The 1986 Audi 5000 came from a period when Audi was firmly established as a serious European alternative in the American luxury-sedan market, blending clean aerodynamic design with a distinctly modern road-car feel. That matters on a tire page because this car does not revolve around vintage bias-ply fitment; it uses radial tires, with 205/60R15 for the 5000 CS and 185/70R14 for the 5000 S. Available choices range from blackwall touring-style radials to wide whitewall and raised white letter options in certain sizes. The real decision is confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter first, then choosing a tire that matches the car's intended appearance and road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1986 Audi 5000
The 1986 Audi 5000 uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. The 5000 CS uses a 15-inch radial setup in 205/60R15, while the 5000 S uses a 14-inch radial setup in 185/70R14. Before comparing brands, sidewall styles, or tire series, the first step is confirming whether the car is an S or a CS and verifying which wheels are actually on the car today.
205/60R15 is a metric radial size in which 205 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1986 Audi 5000, this size belongs to the CS and reflects a lower-profile radial fitment than the 14-inch alternative used elsewhere in the range. Product choices include blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter styles from brands such as Michelin, American Classic, Coker Classic, and BFGoodrich. This is the size to evaluate when the car has the correct 15-inch wheel setup and the goal is to preserve proper CS fitment character.
185/70R14 is a metric radial size with a nominal 185-millimeter section width, a 70-series profile, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. On the 1986 Audi 5000, this size is used on the S, making it a distinct fitment tied to that sub-model rather than a universal replacement across the line. Available options lean heavily toward blackwall European-style radials, though a wide whitewall choice is also available, with brands including BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. This size deserves careful selection when maintaining the correct 14-inch wheel fitment and intended stance of an Audi 5000 S.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1986 Audi 5000 because the covered versions do not share the same tire size or wheel diameter. Identifying whether the car is a 5000 CS or a 5000 S is the first step before comparing tire style, construction details, or brand options.
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1986 Audi 5000 CS
The 1986 Audi 5000 CS uses a 205/60R15 radial tire on a 15-inch wheel, giving it a fitment distinct from the S. Tire selection here centers on confirming the 15-inch wheel setup and then choosing among blackwall, wide whitewall, or raised white letter radial options depending on the car's appearance goals.
The 1986 Audi 5000 S uses a 185/70R14 radial tire on a 14-inch wheel rather than the 15-inch setup found on the CS. That makes wheel-diameter confirmation especially important before purchase, followed by a choice among blackwall and wide whitewall radials that suit the car's intended presentation and use.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1986 Audi 5000 Tires for Sale
Available 1986 Audi 5000 tires vary by sub-model, with 205/60R15 and 185/70R14 options from Michelin, BFGoodrich, American Classic, Avon, Dunlop, Coker Classic, and Vredestein. The product grid highlights differences in tire series, sidewall style, and rim-width compatibility across these radial choices.
Common 1986 Audi 5000 tire questions usually come down to sub-model fitment, 14-inch versus 15-inch wheels, radial tire selection, appearance choices, and what to inspect before putting a collector-era sedan back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1986 Audi 5000?
The 1986 Audi 5000 uses two tire sizes, depending on sub-model. The 5000 CS uses 205/60R15 radial tires, while the 5000 S uses 185/70R14 radial tires. Both are modern metric radial sizes, but they are tied to different wheel diameters and should not be treated as one universal fitment for every 1986 Audi 5000.
The practical step is to confirm the exact sub-model and then check the wheels currently on the car. Many older cars have had wheel changes over the years, so the correct purchase path starts with verifying whether the Audi is on 14-inch or 15-inch rims before comparing brands, sidewall styles, or tire series.
What size rim does a 1986 Audi 5000 use?
A 1986 Audi 5000 uses either a 14-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. The 5000 S is paired with a 14-inch wheel and a 185/70R14 tire, while the 5000 CS uses a 15-inch wheel with a 205/60R15 tire. The wheel diameter is part of the tire size itself and needs to match exactly.
Wheel diameter is the first fitment point to verify because a 14-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 15-inch rim, and the reverse is also true. It also helps to check wheel width at the same time, especially if the car has aftermarket wheels, since available tires in these sizes carry different rim-width compatibility ranges.
Do all 1986 Audi 5000 sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the covered 1986 Audi 5000 sub-models do not use the same tire size. The 5000 CS uses 205/60R15, and the 5000 S uses 185/70R14. Both are radial tires, but they differ in section width, profile, and most importantly wheel diameter, so sub-model identification matters before selecting a replacement tire.
