Have you ever stared at your Audi S4, wondering what wheels will fit? You’re not alone. Finding the correct bolt pattern can feel like solving a puzzle without all the pieces.
I’ll walk you through everything you need about Audi S4 bolt patterns in this guide. You’ll learn to measure your current pattern, understand what those numbers mean, and find wheels that perfectly match your vehicle.
I’ve been working with Audi vehicles for over 15 years and have helped hundreds of S4 owners upgrade their wheels without wasting money on the wrong fit.
Whether you’re looking to replace damaged wheels or upgrade to a new style, this article will save you time, money, and the headache of returns.
By the end, you’ll be confident to order the right wheels the first time.
Let’s get your S4 rolling with the perfect fit!
What is a Bolt Pattern?
A bolt pattern arranges the bolt holes on your wheel. Think of it as a fingerprint for your wheels – each vehicle has its specific pattern.
I like to explain it this way:
Imagine dots on a circle. These dots are where the wheel attaches to your car. The pattern matters because wheels won’t fit properly if these dots don’t align perfectly with your car’s hub.
Bolt patterns have two important numbers:
- The number of bolts (or lugs)
- The diameter of the circle formed by these bolts
For example, a “5x112mm” pattern means your wheel has 5 bolts arranged in a circle with a 112mm diameter.
Why does this matter to you? Using the wrong bolt pattern can damage your wheels, create unsafe driving conditions, or waste your money on wheels that won’t fit.
Most Audi S4 models use a 5x112mm pattern, but it’s always smart to check your specific year and model.
Have you ever bought shoes in the wrong size? That’s what putting the wrong wheels on feels like—except it’s dangerous and expensive!
Common Bolt Patterns for the Audi S4
All modern Audi S4 models use the same bolt pattern:
5x112mm. This has been consistent since the B5 generation was introduced in 1997.
The “5” stands for 5 lug nuts, and “112” is the diameter in millimeters of the circle formed by these lugs.
I’ve broken down the bolt patterns by generation to make this super clear for you:
- B5 (1997-2002): 5x112mm
- B6 (2003-2005): 5x112mm
- B7 (2006-2008): 5x112mm
- B8 (2009-2016): 5x112mm
- B9 (2017-present): 5x112mm
While the bolt pattern stays the same, other wheel specs might change between models. Center bore size and wheel offset can vary slightly.
Remember: Even though the pattern is consistent, always verify your specific model year before purchasing new wheels. Factory documentation or the owner’s manual will confirm this information.
The 5x112mm pattern is also used across many Volkswagen and Audi vehicles, which gives you plenty of wheel options when shopping for your S4.
Does your S4 have aftermarket wheels already? Double-check the pattern, as previous owners might have used adapters to fit non-standard wheels.
How to Measure the Bolt Pattern on Your Audi S4
Measuring your Audi S4’s bolt pattern is easier than you might think. While I’ve already told you that modern S4s use a 5x112mm pattern, it’s always good to verify this yourself.
Tools Required for Accurate Measurement
- Tape measure (preferably with millimeter markings)
- Calculator
- Pen and paper for notes
- Flashlight for better visibility
- Clean rag to wipe dirt from the wheel area
- Jack and jack stands (if you want to remove the wheel for more precise measurement)
Step 1- Prepare Your Vehicle
- Park your car on a flat, level surface
- Apply the parking brake
- Clean the wheel area thoroughly to see the lug holes clearly
- If needed, remove any hubcaps or center caps
Step 2 – Count the Lug Nuts
- Count how many lug nuts are on your wheel
- Your Audi S4 should have five lug nuts
Step 3 – Measure the Bolt Circle Diameter
- For a 5-lug wheel like on your S4, measure from the center of one lug to the center of the lug that’s two positions away (skipping one lug in between)
- Take this measurement in millimeters for accuracy.
- Multiply your measurement by 1.051 to calculate the true bolt circle diameter.
- Double-check by taking measurements from different starting points
Step 4 – Verify Your Findings
- Compare your measurement with the expected 5x112mm pattern
- If your measurement is close to 112mm (within 1-2mm), you’ve confirmed the standard S4 pattern
- Write down your results for reference when shopping for new wheels
If measuring seems difficult, check your owner’s manual or call your local Audi dealership with your VIN to confirm.
Choosing Wheels that Fit Your Bolt Pattern
Knowing your bolt pattern starts with getting the right wheels for your Audi S4. As we’ve covered, modern S4 models use a 5x112mm pattern, but there’s more to consider for a perfect fit.
Importance of Verifying the Correct Bolt Pattern Before Purchasing Wheels
Always double-check your bolt pattern before buying new wheels.
