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What Is Audi’s Lug Pattern?

Audi vehicles typically use a 5-lug (5-bolt) pattern, most commonly 5×112, although some older and specialty models use other patterns such as 4×108, 5×100, or 5×120. Understanding your specific Audi’s lug pattern is essential before buying new wheels or spacers, as using the wrong pattern can prevent installation or compromise safety.

Understanding Lug Patterns on Audi Vehicles

The term “lug pattern” (also called bolt pattern or PCD – Pitch Circle Diameter) describes how many wheel bolts an Audi has and how far apart they are. For example, “5×112” means five wheel bolts arranged in a circle with a 112 mm diameter. This measurement is critical for ensuring that aftermarket wheels or winter wheel sets fit securely and correctly.

The Most Common Audi Lug Pattern: 5×112

For modern Audi models, especially those produced over roughly the last 15–20 years, 5×112 has become the standard. This pattern is shared across a wide range of models, including many sedans, SUVs, and performance variants, which simplifies wheel compatibility within the brand.

Representative Audi Models That Commonly Use 5×112

The following list highlights common Audi model lines and generations that typically use the 5×112 bolt pattern. Always verify against the specific model year and trim, as brake packages or platform changes can affect fitment.

  • A3 / S3 / RS3 (most modern generations, especially MQB-based models)
  • A4 / S4 / RS4 (B7 onward, including many B8 and B9 models)
  • A5 / S5 / RS5 (all generations to date generally use 5×112)
  • A6 / S6 / RS6 (C6 onward, including many C7 and C8 variants)
  • A7 / S7 / RS7 (all generations; built on the same platform family as the A6)
  • A8 / S8 (D3 late models and especially D4/D5 generations)
  • Q3 / RS Q3 (most modern global-market models)
  • Q5 / SQ5 (all generations, though offsets and widths differ)
  • Q7 / SQ7 / Q8 / SQ8 / RS Q8 (MLB Evo platform SUVs typically use 5×112)
  • TT / TTS / TT RS (second- and third-generation models generally use 5×112)

While 5×112 is widely used and often shared with other Volkswagen Group brands such as Volkswagen and some Mercedes-Benz models, checking exact specifications for your Audi’s year, trim, and brake package remains essential.

Other Lug Patterns Found on Audi Models

Not every Audi uses 5×112. Older models, certain compact cars, and some specialty or performance variants have used different patterns over the years. These variations matter a lot when sourcing wheels from older vehicles, the used market, or cross-brand fits.

Older and Less Common Audi Lug Patterns

The following list outlines lug patterns that have appeared on various Audi models historically or in special cases. These are less common today but still important for owners of older cars or enthusiasts dealing with classic or niche models.

  • 4×108 – Found on some older compact Audis and models from the 1980s and early 1990s, particularly smaller platforms that shared architecture with early Volkswagen products.
  • 5×100 – Used on certain early Audi TT models and some compact platforms from the late 1990s and early 2000s.
  • 5×112 (early use) – Even before it became the dominant standard, some older luxury and larger Audi models adopted 5×112.
  • 5×120 – Appears on select high-performance or special-platform Audi models, generally those sharing underpinnings with non-standard or motorsport-derived chassis.

Although these patterns are less widespread than 5×112, they continue to affect wheel availability for older cars and specialty models, making accurate identification crucial for safe, proper fitment.

How to Identify Your Audi’s Exact Lug Pattern

Because variations exist even within a single model line, the most reliable approach is to confirm the exact bolt pattern for your individual vehicle. There are several straightforward ways to do this, ranging from official documentation to actual measurement.

Practical Ways to Confirm Your Lug Pattern

The following methods will help Audi owners verify their lug pattern before ordering wheels, spacers, or adapters, reducing the risk of costly mistakes or unsafe setups.

