The 1997 Audi A3 marked the debut of Audi’s entry into the premium compact hatchback segment. For owners looking to maintain, upgrade, or simply understand their vehicle better, knowing the correct wheel and tire specifications is crucial. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the 1997 Audi A3 wheel fitment, ensuring you get the right size, type, and fit for your vehicle.
Understanding the correct wheel fitment is not just about aesthetics; it’s vital for maintaining your Audi A3’s handling, safety, and performance. Incorrect wheel and tire combinations can lead to issues with braking, suspension wear, and even speedometer accuracy.
This guide breaks down the wheel and tire specifications for the 1997 Audi A3, covering various engine modifications available for this model year.
The 1997 Audi A3 falls under the 8L generation, produced from 1996 to 2003. Let’s explore the specific wheel and tire information for different 1997 Audi A3 models.
Audi A3 8L (1996-2003) Wheel and Tire Specs
The Audi A3 8L generation came in both 3-door (8L1) and 5-door (8LA) hatchback variants. Below, you’ll find the detailed wheel fitment information categorized by engine type for the 1997 model year.
1997 Audi A3 1.6i Wheel Specs (99hp)
This model, available in Europe and Russia, features a 1.6-liter petrol engine producing 99 horsepower. Here are the wheel and tire specifications:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Generation | 8L (1996-2003) |
| Production Years | 1996-2003 |
| Sales Regions | Europe, Russia+ |
| Power | 99 hp |
| Engine | 1.6L Petrol |
| Center Bore | (Check Original Source) |
| Bolt Pattern (PCD) | (Check Original Source) |
| Wheel Fasteners | Lug bolts |
| Thread Size | (Check Original Source) |
| Wheel Tightening Torque | (Check Original Source) |
Recommended Tire and Rim Sizes:
| Tire Size | Rim Size | Offset Range (mm) | Backspacing (mm/inches) | Tire Weight (kg/lb) | Tire Pressure (bar/psi) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OE 195/65R15 | 6Jx15 ET38 | 36-40 | 127 / 5.00 | 8.9 / 19.6 | 1.9 / 28 | OE |
| 185/65R15 | 6Jx15 ET38 | – | 127 / 5.00 | 8.3 / 18.3 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/60R15 | 6Jx15 ET38 | – | 127 / 5.00 | 9.1 / 20.1 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/55R16 | 6Jx16 ET31 | – | 120 / 4.72 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/55R16 | 6.5Jx16 ET42 | – | 137 / 5.39 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/55R16 | 7Jx16 ET44.5 | – | 146 / 5.75 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/55R16 | 7Jx16 ET31 | – | 133 / 5.24 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 225/45ZR17 | 7Jx17 ET38 | – | 140 / 5.51 | 9.7 / 21.5 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 225/45ZR17 | 7.5Jx17 ET32 | – | 140 / 5.51 | 9.7 / 21.5 | 1.9 / 28 |
1997 Audi A3 1.8T Wheel Specs (148hp)
The more powerful 1.8T petrol engine option, producing 148 horsepower, was also available in Europe. Trim levels included Attraction, Ambition, and Ambiente.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Generation | 8L (1996-2003) |
| Production Years | 1996-2003 |
| Sales Regions | Europe |
| Power | 148 hp |
| Engine | 1.8T Petrol |
| Trim Levels | Attraction, Ambition, Ambiente |
| Center Bore | (Check Original Source) |
| Bolt Pattern (PCD) | (Check Original Source) |
| Wheel Fasteners | Lug bolts |
| Thread Size | (Check Original Source) |
| Wheel Tightening Torque | (Check Original Source) |
Recommended Tire and Rim Sizes:
| Tire Size | Rim Size | Offset Range (mm) | Backspacing (mm/inches) | Tire Weight (kg/lb) | Tire Pressure (bar/psi) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OE 195/65R15 | 6Jx15 ET38 | 36-40 | 127 / 5.00 | 8.9 / 19.6 | 1.9 / 28 | OE |
| 185/65R15 | 6Jx15 ET38 | – | 127 / 5.00 | 8.3 / 18.3 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/60R15 | 6Jx15 ET38 | – | 127 / 5.00 | 9.1 / 20.1 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/55R16 | 6Jx16 ET31 | – | 120 / 4.72 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/55R16 | 6.5Jx16 ET42 | – | 137 / 5.39 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/55R16 | 7Jx16 ET31 | – | 133 / 5.24 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/55R16 | 7Jx16 ET44.5 | – | 146 / 5.75 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 225/45ZR17 | 7Jx17 ET38 | – | 140 / 5.51 | 9.7 / 21.5 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 225/45ZR17 | 7.5Jx17 ET32 | – | 140 / 5.51 | 9.7 / 21.5 | 1.9 / 28 |
1997 Audi A3 1.8T Quattro Wheel Specs (148hp)
For enhanced traction, the 1.8T engine was also available with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Wheel specs remain largely consistent with the standard 1.8T model.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Generation | 8L (1996-2003) |
| Production Years | 1996-2003 |
| Sales Regions | Europe |
| Power | 148 hp |
| Engine | 1.8T Petrol |
| Trim Levels | Attraction, Ambition, Ambiente |
