About This Audi S3 Premium Plus 2018 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Audi S3 Premium Plus 2018 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 2018
I walked around this S3 for twenty minutes just soaking in the proportions. Putting 18x9 ET35 Enkei RPF1s on this chassis is a bold move that pays off. That aggressive offset pushes the wheel right to the edge of the fender line.
Most S3 owners play it safe with higher offsets, but this setup demands attention. The 9-inch width fills out the wheel wells perfectly once you drop the car. You get that flush look without needing ridiculous amounts of negative camber.
We checked the brake clearance thoroughly when the car sat on the lift. Those massive stock calipers clear the RPF1 spokes with just enough room to breathe. You do not need spacers to clear the front brakes on this specific wheel design.
The hub bore on these Enkeis fits the Audi center perfectly with the right rings. I love how the barrel depth adds a bit of aggression to the side profile. It makes the car look wider and more planted than the factory sport package.
The lowering springs tighten up that factory wheel gap immediately. You have to watch your tire choice, though, because 255-series rubber might rub under heavy compression. A 245-width tire is the sweet spot for this exact offset.
Watch out for the front fender liners on big dips in the road. I noticed a tiny bit of potential contact if the road gets really rough. If you drive aggressive canyon roads, you might need a slight pull on those front fenders.
This is a functional fitment that does not compromise the handling dynamics of the Quattro system. The weight reduction from these wheels improves the steering response significantly. You can feel the lighter unsprung mass in every sharp corner.
What We Recommend for Audi S3 Premium Plus 2018 Owners
If you want this look, stick to an 18-inch diameter for the best tire selection. Going to 19s often ruins the ride quality on these S3 platforms. You want that extra sidewall for grip and comfort.
Aim for an offset between ET35 and ET45 depending on your tire width. ET35 gives you that aggressive poked look, but ET45 is safer for daily driving. We always suggest a square setup so you can rotate your tires properly.
Avoid running excessive tire stretch unless you are building a pure show car. A mild stretch looks cool, but it ruins your protection against potholes. Keep the rubber squared up to maximize the performance of your S3.
Do not forget to invest in high-quality hub-centric rings before you install these. Cheap plastic rings can cause vibrations at highway speeds that will drive you crazy. Metal rings provide a much tighter, more reliable fitment.
Align the car immediately after installing your springs and new wheels. The S3 is sensitive to alignment specs, and you will chew through tires in a month if you get lazy. Get a professional performance alignment dialed in right away.
Style and Build Analysis
The silver finish on these RPF1s creates a timeless aesthetic against the S3 paint. It feels like a throwback to the classic rally heritage of the brand. Silver wheels always look cleaner than black wheels after a week of driving.
Those iconic six-spoke designs are instantly recognizable at any car meet. The thin spokes highlight the factory brake calipers beautifully. It gives the car an open, airy feeling that contrasts with the heavy, solid look of the body.
This car sits with a perfect, purposeful stance. It avoids the slammed, non-functional look that plagues so many modern builds. Everything looks intentional, like it could have come from the factory this way if Audi wanted to get wild.
The proportions are spot on for the 8V chassis. The wheels do not overwhelm the body, but they definitely define the side profile. It is the perfect balance of form and function for a daily-driven street car.
Every time the sun hits these wheels, the metallic silver pops against the paint. It creates a high-contrast visual that makes the car look faster even when it is parked. It is a masterclass in tasteful, simple modification.
Why We Love This Build
This S3 stops us in our tracks because it keeps things simple. The silver Enkei RPF1s catch the light perfectly while the lowering springs tighten that gap to perfection. It captures that elusive spirit of a car built for both the street and the track.
We love how the light weight of the wheels transforms the driving dynamics of the S3. It feels sharper, faster, and more responsive than any stock example we have driven. Every time we walk away from this car, we look back just to see that clean, classic wheel profile.
Do not overthink your next build; just get the fitment right and let the wheels do the talking. This setup is absolute perfection for the Audi platform.
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 2018
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Enkei RPF1
- Wheel Size: 18×9 / 18×9
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Silver
- Tires: Falken Azenis RT-615K 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.