  1. Owner’s Manual and Technical Guide: Many Audi manuals or official technical documents list the wheel size, offset (ET), and sometimes the bolt pattern. If not explicitly listed, the pattern can often be confirmed via the technical data section or a service supplement.
  2. Dealer or VIN Lookup: An Audi dealership or authorized service center can look up your car’s wheel specs using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), including wheel size, bolt pattern, and offset associated with your build.
  3. Online OEM Parts Catalogs: Reputable Audi/VW parts databases list wheel part numbers and fitment data that can be cross-referenced to confirm the PCD (e.g., 5×112).
  4. Visual and Physical Measurement: By removing a wheel and measuring from the center of one bolt to the center of the bolt directly across (for 4-lug or 6-lug) or by using standard PCD measurement techniques and tools for 5-lug wheels, you can identify the pattern. Dedicated PCD gauges simplify this step.
  5. Enthusiast Forums and Fitment Databases: Well-established Audi forums and wheel fitment websites maintain model/year-specific tables for lug pattern, center bore, and offsets. These are useful cross-checks but should always be verified against more authoritative sources.

Combining an official source—such as a dealer or OEM catalog—with a physical measurement or trusted database offers the highest level of confidence in determining your Audi’s correct bolt pattern.

Why Lug Pattern Matters for Audi Owners

The lug pattern is more than a simple specification; it is a core safety and compatibility factor when changing wheels. Using wheels that do not match the car’s bolt pattern correctly can prevent proper seating, cause vibration, or in extreme scenarios, lead to wheel failure on the road.

Key Technical Considerations Beyond Lug Pattern

When shopping for wheels for your Audi, the bolt pattern is only one of several essential measurements. Understanding the related dimensions ensures that the wheel not only bolts on, but also clears the brakes and fits correctly within the wheel arch.

  • Center Bore (Hub Bore): Many modern Audis use a hub bore around 57.1 mm or 66.5 mm, depending on the platform. Hub-centric fit (wheel bore matching the hub) is preferred for stability.
  • Offset (ET): Offset determines how far the wheel sits in or out relative to the hub. Even with the correct 5×112 pattern, the wrong offset can cause rubbing on suspension, brakes, or fenders.
  • Wheel Width and Diameter: Audi approves specific ranges for each model. Exceeding these without proper calculations can harm handling, ride quality, and safety.
  • Brake Clearance: Performance models (S, RS, large brake packages) often require specific wheel designs and dimensions to clear big calipers and rotors.
  • Wheel Bolts vs. Studs: Most Audis use wheel bolts rather than studs and nuts. Length, seat type (usually ball seat on OEM Audi wheels), and thread pitch must match the wheel and hub.

Considering these factors alongside the correct lug pattern ensures that any wheel change maintains Audi’s intended safety margins, ride characteristics, and performance.

Using Adapters and Conversions on Audi Wheels

Some owners explore wheel adapters or conversion kits to fit wheels with different bolt patterns—such as using a 5×112 Audi hub with 5×114.3 or 5×120 wheels. While this can expand wheel choices, it introduces additional mechanical and legal considerations.

What to Know Before Using Wheel Adapters

The following points outline the most important technical and safety factors when considering adapters or conversions on an Audi.

  • Quality and Certification: Adapters must be high-quality, hub-centric, and made from appropriate alloys, ideally with testing or certification for road use in your region.
  • Increased Track Width: Adapters effectively act as spacers, pushing the wheel outward. This changes effective offset and may cause fender or suspension interference if not carefully calculated.
  • Additional Stress on Hubs and Bearings: Adding thickness between hub and wheel slightly increases leverage and can accelerate wear on bearings and suspension components.
  • Legal and Insurance Implications: In some countries or regions, non-OEM adapters may raise regulatory or insurance questions. Documentation or inspections may be required.
  • Installation Precision: Proper torque, re-torque after initial driving, and clean hub faces are critical to avoid vibration or loosening over time.

While adapters can safely expand wheel options when done correctly, many experts recommend prioritizing wheels with a native 5×112 pattern and Audi-appropriate specifications whenever possible.

Summary

Most modern Audi vehicles use a 5×112 lug (bolt) pattern, making it the dominant standard across current A-, S-, RS-, and Q-series models. However, older and niche models may use alternatives such as 4×108, 5×100, or 5×120, so verifying the specific pattern for your car remains essential. Beyond the lug pattern itself, correct center bore, offset, wheel width, and bolt type all play critical roles in ensuring that any new wheel fits safely and performs as intended. For any wheel change on an Audi, owners should confirm specifications through official documentation, VIN-based lookups, or precise measurement before purchasing or installing new wheels.

What bolt pattern does Audi use?

