About This Audi S3 Premium Plus 2016 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Audi S3 Premium Plus 2016 sits on a set of 19×8.5 / 19×8.5-inch Aodhan AFF7 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Aodhan for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Audi S3 Premium Plus builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the Aodhan AFF7 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Aodhan AFF7 on the Audi S3 Premium Plus 2016
I walked up to this S3 at the meet and immediately noticed the stance. Running the Aodhan AFF7 in a 19x8.5 square setup changes the whole vibe of the MQB platform. It is a clean, aggressive look that avoids the usual over-the-top poke.
The +35 offset sits right at the edge of the fender line. You get that flush look without needing a sledgehammer for the wheel wells. It fills the space perfectly while keeping the lines sharp.
I checked the clearance on those front calipers closely. The AFF7 design offers plenty of room, so you do not need spacers to clear the factory S3 brakes. Everything bolts up tight against the hub.
The flow-formed barrel feels solid and reduces unsprung weight compared to heavy cast wheels. That matters when you are pushing this car through the twisties. The spokes reach right to the edge, making the wheel look larger than a standard 19-inch hoop.
Since this owner installed coilovers, the ride height dropped just enough to kill the wheel gap. You have to watch your alignment specs here, though. If you go too low, you might rub the fender liner on big bumps.
We see a lot of people mess up the hub bore, but these fit the Audi 57.1mm center bore like a glove. No wobbles or vibrations at highway speeds. It feels planted and predictable in every corner.
The 8.5-inch width is the sweet spot for the 2016 S3. Anything wider would force you to sacrifice your steering geometry or add camber you do not want. This is a functional setup built for driving.
What We Recommend for Audi S3 Premium Plus 2016 Owners
If you want this look, stay away from crazy aggressive offsets. A +35 to +40 offset is your best friend on the 8.5-inch wide wheel. Anything lower than +30 will just ruin your fenders and tire life.
We always suggest a square setup for these cars. You want to rotate your tires to keep the Quattro system happy. Staggered setups on an S3 just add unnecessary understeer to a car that already pushes enough.
Do not cheap out on your rubber. Get a sticky tire that has a slight rim protector built into the sidewall. A 235/35/19 tire fits this wheel width perfectly and keeps your speedometer accurate.
If you plan to slam the car, prepare to roll your front fenders slightly. Most owners get by without it, but one nasty pothole could grab that fender lip. Keep your alignment shop on speed dial.
Avoid buying spacers if you can help it. They just add extra stress to your wheel bearings and hubs over time. Dial in the fitment with the right wheel specs from day one.
Style and Build Analysis
The bronze finish against this specific body color is a masterclass in contrast. It pops without looking like a toy. Most people choose black or silver, but bronze adds a race-inspired edge that draws your eye immediately.
The AFF7 spoke geometry is sophisticated yet simple. The thin, straight lines elongate the wheel and emphasize the scale of the brakes. It feels like a piece of high-end industrial design parked on the asphalt.
The stance makes the car look wider than it actually is. By pushing the wheels out to the edge, the S3 looks like it has been hitting the gym. It sits with purpose and intent.
We have seen hundreds of Audis, but this one finds the perfect balance. It is not trying too hard to be a track car, yet it looks ready for a circuit day. It bridges the gap between show car and daily driver.
The proportions are spot on for the 2016 model year. Some wheels make these cars look dated, but the AFF7 keeps the aesthetic fresh and modern. It looks like it could have rolled off the showroom floor this way.
Why We Love This Build
Seeing this S3 in the morning light was a highlight of my week. The way the bronze finish catches the sun while the tires tuck just under the fender is pure perfection. It is a build that commands respect without shouting for attention.
You can tell the owner cared about the details. Every turn of the wrench resulted in a car that looks faster standing still than most do at full tilt. It makes you want to grab your keys and find the nearest canyon road.
This is exactly how an Audi S3 should look when you do it right. It is crisp, clean, and absolutely mean. Get this setup and never look back.
Full Specs Breakdown
Here is exactly what this owner is running. We break down every detail so you can replicate this build or use it as a starting point for your own setup.
- Car Make & Model: Audi S3 Premium Plus 2016
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Aodhan AFF7
- Wheel Size: 19×8.5 / 19×8.5
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Bronze
- Tires: Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 255/35 26″x10″ / 255/35 26″x10″
- Suspension: Coilovers
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Audi S3 Premium Plus owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 19×8.5 / 19×8.5-inch wheels fit my Audi S3 Premium Plus? Yes, but fitment depends on width, offset, and tire size working together. A wrong offset means rubbing. A wrong tire size means poor handling. Always verify all three.
Do I need to modify my fenders? That depends on your offset and suspension. A conservative offset with stock ride height usually fits without modification. Go aggressive and you may need to roll or pull your fenders.
Can I daily-drive this setup? Absolutely. Thousands of Audi S3 Premium Plus owners run 19×8.5 / 19×8.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
