The car is a 2002 B5.5 GLX 4Motion Wagon, stock suspension, 100K miles. Original alloys are "Road America" 7Jx16 ET37, running 205/55/16. The wheels are looking scruffy, the tires are tired, and I think a rear wheel got bent this winter (vibration in the "seat" at 75-80 MPH - could just be a thrown wheel weight).
For a face lift, yesterday I picked up a nice used set of "Flared 5 Spoke" 7Jx16 ET45 alloys, that came off a 2002 Audi A6 Quattro, complete with good 215/55/16 rubber. Mounted them up, and I like the look. No rubs, lock to lock.
Here is my question. The offset change is +8, and the change from 205 to 215 means that my in-board clearances are further reduced. Again, no rubs observed. But still I wonder, would I somehow be better off if I installed 8mm spacers? Better tracking / handling? Better to have more inboard clearance? Better looking? Or would adding spacers simply be overkill?
FWIW, I have no desire for ride height changes, but I will soon replace the original shocks with Koni FSD, re-using the stock springs. All advice appreciated.
For a face lift, yesterday I picked up a nice used set of "Flared 5 Spoke" 7Jx16 ET45 alloys, that came off a 2002 Audi A6 Quattro, complete with good 215/55/16 rubber. Mounted them up, and I like the look. No rubs, lock to lock.
Here is my question. The offset change is +8, and the change from 205 to 215 means that my in-board clearances are further reduced. Again, no rubs observed. But still I wonder, would I somehow be better off if I installed 8mm spacers? Better tracking / handling? Better to have more inboard clearance? Better looking? Or would adding spacers simply be overkill?
FWIW, I have no desire for ride height changes, but I will soon replace the original shocks with Koni FSD, re-using the stock springs. All advice appreciated.