Finance your Audi Wheels

YEAR MAKE COMMENTS
2014 Audi 5 lug 4.41 inch or 112mm High Positive Offset
2009 Audi 5 lug 4.41 inch or 112mm High Positive Offset
2010 Audi 5 lug 4.41 inch or 112mm High Positive Offset
2011 Audi 5 lug 4.41 inch or 112mm High Positive Offset

What cars do 5×112 wheels fit?

5×112 wheels fit many Volkswagen, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz models, as well as select models from other brands like BMW (newer models), Aiways, and Alfa Romeo. It is crucial to always confirm vehicle compatibility before purchasing, as other factors like offset and hub bore also play a role. 
Common vehicle makes and models

  • Volkswagen: Most modern VWs, including the Golf (MK5 and newer), Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, and Arteon. 
  • Audi: Various models such as the A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q3, Q5, and TT. 
  • Mercedes-Benz: Models from the A-Class and C-Class to the E-Class, S-Class, and SUVs like the GLC and GLE. 
  • BMW: Select newer models, especially those on shared platforms like some G-chassis models and the i4/iX1. Older BMW models typically use a different bolt pattern. 
  • Other brands: Some models from Aiways, Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Seat, and Skoda also use this bolt pattern. 

Important considerations

  • Vehicle-specific fitment: Always check the specific fitment for your vehicle’s year, make, and model before buying, as not all vehicles within a brand will use the same pattern. 
  • Other specifications: Beyond the bolt pattern, ensure the wheel’s offset, bolt size, and hub bore match your vehicle’s specifications for a correct and safe fit. 
  • Adapters: It is sometimes possible to use wheels with a different bolt pattern with the help of adapters, though this can alter the vehicle’s handling characteristics. 

Is 4×100 the same as 4×4 bolt pattern?

No, 4×100 is not the same as 4×4, because 4×100 refers to a bolt pattern of 4 bolts on a 100mm circle, while 4×4 refers to a pattern of 4 bolts on a 4-inch circle, which is approximately $101.6$mm. While both patterns have four bolts, the measurement difference means they are not interchangeable and you would need wheel adapters to make them fit.
 

  • 4×100: This is a metric measurement, with four bolts on a 100mm diameter bolt circle. 
  • 4×4: This is an imperial measurement, with four bolts on a 4-inch diameter bolt circle. 
  • Conversion: Since 4 inches is equal to approximately $101.6$mm, the 4×4 pattern is slightly larger than the 4×100 pattern. 
  • Interchangeability: Due to this size difference, the two patterns are not directly compatible and require adapters to fit wheels from one pattern onto a hub with the other. 

What wheels fit my Audi?

Audi wheel fitment is defined by the 5×112 bolt pattern, M14x1.5 lug bolts, a 66.5mm center bore (for many models, but check your specific vehicle), and an offset typically in the +30mm to +40mm range. While these are general guidelines, fitment varies by model and generation, so it’s essential to use resources like Fitment Industries or Wheel-Size.com to confirm the correct specs for your specific Audi.
 
Key specifications

  • Bolt pattern: 5×112
  • Lug bolt thread: M14x1.5
  • Center bore: 66.5mm (this can vary, so confirm your vehicle’s specific size)
  • Lug torque: 89 ft-lbs 

Fitment considerations

  • Offset: The ideal offset is often in the +30mm to +40mm range, but it depends on wheel width and your desired look. Lower offsets (e.g., +25mm) may require adjustments like adding camber or tire stretch. 
  • Width: Wheel width can range significantly depending on the model and desired fit. For example, a B8 Audi S4 can fit 19×9.5 wheels for a “meaty stance,” but going wider than 10 inches may require fender modifications. 
  • Center bore rings: If you purchase aftermarket wheels with a different center bore size, you will need to use hub-centric rings to ensure a vibration-free fit. Be sure to measure your vehicle’s hub size and the wheel’s hub bore to get the correct rings. 
  • Brake clearance: Some three-piece wheels or aftermarket wheels may not clear the factory brakes on certain Audi models. Check with the wheel manufacturer to see if their wheels are compatible or if you will need spacers. 

Before you buy

  • Confirm with model-specific guides: Always check a fitment guide or tool for your specific Audi model and generation before purchasing wheels to ensure compatibility, as specifications can vary between models and years. 
  • Double-check center bore: The center bore size can vary, so it’s crucial to confirm the correct size for your vehicle before ordering wheels that might require hub-centric rings. 

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