What Is the Bolt Pattern on the Audi A4?
The bolt pattern on most modern Audi A4 models is 5×112, meaning five wheel bolts spaced on a 112 mm circle, but exact specifications can vary slightly by generation and trim, so confirming for a specific model year is essential. This pattern is a key factor when choosing replacement wheels, winter wheel sets, or aftermarket rims.
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Understanding the Audi A4 Bolt Pattern
The bolt pattern, sometimes called the “PCD” (Pitch Circle Diameter), is a critical measurement that determines whether a wheel will physically bolt onto a vehicle. For the Audi A4, Audi has standardized on a 5×112 pattern for many years, aligning it with much of the rest of the Audi and Volkswagen Group lineup. However, details such as center bore size, offset (ET), and bolt size must also match or be properly adapted.
Typical Bolt Pattern by Audi A4 Generation
The Audi A4 has gone through several generations (B5 through B10), and while most share the same basic 5×112 pattern, owners should pay attention to the full wheel spec for their specific car. The list below outlines the commonly documented bolt patterns and related wheel specs for each generation and common performance trims.
- B5 (1994–2001, including early S4): 5×112 bolt pattern; center bore typically 57.1 mm; wheel bolts generally M14×1.5; standard offsets mostly in the ET35–ET45 range depending on wheel width and market.
- B6 (2000–2004) and B7 (2004–2008, including S4): 5×112 bolt pattern; center bore usually 57.1 mm; M14×1.5 wheel bolts; offsets again mainly in the low-to-mid-40s ET range.
- B8 (2008–2015, including S4 and Allroad variants): 5×112 bolt pattern; center bore moved to 66.6 mm on most models; M14×1.5 bolts; offsets often ET35–ET48, with Allroad and performance packages sometimes using more aggressive fitments.
- B9 (2016–present A4, S4, Allroad in most markets): 5×112 bolt pattern; center bore 66.6 mm on most trims; M14×1.5 bolts; factory offsets commonly around ET35–ET45 depending on wheel size (17–19 inches typically).
- Special trims and performance packages: RS4 models, where offered, still use a 5×112 pattern but may differ in wheel width, offset, and brake-clearance requirements, meaning not all A4-compatible wheels fit RS variants safely.
While this generational breakdown confirms that the 5×112 pattern is consistent across A4 history, the other parameters—especially center bore and offset—shift enough that owners should not assume full interchangeability without checking all specifications.
Key Wheel Fitment Specs Beyond Bolt Pattern
Knowing that an Audi A4 is 5×112 is only part of safe wheel selection. Several additional measurements must line up to avoid vibration, rubbing, or unsafe load conditions. The following list explains the main complementary specs that Audi A4 owners should verify along with the bolt pattern.
- Center bore (hub bore): This is the diameter of the hole in the center of the wheel that fits over the hub lip. Many older A4s use roughly 57.1 mm, while later B8 and B9 generations use 66.6 mm. Wheels with larger bores can sometimes be used with hub-centric rings; wheels with smaller bores generally cannot be safely fitted without machining.
- Bolt size and thread pitch: The A4 commonly uses M14×1.5 wheel bolts. Using the wrong bolt size, seat type (usually ball-seat on OEM Audi wheels), or length can cause mounting issues or even failure.
- Offset (ET): Offset is the distance between the wheel’s mounting surface and its centerline, measured in millimeters. For most A4 models, factory offsets range roughly from ET35 to ET48. Too low an offset can cause the wheel to poke out of the fender and rub; too high can lead to inner clearance issues with suspension or brakes.
- Wheel width and diameter: Typical factory wheel diameters for recent A4s run from 17 to 19 inches, with widths usually between 7.5 and 8.5 inches. Aftermarket sizes beyond this range need careful checking for clearance and speedometer impact.
- Load rating: Any aftermarket wheel must meet or exceed the A4’s axle load requirements. High-performance S and RS variants in particular may require stronger, higher-rated wheels.
Taken together, these measurements ensure that a wheel not only bolts onto an Audi A4 but also runs smoothly, clears components, and maintains the vehicle’s handling and safety characteristics.
How to Confirm the Bolt Pattern on an Individual Audi A4
Although the consensus for the Audi A4 is 5×112 across modern generations, owners may want to double-check the exact wheel specifications for their particular car, especially if it has non-standard brakes, suspension upgrades, or has been imported from a different market. The following methods can help verify fitment.
- Check the owner’s manual or service booklet: Many Audi manuals list wheel and tire specifications, including bolt pattern, offset, and recommended sizes.
- Inspect the inside of the wheel: OEM wheels usually have markings cast or stamped on the inner barrel, such as “8Jx18 ET43” along with center bore and sometimes part numbers, which can be cross-referenced in Audi parts catalogs.
