GWMs3

This is more of a public service announcement than a "please help me" post. Yes, I should have known better, especially for winter wheel setup. Just want to help someone avoid the problems I've run into. That is unless someone mounted tires to these wheels and had no issue

Purchased some IPW RS3 style wheels & winter tires for my '16 S3 w/19" wheel package. However I test fit and found an issue with clearance.

* Tires that were to be mounted 245/40 18 Blizzak WS80


Here are the stock wheel specs.

IPW specs (Part # 628-FGMF1885.35-5X112)

The vehicle is stock height with 10K on it. The issue is pictured below. Clearance looks to be less of an issue in the rear, but the front scares me.

















I'm currently looking for 8.5" wheels with a 45mm offset or 8" wheel w/ 35mm offset.

If anyone has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated

TSHong

The fronts do look close. Depends if you can exchange the wheels for a different offset? Can you test fit a tire on the wheel and check?

GWMs3

I think I may have a tire mounted tomorrow and then update. I'be been looking at a million pictures of S3's with different wheels and it may not be as bad as first thought. I have had a number of different vehicles with plenty of wheel options and this is the first time I've been concerned.

I will update with pictures as soon as I have a tire mounted Friday afternoon.

TSHong

Test fitting is the best way to go. I think it really depends on the profile of the specific tire. Good Luck. I think it will work out.

GWMs3

Well, I'm glad to say I'm surprised that they indeed do fit. Still not ideal in my opinion, but it is all in the tire profile as you pointed out. Which are a Blizzak WS80 245/40 18.

Thank you for your words of encouragement, I appreciate it. I'll update with pictures when all are fitted to the vehicle.

GWMs3

Well, here's the finished product ...

TSHong

A lot of people like that aggressive look including myself. I'm glad it worked out for you.

I'm here in ATL and I don't think I've sold a set more than 2 or three sets in over 25 years.

Doc@tirerack

ET35 is a little tight to the fender (obviously) and may rub if you bottom out the car on a big bump or pothole. We normally hover around ET45 for an 8.5" wide wheel. I'm sure you were given centering rings for the larger center bore (?)

GWMs3

Yup, I did get aluminum centering rings. I haven't had any rubbing issues thus far with just under 800 miles on the setup. I'll update if I have any issues down the road.