A few months back I published a Mega Gallery of Audis on Rotor Wheels that explained the various fitments and sizes (both OEM and aftermarket) for one of Audi’s best wheel designs ever, the 5 spoke “Rotor” wheel…and then a few weeks later, I found a set locally and had to have them. Even though I was selling my car, I figured it could make the car more tempting to a buyer, and I was able to purchase them much cheaper than my asking price for my Volk LE37 wheels (still available BTW) so it was a win-win.
I’m not alone in my enthusiasm for this wheel, particularly in the 19×9 ET33 S5 fitment that came OEM on the S5, and they’ve become quite the hot commodity with numerous “wanted to buy” threads on Audizine along with a few threads that had fierce debate on how much you should pay for them. While the B8 S4 Rotor is pretty common, it’s lack of concavity and weak offset make it far less desirable, but simply put there aren’t as many S5s on the road, and even fewer of them that have this premium wheel. I was lucky as the S5 owner I purchased these off of actually opted to upsize his wheels and picked up the 20″ RS5 edition rotors himself, so great minds think alike.
Now that I have the wheels on, I love this design even more. The color combo looks awesome, just enough contrast to pop without being too busy…but most importantly, the fitment is on point. Surprisingly I don’t rub at all with 235/35/19 tires despite the wider wheel and more aggressive offset, which was a pleasant surprise. Likewise from pretty much all angles the wheels aggressively fill the fenders and it never looks like a boring, stock wheel – I think most people are surprised to find out they’re an OEM wheel and not aftermarket.
I need to get more pictures soon, but I thought I’d share some initial photos for now. I think this is my favorite phase of the car, so it’s only fitting that I am ending on a high note. I have had a lot of interest from people wanting to buy my car, but no one with cash in hand yet…but I’m hopeful that something will come together very soon and I can start a new project in 2017. We shall see!
For those interested, I generally see these wheels run about $1700, plus or minus about 200, regardless of tire condition or size. Maybe a little cheaper without tires, but not much, since right now it is a sellers market with far more people interested in buying them then the supply can meet. I got a very good deal on these, but after purchasing used tires I’m more in line with that same price point for what it’s worth.
For those interested in running these on a B7, you’ll need hubcentric rings and can reuse your OEM lug bolts. You can also run the OEM lug bolt caps, which give it a cleaner look. You can pick both up on Amazon here:
I decided to skip the 19″ peeler option on my S5 (not a fan of that design at all), and buy new rotor replicas from Hartmann. Interesting thing is that the 18″ OEM wheels on my Audi were made in Hungary, and the Hartmanns were made in Germany. Used sets online were going for $1200 or so without tires, where the Hartmanns were a little less than $1000 for 4 new ones delivered (on sale).
Also, my S5 is Misano red, and I really went back and forth between all-silver Rotors, or the Anthracite 2 tone. I ended up going with the bright all-silver, but I still love the look of the Anthracite color on the red car. Darnnit, now I am thinking twice about my decision….
Hello Nick.
I have stumbled upon your blog and found it to be very informative. Thank you for all the time and effort you have invested in educating others about Audi’s.
I have an opportunity to purchase an 2008 A4 2.0T 83k Brilliant Red – Immaculate condition w/ Titanium, Convenience, SLine Ultrasport, Cold Weather, packages. Also Audi Navigation.
Price is close to 13k.
Forgive me but…
with all you experience and expertise is the value there?
Or is this over priced?
Thanks so much for everything!
E. ?
Seems a little on the pricey side, what does KBB say? I generally think their pricing is pretty good to go by since everyone else uses it (hence when you resale, expect to get private party prices). That sounds really nice, but not super rare. All 2008s had the S-line exterior package for what it’s worth. Audi navigation is also not that great, compared to modern standards it’s pretty low tech…I never use mine, and opt to use my phone with Waze or Google Maps instead for real time traffic, more accurate maps, easier to type destinations, ability to search, etc.
Hello again Nick,
Thanks for your speedy response.
Here’s a link. Tell me what you think.
https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/cto/5861092291.html
The KBB private party book value on this is under $9k…it is a nicely optioned & spec’d car, but not worth $3.5k over book IMO.
Awesome! :’)
Thanks so much for your opinion.
E.
Nick, I’m on the verge of picking up a set if these…same ones. OEM S5 rotors 19×9 ET33. I’d put them on 235/35/19 tires. Question…which hubcentric rings do I need? Also, I sold my old oem wheels and the bolts, now I’m using conical seat bolts. Which bolts would I need to get to mount these?
Thanks in Advance!
– Logan
There is a link in the bottom of this post to the hub centric rings you’ll need, but it’s 66.6 to 57.1 🙂
Should be ball seat since they’re stock wheels. You can pick up some 14×1.5 ball seat lugs cheap on eBay though…
Ah, my bad. I didn’t see the links when I was on my desktop computer. I’m on my phone and now I see them, weird.
But thanks for the info, I really appreciate it! Are you still running these on your new TT?