- Use OEM part number lookups: Entering the wheel part number into an Audi or VW Group parts database can confirm all dimensions, including bolt pattern and offset.
- Consult reputable fitment databases: Major wheel and tire retailers maintain vehicle-specific fitment guides. Cross-checking several sources reduces the risk of error.
- Measure directly (for older or modified cars): If originality is uncertain, a technician can measure the PCD, center bore, and offset directly using specialized tools and calipers.
By using these verification steps, Audi A4 owners can be confident that any new wheel set truly matches the original specifications and safely fits the vehicle.
Why the 5×112 Pattern Matters for Audi A4 Owners
The 5×112 bolt pattern is not just a technical detail; it influences what wheels are available, what other vehicles’ wheels may be compatible, and how easily owners can find winter or performance wheel sets. Because this pattern is widely used across the Audi, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz ranges, A4 owners have a broad but not unlimited pool of compatible options.
Interchangeability With Other Vehicles
Many Audi models (A3, A5, A6, some Q models) and other VW Group vehicles also use 5×112, which means their wheels can sometimes be interchanged with the A4. However, even if the bolt pattern matches, differences in center bore, offset, and brake clearance can still prevent a proper fit.
Aftermarket Wheel Selection
Because 5×112 is so common in the European car market, aftermarket manufacturers produce a wide range of wheels in this pattern. For an Audi A4 owner, this translates to extensive design and size choices, but it also raises the risk of selecting wheels that technically bolt on yet are outside safe offset or width limits. Careful consultation with specifications or a specialist is advised when deviating from factory sizes.
Summary
The Audi A4, across its modern generations, uses a 5×112 bolt pattern, meaning five wheel bolts arranged on a 112 mm circle. While that pattern has remained consistent from the B5 through the current B9 generation, other key wheel parameters—including center bore (commonly 57.1 mm on older cars and 66.6 mm on newer ones), offset, and bolt dimensions—vary by year and trim. Anyone buying new or used wheels for an Audi A4 should confirm all of these specifications, not just the bolt pattern, to ensure proper, safe fitment.
What is the bolt pattern on a 2009 Audi A4?
The 2009 Audi A4 has a 5×112 bolt pattern, meaning it has five lug holes with a 112mm circle diameter. It also uses an M14x1.5 lug bolt and has a 66.5mm center bore.
You can watch this video to learn more about fitting wheels on Audi A4: 39sthreepiece.usYouTube · Oct 23, 2024
- Bolt pattern: 5×112
- Bolt thread: M14x1.5
- Center bore: 66.5mm
- Lug torque: 89 ft/lbs
What does a 5×112 bolt pattern fit?
5×112 wheels primarily fit vehicles from brands like Audi, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz. They are also found on select models from other manufacturers, including certain newer BMWs, some Porsche Macans, and a variety of models from Seat, Skoda, and Bentley.
European vehicles
- Audi: A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q3, Q4, Q5, e-tron
- Volkswagen: Golf (MK5 and newer), Passat, Tiguan, Arteon, Touareg
- Mercedes-Benz: A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, G-Class, GLC, GLE, GLS, CLA
- Other brands:
- Seat: Altea, Leon, Toledo
- Skoda: Octavia, Superb, Yeti
- Porsche: Macan
- Bentley: Various models
Other vehicles and considerations
- BMW: Newer BMW models, particularly those on shared platforms with other brands in the BMW Group (like the newer 7-series and G-chassis), use the 5×112 bolt pattern. Older BMW models often use a 5×120 bolt pattern, so a 5×112 wheel will require a special adapter to fit.
- Maybach: High-end models from Maybach also use this bolt pattern.
- Other brands: Aiways, Alfa Romeo, and others are also listed as using this bolt pattern.
Important note
- Always double-check: It is crucial to verify the correct bolt pattern and center bore for your specific vehicle before purchasing new wheels, as there can be variations even within the same manufacturer.
What bolt pattern is the Audi A4?
The Audi A4 has a 5×112 bolt pattern for all generations. This means there are five lug bolts arranged in a circle with a diameter of 112 millimeters. It also has a 66.5 mm center bore, which is the size of the center hole on the wheel that fits over the vehicle’s hub.
This video explains the bolt pattern and other wheel specifications for Audi A4 and other models: 1mthreepiece.usYouTube · Oct 23, 2024
- Bolt Pattern: 5×112 (five bolts in a 112mm circle)
- Center Bore: 66.5 mm (this is the size of the center hole on the wheel that fits over the hub)
- Lug Bolts: The A4 uses M14 lug bolts.
This video explains how to identify the bolt pattern of a wheel: 49sDeutsche Auto PartsYouTube · Jan 30, 2020
Is Dot 4 for an Audi A4 2015?
StopTech DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid is available in two formulations depending on the operating temperature of your vehicle: STR600 and STR660. It is engineered to give street and strip vehicles the best in braking performance.


