Audi A6 C5

Audi A6 C5 — Wheel Fitment & Specs

By Torque, AIWheelTech vehicle & fitment specialist · 1994–present
TL;DR — The Audi A6 C5 (1994–present) uses a 5x112 bolt pattern, 57.1 mm centre bore, M14x1.5 bolts torqued to ~120 Nm. It accepts ~6J–8.5J wheels at ET15–ET45.

Overview

The Audi A6 C5 is an executive car manufactured by Audi AG, succeeding the C4 generation and preceding the C6. It was introduced in February 1997 based on the Volkswagen Group C5 platform and made its debut at the 1997 Geneva Motor Show. The C5 was available as a saloon (sedan) and Avant (estate/wagon), competing with models like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It featured a redesigned body with improved aerodynamics, offering a drag coefficient of 0.28. Engine options included petrol V6 engines ranging from 2.4 to 4.2 liters, diesel variants, and later in its lifecycle, more powerful versions like the S6 and RS 6. The C5 was also notable for introducing Audi's multitronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) on some models.

Wheel fitment

Bolt pattern (PCD)5x112
Centre bore57.1 mm
Bolt / threadM14x1.5 (bolts)
Wheel-bolt torque120 Nm
Seat typeradius
Factory setupsquare
TPMSindirect

Aftermarket wheel sizes — read per position:

PositionWidthOffset
Front6J–8.5JET15–ET45

As a rule, each extra 1J of width wants roughly +8–10 ET to keep the wheel tucked. The exact offset and any spacer are confirmed by the fit-check.

Browse wheels that fit a Audi A6 →Get them fitted (UK)

UK popularity & demand

~128,620 Audi A6 licensed on UK roads — top 3% of models by volume.

Based on DfT VEH0124 vehicle-parc data (2025), there are approximately 128,620 Audi A6 on UK roads, placing it in the top 3% of car models by volume across our fitment database. That makes its wheel fitment a high-demand size to keep in stock — one reason we track its exact spec here.

Source: DfT/DVLA licensed-vehicle statistics (VEH0124), matched to the AIWheelTech fitment database.

Engines & drivetrain

VariantEngineFuelPowerDrive
4.2 TDI 40v (RS6)4.2L V8 DOHC Turbochargedpetrol331 hpQuattro
2.7 TDI Biturbo (S6)2.7L V6 DOHC Turbochargedpetrol250 hpQuattro
4.2 32v (S6 Plus)4.2L V8 DOHCpetrol240 hpQuattro
4.2 32v (S6)4.2L V8 DOHCpetrol213 hpQuattro
3.0 TDI 24v (S6)3.0L V6 DOHC Turbocharged Direct Injectiondiesel180 hpQuattro
2.2 20v Turbo (S6)2.2L Inline-5 DOHC turbochargedpetrol169 hpQuattro
2.8 30v2.8L V6 DOHCpetrol142 hpQuattro
1.8 turbo1.8L Inline-4 DOHC Turbochargedpetrol130 hpQuattro
2.8 12v2.8L V6 SOHCpetrol128 hpQuattro
2.5 TDI 10v2.5L V6 SOHC Turbocharged Direct Injectiondiesel115 hpQuattro
2.0 8v MPFI2.0L Inline-4 SOHCpetrol115 hpQuattro
2.6 12v2.6L V6 SOHCpetrol110 hpQuattro
2.4 12v (Thailand only)2.4L V6 SOHCpetrol110 hpQuattro
2.0 16v2.0L Inline-4 DOHCpetrol103 hpQuattro
2.3 10v2.3L Inline-5 SOHCpetrol98 hpQuattro
1.8 20v1.8L Inline-4 DOHCpetrol92 hpQuattro
2.0 8v SPFI2.0L Inline-4 SOHCpetrol74 hpQuattro
1.9 TDI 8v1.9L Inline-4 SOHC Turbocharged Direct Injectiondiesel66 hpQuattro

Performance

VariantPower0–62 mphTop speed
2.2 20v Turbo (S6)169 hp6.7 s148 mph
4.2 32v (S6 Plus)240 hp5.6 s
4.2 TDI 40v (RS6)331 hp4.5 s

Dimensions

Length4797 mm
Width1783 mm
Height1430 mm
Wheelbase2687 mm
Kerb weight1480 kg

Body styles & production

Body stylesSaloon, Avant
Produced1994–present

Trim levels

Audi A6S6RS 6

Factory colours

Arctic SilverIbis WhiteBlack

History & notable variants

The A6 C5 received a facelift in 2002, featuring revised headlight and grille designs, exposed exhaust tips, and minor changes to the body styling. This update brought new engine options such as enhanced V6 diesel engines and a more powerful version of the 4.2-liter petrol V8. The model was recognized with awards including Car and Driver's Ten Best list in 2000 and 2001, and the World Car of the Year award for 2005. Additionally, the C5 Avant served as the basis for Audi’s allroad quattro variant introduced in 1999.

Reliability & owner notes