How can I tell which alloys will be compatible with my 2006 A3 8P?

[vulpi]

Hi,

I'm looking to replace the existing wheels on my 2006 A3 8P, but as the title says, I don't know how to work out which ones will be compatible.

What should I be looking for?

Thanks very much in advance,

vulpi

[Sam]

You're looking for wheels with a PCD/bolt pattern of 5x112, an ET/offset of 45 to 50 and a centre bore of 57.1.

Most of the newer VAG range will physically fit but pay attention to the offsets.

If you're looking to go bigger, then your current tyre size and wheel width will help us to advise further.

[vulpi]

Thanks for getting back so quickly, Sam.

Totally forgot to put in my current wheel details - duh...!

Current tyres are 205 55 R 16 V, and on your other point, yeah, I'd be looking to go a bit bigger, possibly to 18.

Thanks

vulpi

[Sam]

Perfect, thanks.

Your current wheels are probably 16 x 6.5j with an ET of 50 but without seeing what wheels they are, don't believe the advice given by some dashingly handsome chap on the internet without verifying it yourself - stamped on the reverse of the wheel is all the info you'd need to verify.

18s should be fitted with 225/40/18 tyres.

Some A3s came with (optional) 18" wheels (18x7.5j ET46 with 225/40/18 tyres) so they'd be my first choice. Assuming the above wheel dimensions are correct, the inner edge will sit ~9mm further towards the strut and the outer edge will poke out an additional 17mm so check you have sufficient clearance and that they won't protrude past the wheel arches first.

Otherwise, as long as you remain within similar tolerances, you should be fine. Double check everything first though.

If you find a set of wheels, post them up here and someone will be able to let you know whether they'd fit without issues.

[vulpi]

Right, thanks again, Dashingly Handsome Internet Chap, I'll look on the reverse of the wheel to confirm exactly what I have now.

I've already been looking on ebay for alloys - is there anywhere in particular that's better? I'm not looking for something pristine or brand new - the car itself is 9 years old - just something better looking than the ones I have now.

[Scott K]

Watch the centre bore, newer models are 66.6 on the A4/5/6 but 57.1 on previous models. There will be a long number on the back of the alloy on the spokes, something like 8E0 625 025 AH. You can google this and it will show the specs. Ronal and Speedline are 2 who manufacture alloys for Audi.

[vulpi]

Hi guys,

After having to postpone my search for new wheels for a while, I finally got back onto it.

My current wheels are 16", 6.5J X 16, ET 50, and Centre Bore of 57.1 Audi Code 8PO 601 025 AA.

My ideal wheels would be these VMR708s (http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/2006-a3-sportback-from-canada.75915/) - the style and colour in those pics are perfect, but they're miles outside my budget.

So I found these on ebay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221834624704?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT). The colour's not quite right - bit too 'nickel' / 'gold' and they have a CB of 66.6.

So, colour aside, on the Centre Bore, I've read that I can put 66.6 CB wheels, if I use a spigot?

Can any of you guys comment on whether that's normal / advisable?

Thanks

[Sam]

I found these on ebay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221834624704?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT). The colour's not quite right - bit too 'nickel' / 'gold' and they have a CB of 66.6.

So, colour aside, on the Centre Bore, I've read that I can put 66.6 CB wheels, if I use a spigot?

Can any of you guys comment on whether that's normal / advisable?

Thanks

I can't see your quoted bore on that listing at all, have you verified that with the seller? Do you have an ET for those wheels too, just to be doubly sure?

From personal experience, if you can't find the wheels you want to fit the hub size you have, a spigot ring is fine.

[vulpi]

I can't see your quoted bore on that listing at all, have you verified that with the seller?

Yeah, you're right Sam, they didn't list the CB - I had to contact them to find out, so yeah, they've verified it's 66.6.


Do you have an ET for those wheels too, just to be doubly sure?

Good catch, I didn't confirm the ET with them, but I will.

I did see a nearly identical set with an ET of 45 - which comes under the range you mentioned earlier in this thread (45-50).


From personal experience, if you can't find the wheels you want to fit the hub size you have, a spigot ring is fine.

Good stuff, thanks for confirming!