Happy to help! I sold the S5 rotors on the car to the new owner, but my TTRS came with the same wheels (design wise) just different offset more optimized for the TT. I think the S5 rotors would be a bit too much poke for the car, but wouldn’t mind going to the plus size OEM route again if I can find something that will work.
Oh ok, gotcha. I’ve frequented your blog for a while now and I’ve loved watching your progress and evolution of your cars. Keep doing awesome things, and as always, thanks for the information!
Hey Nick, Did you have any trouble with rubbing or clearance when you were running these? I picked up OEM S5 Rotors for my B7 Avant but they ended up rubbing too much all around (i’m lowered on eibach springs). I love the look of them so hoping to find a way to make them work.
What width tire did you run? I had 235s and there was some rubbing, but not that bad. I was running pretty stiff springs which helped, so the suspension only compressed enough to rub over things like speed bumps
Yeah, that’s my problem. I misread the tire sizes when I saw your post and other stuff on the forums. I tried to fit them with the 255s that came on the rims, should have know better! Going to shop around for a used set of 235s.
Hey Nick, love the blog! Question: I have a set of these wheels in 19″ x 8.5″ et: 43, and I’m looking to fit a set with a more aggressive offset/concave. I would prefer to not have to use spacers at all, or at the least the thinnest necessary. I have a 2008 A4/B7 2.0 S-Line. In retrospect, would you have used an offset of et:35 for slightly more clearance and no rubbing, or stuck with the et:33? I plan on rolling my fenders in the event I find the 33’s and need the added clearance. Thanks!
The 19×9 ET33 are the perfect wheel for this car – it does rub a tiny bit, but it looks SO GOOD. If you stick with the B8 offset rotor wheels (19×8.5 ET43 per above), you’ll want to run at least a 5mm spacer to get them flush – but there won’t be much concavity in the spokes. Does that make sense?
Thank’s Nick! Yea, that makes perfect sense. I am looking to get the aggressive concave look you’ve achieved, so I’ll go for the 33’s and roll the fenders (and possibly arches, just slightly). Thanks again!
Nick, these looking friggin fantastic. Do you happen to know how much the S5 wheels weigh?
They’re heavy, that’s the downside. They’re very strong, but much heavier than even the stock 18″ wheels since they’re bigger in width and diameter. I would guess around 30 lbs but did not weigh…
Hi Nick, Thanks for the wealth of info on your blog! I recently purchased a B7 Avant and was fortunate enough to find a near mint condition set of S5 Rotors for it (based largely on your recommendation and the photos of your S4) The fitment is perfect! My next mod will be a mild drop. Would love to know how you achieved that stance? Thanks again!
I used coilovers, but in hindsight I would have just done H&R or Eibach springs and been done with it. Love me some rotor wheels!
Thanks Nick! Much appreciated…
Hey Nick, I’d have to say I’ve referred to your blog many many times as a resource for the 4 years I’ve had my B7 Avant, so thank you for putting this together. Do the S5 Rotors clear BBK’s without spacers? I have Brembo 18z’s on mine.
I had PLENTY of clearance with my Alcon 4 pots, I can’t imagine the 18Zs are much bigger/different. 99.8% sure you’ll be fine. Thanks for the kind words, glad it’s been of help. Let’s see some pics when you get those wheels mounted…tempted to get back into the B7 game with an avant some day again 🙂
I know this blog is older, however I have the same model car, and I was wondering where you got that grille. Or if it’s custom how you made it. Thank!
It’s an OEM RS4 grille, you can read more about it in this post: https://www.nickscarblog.com/reviews/audi-rs4-grille-installed-pics-info
Hi Nick, will these wheels clear front 18z BBK? I have a set of these 19×9 et33 Rotors and planning on upgrading my brakes to 18z
I would think so as I believe they’re roughly the same size as my Alcons were, but I don’t know for 100% certainty.
Lots of great info and pcs here, thx! I have a 2012 A4 s-line 2.0T and love the look of these wheels. Will they fit my car?
Yes, they fit the B8 great – my friend Moyzes just put some on his 2011 Audi A4.
Hi Nick. I’m REALLY wanting these deep dish 19 inch Rotor wheels for my 2019 VW Golf R (US version). Any idea if they will fit without rubbing on a stock suspension? Size and bolt pattern work. Only question is the concave offset. Help! Thanks.
I don’t know VW fitment as well, but I think it’d probably be pretty aggressive and probably not work. The TTRS rotors will be an easier fit, but you lose the concavity.
Did someone have a pic of an a4 b7 sline stock suspension with those s5 rotor 9×19 ET33
Hi Nick
Amazing blog and a lot of useful information about the famous rotors on b7.
Do you have adjustable control arms, camber adjustment?
I put my rotor on the car yesterday and they poke out a bit on the front.
I have standard s-line sport suspension.
Do I have to lower the car to make it look clean as on your or is there something else about the poke on the front?
I ordered a lowering kit that would lower the car about 40/30. That would be about 20mm on the front and 10mm on the back if I’m not mistaken.
There was some slight camber here, but nothing too extreme. I did have adjustable UCAs yes.