About This Audi S3 Premium Plus 2017 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Audi S3 Premium Plus 2017 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 2017
I walked around this S3 for ten minutes just to soak in the lines. Putting 18x9 Enkei RPF1s with a +35 offset on an MQB chassis changes everything. That extra width pushes the stance right to the edge of the fenders.
The +35 offset is aggressive for a stock body S3. You get a serious poke that gives the car a wide-track look. It fills the arches perfectly without looking like a cartoon.
Clearance on the front calipers is always a worry with these cars. Thankfully, the RPF1 face design clears the S3 stoppers with room to spare. You will not need any spacers to keep these wheels spinning freely.
The hub bore fits the Audi platform like a glove. We always recommend a high-quality hub-centric ring to keep vibrations out of your steering wheel. Do not skip this step or you will hate the highway drive.
The barrel lip on the 9-inch wide version shows off that classic Enkei look. It creates a deep, purposeful aesthetic that really highlights the lightweight construction. Every gram of weight saved here improves your turn-in response immediately.
Because the car sits on lowering springs, the geometry gets a bit tighter. The reduced fender gap looks killer, but you need to watch your alignment. A little extra negative camber will save your paint from rubbing during hard cornering.
Keep an eye on the fender liner screws in the front arches. A nine-inch wheel at +35 can bite into the plastic on big bumps. A quick fender screw mod will give you all the clearance you need to drive hard.
What We Recommend for Audi S3 Premium Plus 2017 Owners
If you want this exact look, you have to commit to a square setup. Running 18x9 all around gives you the best tire rotation options. It keeps the Quattro system happy and puts the power down effectively.
For tire choice, we suggest a 245/35 or 255/35 setup. You get a nice, square sidewall that protects the rim. It also fills that gap between the tire and the fender perfectly.
Avoid going lower than a +35 offset unless you want to pull your fenders. You want the wheels to sit flush, not look like a drift car. The goal is a clean, factory-plus appearance that turns heads.
Do not cheap out on the tires if you run this aggressive offset. You need a tire with a rounded shoulder to avoid rubbing. A stiff sidewall will also help you handle the extra width on twisty back roads.
Watch your total wheel weight when you shop for tires. The S3 is a quick car, but heavy rubber kills the RPF1's main benefit. Keep your unsprung weight low to preserve that snappy, agile Audi feel.
Style and Build Analysis
The Silver finish on these RPF1s is the definition of timeless. It pops against the S3 paint like nothing else. You see the detail in the spokes from fifty feet away.
This design pulls from decades of racing heritage. It makes the modern S3 look like a serious track weapon. The proportions feel balanced and intentional, rather than just bolted on.
I love how the silver catches the light during sunset. It keeps the car looking clean and professional while maintaining that enthusiast edge. It is a classy choice that never goes out of style.
Compared to the typical black wheel builds we see, this stands out. Silver wheels allow you to see the actual shape of the spokes and the barrel. It makes the car look lighter on its feet.
The stance is aggressive but functional. You can tell this car gets driven hard on the weekends. It strikes the perfect balance between show-ready and track-ready.
Why We Love This Build
This S3 stops us in our tracks because it keeps things simple. The silver RPF1s breathe new life into the Audi design, making it feel lighter and faster just sitting there. We love the way the wheels tuck just slightly under the fenders as the light hits the metallic finish.
It is the kind of build that makes you look back every time you walk away. The car feels complete, purposeful, and ready for any canyon road you throw at it. If you want to transform your daily driver, this is the blueprint.
This is how you build an S3 properly. Just go do it.
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 2017
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Enkei RPF1
- Wheel Size: 18×9 / 18×9
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Silver
- Tires: Continental Extreme Contact Dws06 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.