| Center Bore | (Check Original Source) |
| Bolt Pattern (PCD) | (Check Original Source) |
| Wheel Fasteners | Lug bolts |
| Thread Size | (Check Original Source) |
| Wheel Tightening Torque | (Check Original Source) |
Recommended Tire and Rim Sizes:
| Tire Size | Rim Size | Offset Range (mm) | Backspacing (mm/inches) | Tire Weight (kg/lb) | Tire Pressure (bar/psi) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OE 195/65R15 | 6Jx15 ET38 | 42.5-46.5 | 146 / 5.75 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 1.9 / 28 | OE |
| 185/65R15 | 6Jx15 ET38 | – | 127 / 5.00 | 8.3 / 18.3 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/60R15 | 6Jx15 ET38 | – | 127 / 5.00 | 8.9 / 19.6 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/60R15 | 6Jx15 ET38 | – | 127 / 5.00 | 9.1 / 20.1 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/55R16 | 6Jx16 ET31 | – | 120 / 4.72 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/55R16 | 6.5Jx16 ET42 | – | 137 / 5.39 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/55R16 | 7Jx16 ET31 | – | 133 / 5.24 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 225/45ZR17 | 7Jx17 ET38 | – | 140 / 5.51 | 9.7 / 21.5 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 225/45ZR17 | 7.5Jx17 ET32 | – | 140 / 5.51 | 9.7 / 21.5 | 1.9 / 28 |
1997 Audi A3 1.8i Wheel Specs (123hp)
Another petrol option, the 1.8i engine offered 123 horsepower and was sold in Europe and Russia. Trim levels were consistent with other models: Attraction, Ambition, and Ambiente.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Generation | 8L (1996-2003) |
| Production Years | 1996-2003 |
| Sales Regions | Europe, Russia+ |
| Power | 123 hp |
| Engine | 1.8i Petrol |
| Trim Levels | Attraction, Ambition, Ambiente |
| Center Bore | (Check Original Source) |
| Bolt Pattern (PCD) | (Check Original Source) |
| Wheel Fasteners | Lug bolts |
| Thread Size | (Check Original Source) |
| Wheel Tightening Torque | (Check Original Source) |
Recommended Tire and Rim Sizes:
| Tire Size | Rim Size | Offset Range (mm) | Backspacing (mm/inches) | Tire Weight (kg/lb) | Tire Pressure (bar/psi) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OE 195/65R15 | 6Jx15 ET38 | 36-40 | 127 / 5.00 | 8.9 / 19.6 | 1.9 / 28 | OE |
| 185/65R15 | 6Jx15 ET38 | – | 127 / 5.00 | 8.3 / 18.3 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/60R15 | 6Jx15 ET38 | – | 127 / 5.00 | 9.1 / 20.1 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/55R16 | 6Jx16 ET31 | – | 120 / 4.72 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/55R16 | 6.5Jx16 ET42 | – | 137 / 5.39 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/55R16 | 7Jx16 ET31 | – | 133 / 5.24 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/55R16 | 7Jx16 ET44.5 | – | 146 / 5.75 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 225/45ZR17 | 7Jx17 ET38 | – | 140 / 5.51 | 9.7 / 21.5 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 225/45ZR17 | 7.5Jx17 ET32 | – | 140 / 5.51 | 9.7 / 21.5 | 1.9 / 28 |
1997 Audi A3 1.8i (GF-8LAGN) Wheel Specs (123hp) – Japan Market
Specifically for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM), this 1.8i variant, model code GF-8LAGN, also produced 123 horsepower and was available in the SE trim level.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Code (Japan) | GF-8LAGN |
| Generation | 8L (1996-2003) |
| Production Years | 1997-2000 |
| Sales Regions | Japan |
| Power | 123 hp |
| Engine | 1.8i Petrol |
| Trim Levels | SE |
| Center Bore | (Check Original Source) |
| Bolt Pattern (PCD) | (Check Original Source) |
| Wheel Fasteners | Lug bolts |
| Thread Size | (Check Original Source) |
| Wheel Tightening Torque | (Check Original Source) |
Recommended Tire and Rim Sizes:
| Tire Size | Rim Size | Offset Range (mm) | Backspacing (mm/inches) | Tire Weight (kg/lb) | Tire Pressure (bar/psi) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OE 195/65R15 | 6Jx15 ET38 | 36-40 | 127 / 5.00 | 8.9 / 19.6 | 1.9 / 28 | OE |
| 185/65R15 | 6Jx15 ET38 | – | 127 / 5.00 | 8.3 / 18.3 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/60R15 | 6Jx15 ET38 | – | 127 / 5.00 | 9.1 / 20.1 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/55R16 | 6Jx16 ET31 | – | 120 / 4.72 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/55R16 | 6.5Jx16 ET42 | – | 137 / 5.39 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/55R16 | 7Jx16 ET31 | – | 133 / 5.24 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/55R16 | 7Jx16 ET44.5 | – | 146 / 5.75 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 225/45ZR17 | 7Jx17 ET38 | – | 140 / 5.51 | 9.7 / 21.5 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 225/45ZR17 | 7.5Jx17 ET32 | – | 140 / 5.51 | 9.7 / 21.5 | 1.9 / 28 |
1997 Audi A3 1.9 TDi Wheel Specs (109hp & 89hp)
The 1997 Audi A3 also offered two diesel engine options, both 1.9 TDi, producing either 109 horsepower or 89 horsepower. These models were primarily sold in Europe. The wheel specifications are identical for both diesel variants.
