Audi S3 wheel fitment — 8L
Overview
The first generation Audi S3 (8L) is a performance version of the Audi A3 small family car produced from 1999 to 2003. Built on the Volkswagen A platform, it features a turbocharged 1.8L straight-4 engine with two power outputs: 210 PS and later 225 PS. The S3 uses an 'on-demand' four-wheel drive system from Haldex Traction rather than traditional quattro. It was sold in various markets including the UK, Europe, Mexico, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand but not officially in the United States.
History & notable variants
The first generation Audi S3 underwent a facelift in 2000 with changes to headlights, front wings, rear lights clusters, and interior trim. It was available as a three-door hatchback variant only during its production years.
Audi S3 wheel fitment
Everything below is what the fit-check uses for Audi S3 wheel fitment: the factory bolt spec first, then the width and offset window that clears the arches and the brakes on the Audi S3 8L.
| Bolt pattern (PCD) | 5x100 |
| Centre bore | 57.1 mm |
| Bolt / thread | M14x1.5 (bolts) |
| Wheel-bolt torque | 120 Nm |
| Seat type | radius |
| Factory setup | square |
| TPMS | indirect |
Aftermarket wheel sizes — read per position:
| Position | Width | Offset |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 7.5J–8.5J | ET27–ET38 |
As a rule, each extra 1J of width wants roughly +8 to 10 ET to keep the wheel tucked. The exact offset and any spacer are confirmed by the fit-check.
Engines & drivetrain
| Variant | Engine | Fuel | Power | Drive, years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 | 1,595 cc, Motorkenndaten | petrol | 74 kW (101 PS) | FWD, 1996 to 2000 |
| 1.6 | 1,595 cc, Motorkenndaten | petrol | 75 kW (102 PS) | FWD, 2000 to 2003 |
| 1.8 | 1,781 cc, Motorkenndaten | petrol | 92 kW (125 PS) | FWD, 1996 to 2003 |
| 1.8 T | 1,781 cc, Motorkenndaten | petrol | 110 kW (150 PS) | FWD or quattro, 1996 to 2003 |
| 1.8 T | 1,781 cc, Motorkenndaten | petrol | 132 kW (180 PS) | FWD or quattro, 1998 to 2003 |
| S3 | 1,781 cc, Motorkenndaten | petrol | 154 kW (210 PS) | quattro, 1999 to 2001 |
| S3 | 1,781 cc, Motorkenndaten | petrol | 165 kW (225 PS) | quattro, 2001 to 2003 |
| 1.9 TDI | 1,896 cc, Motorkenndaten | diesel | 66 kW (90 PS) | FWD, 1996 to 2001 |
| 1.9 TDI | 1,896 cc, Motorkenndaten | diesel | 81 kW (110 PS) | FWD, 1997 to 2001 |
| 1.9 TDI | 1,896 cc, Motorkenndaten | diesel | 74 kW (100 PS) | FWD, 2001 to 2003 |
| 1.9 TDI | 1,896 cc, Motorkenndaten | diesel | 96 kW (130 PS) | FWD or quattro, 2000 to 2003 |
Source: Audi A3 8L, de.wikipedia.org.
Performance
| Variant | Power | 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 | 74 kW (101 PS) | 11 to 12.8 s | 183 to 188 km/h (114 to 117 mph) |
| 1.6 | 75 kW (102 PS) | 10.9 to 12.7 s | 184 to 189 km/h (114 to 117 mph) |
| 1.8 | 92 kW (125 PS) | 9.6 to 11.2 s | 197 to 202 km/h (122 to 126 mph) |
| 1.8 T | 110 kW (150 PS) | 8.2 to 9.2 s | 214 to 217 km/h (133 to 135 mph) |
| 1.8 T | 132 kW (180 PS) | 7.5 to 8.3 s | 223 to 228 km/h (139 to 142 mph) |
| S3 | 154 kW (210 PS) | 6.9 s | 238 to 243 km/h (148 to 151 mph) |
| S3 | 165 kW (225 PS) | 6.6 s | 238 to 243 km/h (148 to 151 mph) |
| 1.9 TDI | 66 kW (90 PS) | 12.4 to 13.7 s | 177 to 181 km/h (110 to 112 mph) |
| 1.9 TDI | 81 kW (110 PS) | 10.5 to 11.7 s | 191 to 194 km/h (119 to 121 mph) |
| 1.9 TDI | 74 kW (100 PS) | 11 to 11.9 s | 183 to 188 km/h (114 to 117 mph) |
| 1.9 TDI | 96 kW (130 PS) | 9.1 to 9.8 s | 200 to 205 km/h (124 to 127 mph) |
Source: Audi A3 8L, de.wikipedia.org.
UK popularity & demand
Based on DfT VEH0124 vehicle-parc data (2025), there are approximately 36,303 Audi S3 on UK roads, placing it in the top 8% of car models by volume across our fitment database.
A parc that size is why Audi S3 wheel fitment is worth getting exactly right: a lot of owners are shopping for these numbers.
Source: DfT/DVLA licensed-vehicle statistics (VEH0124), matched to the AIWheelTech fitment database.
Dimensions
| Length | 4,152 mm |
| Width | 1,735 mm |
| Height | 1,415 to 1,427 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,513 to 2,518 mm |
| Kerb weight | 1,090 to 1,320 kg |
Source: Audi A3 8L, de.wikipedia.org.
Body styles & production
| Body styles | 3-door hatchback |
| Produced | 1999–2003 |
Factory colours
Trim levels
Reliability & owner notes
- Pros: Turbocharged engine with two power outputs; Haldex Traction four-wheel drive system
- Cons: Limited to three-door hatchback body style; Not available in the United States