Using wheels with the wrong pattern can lead to:
- Unsafe driving conditions
- Damage to your wheel hubs
- Excessive vibration and poor handling
- Wasted money on returns and restocking fees
I always recommend confirming your pattern with your VIN at a dealer or using the measurement techniques from the previous section. This simple step saves headaches later.
Examples of Wheels that Commonly Fit the Audi S4 Bolt Pattern
The 5x112mm pattern is widely used across the Volkswagen Auto Group, giving you many options:
- Most OEM Audi wheels (A4, A5, A6, Q5)
- Volkswagen wheels (Golf R, GTI, Arteon)
- Many aftermarket brands like BBS, Vossen, and HRE
- Mercedes-Benz wheels (though watch for other specs)
Some popular aftermarket wheel models for the S4 include:
- Rotiform RSE
- Enkei Raijin
- BBS CH-R
- VMR V710
Considerations for Offset, Hub Bore, and Brake Clearance
Wheel Offset
Offset is the distance from the wheel’s mounting surface to the centerline.
For most S4 models:
- Factory offset ranges from +35mm to +45mm
- Going too low (under +30mm) can cause rubbing
- Going too high (over +50mm) affects handling
Hub Bore
The center hole of the wheel must fit over your hub.
Audi S4 models have:
- 66.6mm hub bore
- Wheels with larger bores need hub-centric rings to fit properly
Brake Clearance
S4 models often have large brake calipers, especially if equipped with performance packages.
- Most wheels need at least 2-3mm of clearance from the caliper
- Wheels smaller than 18″ may not fit over the brakes on newer S4 models
- Concave wheel designs might require spacers for proper clearance
Remember: A wheel can have the correct bolt pattern but still not fit your S4 if these other measurements aren’t right.
Troubleshooting and Tips
Even when you know your bolt pattern, you might still have issues fitting new wheels to your Audi S4. I’ve learned some common problems and helpful solutions over the years.
Common Issues When Installing New Wheels
- Wheels won’t seat properly: This usually happens when there’s debris on the mounting surface. Clean both the hub and wheel thoroughly before installation.
- Lug nuts won’t tighten completely: Check if you use the correct ones. Audi S4 typically uses conical seat lug nuts.
- Vibration after installation: Your wheels likely need balancing. Also, check that lug nuts are torqued to the correct specification (usually 90-110 ft-lbs for the S4).
- Rubbing against fenders or suspension: Your wheel offset is probably too low. Consider using wheel spacers or switching to wheels with a higher offset.
Using Adapters and Spacers
Adapters can help you fit wheels with different bolt patterns, but I don’t recommend them for daily driving because:
- They change your wheel offset
- They add unsprung weight
- They introduce another potential point of failure
If you do use spacers:
- Only use hub-centric spacers
- Ensure they’re made of high-quality materials
- Re-torque lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
- Stick to 15mm or less for safety
Ensuring Proper Fitment
Always follow this checklist before finalizing your wheel purchase:
- Verify bolt pattern matches (5x112mm)
- Confirm hub bore is correct (66.6mm)
- Check that the offset works with your S4 model
- Ensure adequate brake caliper clearance
- Consider your tire size and potential for rubbing
When in doubt, look for wheels specifically marketed for Audi vehicles or consult a wheel specialist who knows Audi fitments well.
Remember: Saving money on cheap wheels often costs more in the long run!
Conclusion
Finding the right bolt pattern for your Audi S4 doesn’t have to be complicated. Knowing that all modern S4 models use a 5x112mm pattern, you’re already ahead of the game.
Remember to consider the complete wheel package—offset, hub bore, and brake clearance all play crucial roles in proper fitment.
Take your time during measurement and installation, and don’t hesitate to consult professionals if you’re uncertain.
The perfect wheels enhance your S4’s appearance and maintain its performance and safety standards.
Whether replacing damaged wheels or upgrading to a new style, the right fit makes all the difference.
Your Audi deserves wheels that match both its engineering precision and your style. Now, you know to make that happen with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Wheels from Other Audi Models on My S4?
Yes, you can use wheels from many other Audi models on your S4, as long as they share the 5x112mm bolt pattern. However, always verify the offset, hub bore, and brake clearance to ensure proper fitment. Models like the A4, A6, and Q5 often have compatible wheels.
Can I Use Aftermarket Lug Nuts on My Audi S4?
Yes, but ensure they match the correct seat type (usually Conical) and thread pitch for audi vehicles—quality matters with lug nuts, so purchase from reputable manufacturers. Never mix different types of lug nuts on the same wheel.
Do I Need Hub-Centric Rings when Changing Wheels?
If your aftermarket wheels have a center bore larger than 66.6mm (the Audi S4 hub size), you’ll need hub-centric rings to ensure proper centering. Using wheels without proper hub centering can cause vibration and uneven tire wear, even if the bolt pattern is correct.