dealer said I could have whichever I wanted but said the 18" had more protection from curb-rash. I went with the 18s and now that I read this, am glad I did. Seems maybe Audi should have placed larger tires on the 19s for more protection.

[msydnor]

Once you go below a 40 seriers tire, no matter what tire you use, you will most likely see more rim damage. Not much you can do other than not hit curbs. There are some tires that are designed to have a slignt extention of rubber new the outer lip of the rim, but that only helps a little. It's one of those things where, if you want to run 19's, accept that you will see rim damage.