Models Covered in This Guide
1997-2002 Audi S4 Sedan (B5)
1997-2002 Audi S4 Avant (B5)
The first generation Audi S4 was the beginning of a new era of performance sedans & wagons from Audi. Originally produced from 1997-2002, the B5 S4 was offered in both sedan and Avant/wagon variants. Performance-wise, the B5 S4 utilized a detuned version of the 2.7 liter twin-turbo V6 from the B5 RS4, making around 250 horsepower and offering brisk 0-60 times for the era. Two transmission options were available on the S4, including a standard 6-speed manual, or an optional 5-speed automatic.
Available Wheel Designs
Flow Formed Designs
OEM+ Wheel Fitment
Easy upgrades for street-driven cars
These fitments are ready-to-bolt-on, typically without any modifications, and provide a meaningful increase in wheel width over stock. Available in both 17" and 18" diameters, the fitments listed in this section are an ideal choice for the enthusiast who regularly drives their Audi on the street but still wants to participate in a few HPDE's as well. These fitments are a great match for a completely stock or lightly modified B5 S4.
Wheels
Front & Rear: 17x8.5” ET43
- Popular Fitment
- Available in SM-10 & VS-5 designs
Tires
APEX Staff Pick: 235/45-17
- Direct fit.
- The best option for additional ride comfort and compliance.
Wider Alternative: 245/40-17
- Direct fit with most street tire compounds
Slimmer Alternative (OE width): 225/45-17
- Direct fit
Wheels
Front & Rear: 18x8.5” ET43
- Popular Fitment
- Available in Forged TC-10RT, Flow Formed SM-10, and Flow Formed VS-5 designs
Tires
APEX Staff Pick: 235/40-18
- Direct fit
Wider Alternative: 245/40-18
- Direct fit with most street tire compounds
Slimmer Alternative: 225/40-18
- Direct fit
Performance Street and Track Wheel Fitment
Wider fitments for enhanced performance
These fitments are the perfect match for weekend track warriors and hardcore racers seeking to maximize the wheel and tire size that they can fit on their B5 S4. These aggressive wheel specs will typically require supportive modifications commonly found on track cars. Available in 17" & 18" diameters to cater to a variety of performance-focused tire sizes and compounds. With a focus on brake clearance, our Audi-specific fitments are able to clear the standard S4 brakes with ease, as well as a variety of aftermarket BBKs. However, brake clearance can vary depending on wheel design, as the TC-10RT, VS-5RS, VS-5, and SM-10 will have better clearance for larger aftermarket brakes compared to the ML-10RT.
Wheels
Front & Rear: 17x9” ET42
- Popular Fitment
- Available in SM-10, VS-5, and VS-5RS designs.
Tires
APEX Staff Pick: 255/40-17
- Additional front and rear negative camber is recommended when using aggressive track-focused tire compounds.
Slimmer Alternative: 245/40-17
- Direct fit with most street tire compounds
Wheels
Front & Rear: 18x9” ET42
- The best track setup option for those running aftermarket BBKs with rotor sizes that require 18" or larger wheels.
- Available in Forged TC-10RT, Forged VS-5RS, Forged ML-10RT, Flow Formed SM-10, and Flow Formed VS-5 designs.
Tires
APEX Staff Pick: 255/35-18
- Additional front and rear negative camber is recommended when using aggressive track-focused tire compounds.
Slimmer Alternative: 245/40-18
- Direct fit with most street tire compounds
Additional Resources
Whether you are a casual weekend track warrior that still enjoys your car on the street, or a hard core racer competing for a spot on the podium, negative camber is a vital part of chassis setup that has many benefits. Not only will adding negative camber create more room for wider wheel and tire configurations, it more importantly improves handling, turn-in and tire longevity. Learn more in our blog article, The Positives of Negative Camber.
Still have questions?
Fill out our Fitment Recommendation form Call us: 925-245-0773 Email us: support@apexraceparts.com