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 twenty minutes yesterday, and the 18x9 Enkei RPF1 setup is pure perfection. Running that square 18x9 configuration with a +35 offset completely transforms the factory stance. It pushes the wheels right to the edge of the fenders without looking like a monster truck.
The +35 offset is aggressive, but it clears the S3 front calipers with room to spare. You don't need spacers here, which is a massive win for hub-centric integrity. The wheel sits exactly where it needs to be to dominate the wheel arch.
Because the car sits on coilovers, the geometry stays tight and responsive. We noticed the fender gap is non-existent, leaving just enough room for the suspension to cycle. It is a precise balance between show and go.
The RPF1 barrel lip depth gives the car a purposeful, track-ready aesthetic that stock wheels just lack. The thin, iconic spokes open up the visual profile of the car. It makes the brakes pop rather than hiding them behind a flat face.
You need to watch out for the inner fender liner at the front. With this width and offset, you might get a light rub on full lock during hard cornering. A quick heat gun session on the liners usually solves that headache instantly.
The hub bore on these wheels fits the Audi center perfectly with the right rings. Everything bolts on tight and stays vibration-free at highway speeds. It is a clean, bolt-on solution for an enthusiast who hates dealing with custom machining.
This setup proves that you do not need oversized wheels to make an S3 look aggressive. The 18-inch diameter keeps the rotating mass low and the handling sharp. It is the gold standard for daily driving combined with weekend canyon runs.
What We Recommend for Audi S3 Premium Plus 2017 Owners
If you want to replicate this look, stick to the 18x9 square setup. It allows you to rotate your tires, which saves you a fortune in the long run. Staggered setups on these Quattro cars often cause more headaches with the diff than they are worth.
Don't chase the offset too far past +35 unless you enjoy replacing wheel bearings. We see guys try to push +25 or lower and they end up destroying their fenders. Keep it tucked just enough to remain functional and fast.
Choose your tire size wisely to avoid excessive rub. A 235 or 245 width tire is the sweet spot for an 18x9 wheel on this platform. It gives you a nice, square sidewall that protects the rim from nasty potholes.
Avoid buying cheap, mystery-brand spacers if you decide you need a tweak. Only run high-quality, hub-centric spacers if you absolutely have to clear a big brake kit. Most of the time, the RPF1 clears everything just fine on its own.
Stop overthinking the wheel weight and start focusing on the tire compound. A lighter wheel like the RPF1 only helps if you match it with a high-performance tire. Put on a set of sticky rubber and you will instantly feel the difference in turn-in response.
Style and Build Analysis
The Silver finish on these RPF1s is timeless and works with every factory S3 paint color. It provides a sharp, metallic contrast against the body lines of the 2017 model. It looks clean, professional, and avoids the "tuner" cliches of matte black wheels.
The design of the RPF1 is legendary for a reason. Its thin spokes create a weightless look that makes the Audi feel agile and light on its feet. It avoids the heavy, bulky look of modern factory alloys that come on the Premium Plus trim.
I love how the wheels make the S3 look like it belongs on a racing circuit. The proportions fill the arches perfectly, giving the car a squat, predatory stance. It screams that the owner cares about performance over vanity.
When you park this next to a stock S3, the difference is night and day. The stock wheels look tucked and timid compared to this aggressive offset. This build feels planted and ready to attack the next set of twisties.
We have seen plenty of S3 builds, but this one hits the mark because it stays focused. It avoids the gaudy, over-styled aftermarket wheels that ruin the Audi's sophisticated design language. It is subtle, classy, and incredibly mean when it hits the pavement.
Why We Love This Build
This Audi S3 build stops us in our tracks because it is brutally honest. The Silver Enkei RPF1s catch the morning light and make the car look like a precision instrument. The stance is dialed in so tight that it feels like the car is gripping the road just by sitting there. It is the perfect marriage of Japanese racing heritage and German engineering.
We love that the owner didn't try to reinvent the wheel. They chose a classic design that respects the S3 platform while maximizing every ounce of performance. This car is built to be driven hard, not just polished at a car show. If you want a setup that commands respect, this is your blueprint. Go get it done.
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: Westlake Sa07 Sport 245/35 24.8″x9.6″ / 245/35 24.8″x9.6″
- 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 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.
