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 19×8.5 / 19×8.5-inch ESR RF2 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose ESR 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 ESR RF2 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: ESR RF2 on the Audi S3 Premium Plus 2018
I walked up to this S3 at the local meet and the stance immediately grabbed my attention. These 19x8.5 ESR RF2 wheels fit the 8V platform like they were custom-made for it. The 30 offset pushes the face out perfectly to the edge of the fender.
Most folks struggle with the S3 because the stock calipers are chunky. These ESRs clear those front brakes with room to spare, which gives me peace of mind. You don't have to worry about the spokes kissing the caliper face here.
The hub bore sits right where it needs to be for the Audi platform. I checked the seating and everything locks in tight without any annoying vibrations. Precision matters when you push the offset this aggressive.
Lowering springs drop the car just enough to kill that hideous factory wheel gap. We see the body sitting lower over the rubber, which tightens up the lines of the car. It transforms the S3 from a grocery getter into something that actually looks planted.
You have to watch your tire choice with this specific setup. Since the offset is a low 30, the sidewall gets very close to the metal liner on big bumps. I recommend a slight stretch to keep your tires from chewing up the fender tabs.
The barrel depth on the RF2 adds a nice touch of dimension to the wheel profile. It isn't a deep dish, but it has enough character to keep things interesting. The spoke design flows outward, which makes the whole wheel look larger than nineteen inches.
If you push this any wider, you will definitely need a fender roll. For now, the current setup sits flush and looks mean without causing any body damage. It strikes the perfect balance between show car looks and daily driver utility.
What We Recommend for Audi S3 Premium Plus 2018 Owners
If you want to replicate this look, stick to the 19x8.5 width. It is the sweet spot for the S3 because it balances grip with that clean, flush aesthetic. Going wider usually leads to headaches with rubbing and alignment.
For offsets, stay between 35 and 45 if you want to play it safe. This build is running a 30 offset, which is aggressive and requires a specific tire profile. Do not try this unless you are ready to dial in your camber.
I always tell our readers to run a square setup on these cars. Staggered wheels on an AWD platform like the S3 can mess with the Quattro system. Keep the sizes the same at all four corners to save your drivetrain.
Tire stretch is your best friend when running a lower offset. A 235/35/19 tire gives you just enough clearance to avoid hitting the fender liner on hard cornering. You get the look you want without the constant sound of rubbing.
Avoid cheap spacers if you can help it. Buying a wheel with the correct offset from the start saves you a massive headache. If you do use spacers, make sure they are hub-centric and bolt-on for safety.
Always double check your lug bolt seat type before you mount these. ESR wheels often require a different seat than your factory Audi bolts. Getting this wrong is the fastest way to ruin your day at the shop.
Style and Build Analysis
The bronze finish against this S3 body color is a masterclass in contrast. It pops just enough to draw the eye without looking like a circus attraction. Bronze is arguably the best color choice for a modern German sedan.
The RF2 design features clean lines that match the sharp edges of the 2018 S3 body. It doesn't look cluttered or overdone. It looks like a high-end track wheel that just happens to be parked on the street.
Stance is everything with this car, and the lowering springs bring the whole profile together. When the wheels tuck slightly into the arches, the car looks like it’s hunting for the next apex. It’s a purposeful look that commands respect.
I have seen plenty of S3 builds over the years, but this one hits differently. Many people go with black wheels that get lost in the shadows. This bronze setup keeps the details visible even when the light is low.
The proportions feel right because the wheel design doesn't fight against the body panels. It complements the S3’s natural silhouette rather than trying to overpower it. This is how you modify a car with actual taste.
Why We Love This Build
I love this build because it feels authentic and honest. The bronze ESR RF2s catch the sunlight and highlight every curve of the S3. The drop from the lowering springs fills the wheel wells perfectly, leaving just enough room to keep the car functional. Seeing it parked, you can tell the owner knows exactly how to make a car look aggressive without going over the top.
It’s the kind of car that makes you look back twice every single time you walk away. The fitment is dialed in so well that it makes the factory stance look boring. This isn't just another Audi on the road; it’s a vision of what the platform should be. Go out and get your fitment sorted.
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: ESR RF2
- Wheel Size: 19×8.5 / 19×8.5
- Offset: 30 / 30
- Wheel Finish: Bronze
- Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S 245/35 25.8″x9.6″ / 245/35 25.8″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 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.