1.9 TDi (109hp)
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Generation | 8L (1996-2003) |
| Production Years | 1997-2001 |
| Sales Regions | Europe, Russia+ |
| Power | 109 hp |
| Engine | 1.9L Diesel |
| Center Bore | (Check Original Source) |
| Bolt Pattern (PCD) | (Check Original Source) |
| Wheel Fasteners | Lug bolts |
| Thread Size | (Check Original Source) |
| Wheel Tightening Torque | (Check Original Source) |
1.9 TDi (89hp)
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Generation | 8L (1996-2003) |
| Production Years | 1996-2001 |
| Sales Regions | Europe |
| Power | 89 hp |
| Engine | 1.9L Diesel |
| Center Bore | (Check Original Source) |
| Bolt Pattern (PCD) | (Check Original Source) |
| Wheel Fasteners | Lug bolts |
| Thread Size | (Check Original Source) |
| Wheel Tightening Torque | (Check Original Source) |
Recommended Tire and Rim Sizes for 1.9 TDi Models (109hp & 89hp):
| Tire Size | Rim Size | Offset Range (mm) | Backspacing (mm/inches) | Tire Weight (kg/lb) | Tire Pressure (bar/psi) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OE 195/65R15 | 6Jx15 ET38 | 36-40 | 127 / 5.00 | 8.9 / 19.6 | 1.9 / 28 | OE |
| 185/65R15 | 6Jx15 ET38 | – | 127 / 5.00 | 8.3 / 18.3 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/60R15 | 6Jx15 ET38 | – | 127 / 5.00 | 9.1 / 20.1 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/55R16 | 6Jx16 ET31 | – | 120 / 4.72 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/55R16 | 6.5Jx16 ET42 | – | 137 / 5.39 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/55R16 | 7Jx16 ET31 | – | 133 / 5.24 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 205/55R16 | 7Jx16 ET44.5 | – | 146 / 5.75 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 225/45ZR17 | 7Jx17 ET38 | – | 140 / 5.51 | 9.7 / 21.5 | 1.9 / 28 | |
| 225/45ZR17 | 7.5Jx17 ET32 | – | 140 / 5.51 | 9.7 / 21.5 | 1.9 / 28 |
Key Wheel Fitment Terms Explained for Your 1997 Audi A3
- Bolt Pattern (PCD): This is the diameter of the circle formed by the wheel bolts. It’s critical to match the PCD to your vehicle’s hub for proper wheel mounting.
- Center Bore/Hub Bore: The center hole in the wheel that centers it on the car’s hub. Correct center bore ensures proper wheel balance and reduces vibration.
- Offset: The distance between the wheel’s centerline and its mounting surface. Offset affects wheel position within the wheel well and can impact handling and clearance.
- Rim Size: Expressed as width and diameter (e.g., 6Jx15), indicating the rim’s dimensions in inches.
- Tire Size: A combination of width, aspect ratio, and diameter (e.g., 195/65R15). Understanding tire size is crucial for safety and performance.
- Wheel Fasteners: For the 1997 Audi A3, lug bolts are used to secure the wheels to the hub.
- Wheel Tightening Torque: The manufacturer-specified torque for tightening wheel bolts, measured in Newton meters (Nm). Proper torque is essential to prevent wheels from coming loose.
Why Correct Wheel Fitment Matters for Your 1997 Audi A3
Using the correct wheel and tire specifications for your 1997 Audi A3 is paramount for several reasons:
- Safety: Correct fitment ensures proper braking clearance, suspension functionality, and tire load capacity, all critical for safe driving.
- Handling and Performance: Wheel and tire size directly impact your vehicle’s handling, steering response, and overall driving dynamics.
- Vehicle Integrity: Incorrect fitment can lead to premature wear on suspension components, bearings, and tires.
- Speedometer Accuracy: Tire circumference affects speedometer readings. Using the recommended sizes maintains accuracy.
Finding Your 1997 Audi A3 Modification
To ensure you are looking at the correct wheel fitment data, identify your specific 1997 Audi A3 modification. This can usually be found in your vehicle’s registration documents or the vehicle identification number (VIN) plate, often located on the driver’s side door jamb or dashboard. Knowing your engine type (e.g., 1.6i, 1.8T, 1.9 TDi) will guide you to the appropriate section in this guide.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wheels and tires for your 1997 Audi A3 is a critical aspect of vehicle maintenance and customization. This guide provides the necessary specifications to help you make informed decisions. Always prioritize safety and vehicle compatibility when selecting new wheels and tires. Consulting with a tire professional can further ensure you choose the best options for your specific needs and driving conditions.
