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 18×9 / 18×9-inch Enkei RPF1 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Enkei 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 Enkei RPF1 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Enkei RPF1 on the Audi S3 Premium Plus 2016
I walked around this S3 last week and the setup stopped me in my tracks. Running 18x9 all around gives this platform a square, aggressive look that factory wheels just cannot touch. That 35 offset pushes the wheels right to the edge of the fenders for a flush finish.
The Enkei RPF1 is a legendary piece of kit, but fitting them on an S3 takes some finesse. You need to watch your hub bore size, so make sure you grab the right centering rings. We noticed the 35 offset clears the front brake calipers perfectly without needing a spacer.
Because you are rocking 18x9 wide barrels, you get that iconic flat-face look that makes the RPF1 famous. The spoke design gives you plenty of clearance for the S3 brake setup. It looks purposeful and light, which fits the personality of this car.
Lowering springs tighten up that wheel gap significantly, but they also change your geometry. We saw how the drop brings the tire shoulder closer to the fender liner. You have to be careful with your alignment specs here.
With an 18x9 plus 35 setup, you will see a bit of poke at the top of the arch. If you go too meaty with your tire choice, you might catch the plastic liner on big bumps. Keep your rubber profile sensible to avoid any nasty rubbing issues.
The Silver finish pops against the factory paint and keeps the curb weight down. It creates a classic race-car vibe that screams function over form. I really love how these wheels handle the road presence on this specific chassis.
Keep a close eye on your inner clearance when you turn the wheel to lock. This setup is right at the limit of what fits without heavy modification. If you run a stiff enough spring, you should have no trouble on the street.
What We Recommend for Audi S3 Premium Plus 2016 Owners
If you want to replicate this look, stick to an 18-inch diameter. It offers the perfect balance of tire sidewall for compliance and aesthetic proportion for the S3 body. Going to 19s often ruins the ride quality on these platforms.
A square setup is the way to go for handling balance. We always recommend 18x8.5 or 18x9 for the best results. It allows you to rotate your tires and keeps the Quattro system happy.
Aim for an offset between 35 and 45 for a flush look. Anything lower than 35 will poke too much and ruin your fender paint with road debris. Anything higher than 45 starts to look tucked and weak.
Avoid excessive tire stretch if you actually drive the car hard. We prefer a square tire profile that protects the rim edge from potholes. A 235 or 245 width tire is the sweet spot for an 18x9 rim on this car.
Don't skip the alignment after you drop the car on springs. If you don't dial in your camber, you will eat through tires in a single season. Get a professional shop to set it up right.
Style and Build Analysis
The Silver RPF1 finish is timeless for a reason. It reflects the light in a way that highlights the intricate spokes without looking gaudy. It feels like a throwback to the golden era of Japanese tuner culture.
This car looks fast even when it is sitting still. The 18x9 wheels fill the arches just enough to communicate serious intent. It lacks the overdone aggression of wider body kits, keeping the S3 clean and classy.
We see a lot of builds with heavy, chrome wheels that kill the performance. This owner clearly prioritized weight and responsiveness. You can tell they actually drive the car in the canyons.
The proportions here are spot on for a daily driver. It is not so low that you break your oil pan, and not so tucked that it looks stock. It is the perfect middle ground for a street build.
Compared to other S3s we have featured, this one stands out for its restraint. It uses simple, proven parts to achieve a cohesive aesthetic. Sometimes, the most basic choices create the most striking results.
Why We Love This Build
This Audi S3 hits the sweet spot between an OEM-plus daily and a weekend warrior. The silver finish catches the sunset, while the 18x9 stance gives the car a broad, planted look that demands attention. It feels honest, fast, and incredibly well-put-together.
When you see this car rolling down the highway, you know the owner values the driving experience above everything else. It reminds us why we fell in love with this hobby in the first place. This is exactly how an S3 should sit.
Stop overthinking your wheel choice and just bolt on a set of RPF1s. This build proves that classic styling never goes out of fashion. Your car deserves this upgrade today.
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: Enkei RPF1
- Wheel Size: 18×9 / 18×9
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Silver
- Tires: Hankook Ventus V2 Concept 2 245/40 25.7″x9.6″ / 245/40 25.7″x9.6″
- Suspension: Lowering Springs
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 18×9 / 18×9-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 18×9 / 18×9-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
