Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.9 TDI (1999) Wheel Fitment
Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.9 TDI (1999): 5x112 bolt pattern, 57.1mm center bore. Factory wheels: 15x7.0J F/R. Reference fitment ranges.
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Wheel Size & Offset at a Glance
| Configuration | Wheel Size & Offset |
|---|---|
| Factory (OE) | 15x7.0J F/R |
| Flush Fitment | 17x8.0J at ET35 offset |
| Maximum Aggressive | 18x8.5J at ET32 offset |
How to Read Wheel Offset & Measurements
Use these two references before ordering: the left diagram shows where each spec (PCD, center bore, offset, width and diameter) is measured on the wheel; the right diagram shows how positive, zero and negative offset shift the wheel face relative to the hub centerline.
ANKUSI Engineering Expert Advice
With less structural stiffness from the missing roof, a convertible's suspension tuning leans more heavily on unsprung mass control. Forged construction keeps wheel weight down at the same strength rating, which is one less variable working against the Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.9 TDI's chassis.
The Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.9 TDI runs a 5x112 bolt pattern, 57.1mm center bore, and a 15x7.0J, front and rear, wheel from the factory. Our Flush Fitment reference is 17x8.0J ET35, which tucks the tire under the fender lip on a stock-height Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.9 TDI. Our Maximum Aggressive reference is 18x8.5J ET32 — beyond that offset, expect rubbing against the inner fender liner under compression without further trimming.
Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.9 TDI OE Wheel Specs
The 1999 Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.9 TDI (Convertible) uses a 5x112 bolt pattern with a 57.1mm center bore. Factory wheels are 15x7.0J F/R.
Why the factory spec works for most owners:
- Matches the chassis tuning used to help offset reduced structural rigidity
- Balances ride comfort with the sportier character typical of this body style
- Keeps unsprung weight low for stable handling
- Maintains clearance for the factory brake package and suspension components
Flush Fitment
For a flush look with minimal rubbing, F/R 17x8.0J ET35 is the recommended starting point on a stock or mildly lowered Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.9 TDI.
Maximum Aggressive Fitment
F/R 18x8.5J ET32 is a more aggressive reference setup. Beyond this, expect rubbing under compression without fender rolling or camber correction.
5-Tier Configuration Options
A Factory-Style 15x7.0J ET45
Recommended setup: 15x7.0J ET45 | Economy impact: Negligible | Best for: Daily commuting, family use
Appearance: 7/10 | Comfort: 9.5/10 | Install difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆
Estimated cost: $450-800 (wheels + tires + install)
B Comfortable Upgrade 16x7.5J ET40
Recommended setup: 16x7.5J ET40 | Economy impact: -2 to -4% | Best for: Daily / street
Appearance: 8/10 | Comfort: 9/10 | Install difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆
Estimated cost: $1,950-2,550 (wheels + tires + install)
C Balanced / Flush Fit 17x8.0J ET35
Recommended setup: 17x8.0J ET35 | Economy impact: -4 to -6% | Best for: Street
Appearance: 8.5/10 | Comfort: 8/10 | Install difficulty: ★★☆☆☆
Estimated cost: $2,600-3,400 (wheels + tires + install)
D Aggressive 18x8.5J ET34
Recommended setup: 18x8.5J ET34 | Economy impact: -6 to -9% | Best for: Show / occasional track
Appearance: 9/10 | Comfort: 6.5/10 | Install difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Estimated cost: $3,900-5,000 (wheels + tires + install)
E Max Aggressive 18x8.5J ET32
Recommended setup: 18x8.5J ET32 | Economy impact: -8 to -12% | Best for: Show only
Appearance: 9.5/10 | Comfort: 4/10 | Install difficulty: ★★★★☆
Estimated cost: $4,800-6,200+ (wheels + tires + install)
Performance Comparison Matrix
| Metric | Tier A | Tier B | Tier C | Tier D | Tier E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheel Spec | 15x7.0J ET45 | 16x7.5J ET40 | 17x8.0J ET35 | 18x8.5J ET34 | 18x8.5J ET32 |
| Economy Impact | Negligible | -2 to -4% | -4 to -6% | -6 to -9% | -8 to -12% |
| Appearance | 7/10 | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | 9.5/10 |
| Comfort | 9.5/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 6.5/10 | 4/10 |
| Install Difficulty | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Cost Range | $450-800 | $1,950-2,550 | $2,600-3,400 | $3,900-5,000 | $4,800-6,200+ |
| Best For | Daily commuting, family use | Daily / street | Street | Show / occasional track | Show only |
Real-World Reference Cases
The examples below are compiled from typical ANKUSI customer configurations and are labeled as reference cases, not individually verified real-world builds.
Case 1: Daily Driver (Factory-Style)
Profile: Everyday driving, prioritizes comfort and low running cost.
Setup: 15x7.0J ET45
Cost: ~$620
Outcome: Minimal visual change, ride and fuel economy essentially unaffected.
Case 2: Balanced Enthusiast (Balanced / Flush Fit)
Profile: Wants a sportier stance without sacrificing daily usability.
Setup: 17x8.0J ET35
Cost: ~$3,000
Outcome: Noticeable visual upgrade, fuel economy drop within the expected range.
Case 3: Show Build (Max Aggressive)
Profile: Built primarily for shows or occasional track/show use.
Setup: 18x8.5J ET32
Cost: ~$5,500
Outcome: Maximum visual impact; daily comfort and fuel economy are heavily compromised, physical test fit required before production.
Decision Guide
Offset & Backspacing Reference
Backspacing is calculated as wheel width (in) ÷ 2 + offset (mm) ÷ 25.4 + 0.5 (flange allowance):
- OE: 15x7.0J ET45 → ~5.77″ backspacing
- Flush: 17x8.0J ET35 → ~5.88″ backspacing
- Max: 18x8.5J ET32 → ~6.01″ backspacing
Want to check a different width or offset before you order? Use our Offset & Backspacing Calculator to solve the numbers yourself, or looking for your exact Audi spec, or want a wheel built to a custom offset for your Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.9 TDI? Contact ANKUSI with your bolt pattern and offset target and we will confirm the correct forged wheel spec for your build.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bolt pattern (PCD) does the Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.9 TDI use?
How many lug bolts does the Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.9 TDI use?
What is the center bore size on the Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.9 TDI?
What size are the factory (stock) wheels on the Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.9 TDI?
What is the biggest wheel size I can fit on my Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.9 TDI without rubbing?
What does a flush wheel fitment look like on the Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.9 TDI?
Do I need wheel spacers for my Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.9 TDI?
How do I calculate wheel backspacing for my Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.9 TDI?
What's the difference between wheel offset and backspacing?
Can I run staggered wheels (different sizes front and rear) on my Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.9 TDI?
Wheel Installation Reference: Torque, Thread & TPMS
Thread & Fastener: M14x1.5, ball-seat lug bolt (13mm radius).
Factory Torque Spec: 120 Nm (89 ft-lb). Shared VW/Audi Group ball-seat bolt spec used across most 5x112 Audi models.
TPMS: Vehicles built before the 2008 model year were not federally required to carry factory TPMS in the US, though many manufacturers adopted it earlier; verify whether your specific build has TPMS before ordering sensor-compatible wheels.
Tire Pressure: Always set tire pressure to the value on your vehicle's tire placard (driver's doorjamb or glovebox), not the max PSI printed on the tire sidewall — this is trim- and tire-size-specific and stays the same reference point when you switch to a different wheel and tire combination.
Reference data compiled from published OEM service specifications and cross-checked against independent repair sources; always confirm against your owner's manual or door-jamb placard before installation.