About This Audi S4 Base 2013 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Audi S4 Base 2013 sits on a set of 19×12 / 19×12.5-inch Riverside Altstadt wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Riverside for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Audi S4 Base builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the Riverside Altstadt creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Riverside Altstadt on the Audi S4 Base 2013
When I first walked around this B8.5 S4, the sheer width of the Riverside Altstadt wheels nearly knocked me over. Running 19x12 in the front and 19x12.5 in the rear is absolute insanity for a platform that usually sits on 9-inch wide setups. We are talking about major metal work to make this happen.
The offsets are aggressive, landing at 10 in the front and a wild 4 in the rear. These numbers force the wheels way past the factory fenders, giving the car a stance that commands the road. You cannot run these specs without serious widebody modifications or custom pulled arches.
I checked the caliper clearance and it is tight but perfect. Those classic Riverside spokes clear the beefy S4 brakes without needing massive spacers. It is a testament to the precision of this custom build.
The hub bore fits the Audi platform like a glove, which keeps the vibration down at highway speeds. We always preach hub-centric fitment, and this setup hits the mark perfectly. It feels planted despite the aggressive geometry.
The air suspension is the secret sauce that makes this madness possible. When the bags are fully dumped, the top of the tires tuck behind the fender lips perfectly. Without this air setup, these wheels would destroy the bodywork in seconds.
We need to talk about the barrel lip depth, which is honestly the star of the show. The step-lip construction on the Altstadts gives the car a deep, cavernous look that you just cannot find in modern designs. It is old-school cool meeting modern performance.
Be warned, you will encounter rubbing if your camber settings are not dialed in. This car runs a significant amount of negative camber to tuck those wide barrels. If you try this at home, prepare to burn through tires and adjust your alignment constantly.
What We Recommend for Audi S4 Base 2013 Owners
If you own a B8.5 S4, do not try to run 12-inch widths unless you are ready for a full-blown widebody project. Most drivers should stick to an 18x9.5 or 19x10 setup for a flush look. You will save yourself a massive headache while still looking clean.
For your offset, aim for the ET35 to ET40 range if you want to stay within the factory fenders. This keeps your scrub radius in check and protects your wheel bearings. Anything lower will force you into fender rolling or pulling, which ruins the clean lines of the S4.
We always suggest a square setup if you want better tire life and easier rotations. However, if you crave the look of this specific build, a staggered setup can work. Just make sure your tire sizes account for the Quattro system’s sensitivity to rolling diameter.
Tire stretch is a mandatory evil when you go this wide. You need a narrow tire with a stiff sidewall to clear the metal when the car drops. It is not the most comfortable ride, but the visual pay-off is huge.
Don't be the guy who buys cheap spacers to fix a bad wheel choice. Buy the right offset from the start to ensure you have maximum thread engagement on your lugs. Your safety is worth more than a quick fix.
Style and Build Analysis
The custom finish on these Altstadts creates a beautiful contrast against the factory Audi paint. The colors shift as you move around the car, catching the light in ways that standard powder coats never do. It feels like a high-end jewelry piece for a German sports sedan.
Riverside Altstadts belong to a legendary era of wheel design. The mesh-inspired face gives the S4 a vintage motorsport aesthetic that stands out in a sea of modern, boring rotary-forged wheels. It is refreshing to see this level of commitment to a classic look.
The proportions are extreme, but they somehow balance the heavy front end of the B8.5 chassis. The car looks like it is clawing at the pavement, waiting to launch. It is a bold departure from the subtle, OEM-plus builds we usually see at local meets.
Compared to other builds, this one ignores the rulebook entirely. While most people play it safe with off-the-shelf fitments, this owner chose a path that required custom craftsmanship. It sets a new bar for the S4 community.
The way the wheels fill the arches is pure art. You can see the attention to detail in every bolt and every inch of the polished lip. It is a masterclass in how to change the personality of a car through wheels alone.
Why We Love This Build
Seeing this S4 in the wild was a total highlight for us. The way the light hits those custom Riverside barrels when the car drops on the bags is pure magic. It turns a refined sedan into a street-legal monster that feels like a concept car brought to life.
We respect the absolute commitment required to pull off 12-inch widths on an Audi. It is not just about buying wheels; it is about engineering a vision that ignores the boundaries of normal fitment. This car has soul, grit, and a stance that demands respect from everyone who sees it.
You cannot look at this build and not feel the urge to start your own project. It is loud, it is proud, and it is perfectly executed. Build it wide or go home.
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 S4 Base 2013
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Riverside Altstadt
- Wheel Size: 19×12 / 19×12.5
- Offset: 10 / 4
- Wheel Finish: Custom
- Tires: Federal 595 Evo 285/30 25.7″x11.2″ / 285/30 25.7″x11.2″
- Suspension: Air Suspension
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Audi S4 Base owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 19×12 / 19×12.5-inch wheels fit my Audi S4 Base? 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 S4 Base owners run 19×12 / 19×12.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