That difference affects more than just the size printed on the sidewall. It changes which products are available, which sidewall styles can be considered, and which wheel setups are compatible. A buyer looking for period-style appearance or a more understated blackwall presentation will see different choices depending on whether the car is an S or a CS.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1986 Audi 5000?
Start with the correct sub-model size, because a 1986 Audi 5000 CS uses 205/60R15 and a 5000 S uses 185/70R14. From there, compare radial construction details, wheel-diameter match, rim-width compatibility, sidewall style, and the overall look you want for the car. Product weight and load figures can also help separate otherwise similar choices.
The best comparison is not simply brand versus brand. A blackwall Michelin, Avon, Dunlop, or Vredestein option may suit a restrained European presentation, while wide whitewall or raised white letter choices can push the car in a more customized visual direction. Matching the tire to the Audi's actual use and appearance goals usually leads to the best result.
What sidewall styles are available for 1986 Audi 5000 tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1986 Audi 5000 include blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter styles, depending on tire size. The 205/60R15 fitment includes blackwall, wide whitewall, and RWL options, while the 185/70R14 fitment is mostly blackwall with a wide whitewall choice available as well.
That means sidewall selection is partly a fitment question and partly an appearance decision. A blackwall tire keeps a more restrained European sedan look, while whitewall and raised white letter treatments create a more customized or restoration-oriented presentation. Checking the correct size first prevents choosing a sidewall style that is not offered for the wheel setup on the car.
What brands offer tires for the 1986 Audi 5000?
Brands available for the 1986 Audi 5000 include Michelin, BFGoodrich, American Classic, Coker Classic, Avon, Dunlop, and Vredestein, depending on size. The 205/60R15 CS fitment includes Michelin, American Classic, Coker Classic, and BFGoodrich, while the 185/70R14 S fitment adds Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, Vredestein, and BFGoodrich choices.
Brand matters most when it overlaps with the tire's character. Some options emphasize a straightforward blackwall touring appearance, while others bring in wide whitewall or raised white letter styling. Once the Audi's sub-model and wheel diameter are confirmed, comparing brand alongside tire series and sidewall treatment gives a much clearer picture than brand alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1986 Audi 5000?
A period-style 1986 Audi 5000 tire choice starts with the correct size for the sub-model: 205/60R15 for the CS or 185/70R14 for the S. From there, blackwall radial options usually align more naturally with the car's original-era European sedan character, while certain wide whitewall or raised white letter offerings create a more customized presentation.
Appearance decisions should follow fitment, not replace it. Keeping the correct wheel diameter and size relationship preserves the car's visual balance better than chasing a sidewall treatment first. When exact restoration accuracy matters, compare the car's current setup with period photos, marque references, and vehicle-specific documentation before settling on a final tire style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1986 Audi 5000?
Tire construction is straightforward on the 1986 Audi 5000 because the primary fitments are radial, not bias-ply. That gives the car a look consistent with mid-1980s European road-car design, where the tire profile, tread style, and sidewall treatment shape the finished appearance more than any construction debate between old and new formats.
For a restoration-minded owner, the visual difference usually comes from choosing blackwall, wide whitewall, or raised white letter styling within the correct radial size. Keeping the proper 14-inch or 15-inch wheel relationship also matters to the car's stance. Even a high-quality tire can look out of place if the size or sidewall treatment clashes with the Audi's intended character.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1986 Audi 5000?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1986 Audi 5000. Wheel swaps, changes in wheel width, altered offset, suspension lowering, or bodywork changes can all influence whether the original-size 185/70R14 or 205/60R15 tire remains the most appropriate choice. Even when the tire size looks close, the wheel and body setup may no longer match stock dimensions.
A modified car should be checked for more than just rim diameter. Steering clearance, fender clearance, and actual wheel width deserve attention before ordering new tires. Measuring what is on the car now is often the safest approach, especially on a sedan that may have changed hands several times and no longer carries its original wheel package.
What should I inspect before driving a 1986 Audi 5000 on new tires?
Before driving a 1986 Audi 5000 on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, confirm that the tires match the car's sub-model fitment, and look over the suspension and steering for wear that could affect tracking. It also helps to verify inflation pressure, wheel fastener condition, and that each tire has proper clearance at full steering lock.
A fresh set of tires can only perform as intended if the rest of the setup is sound. Collector-era sedans often spend long periods parked, so it is smart to check for dried bushings, uneven old-tire wear patterns, and any signs of alignment issues before regular road use. A short test drive and reinspection can catch problems early.
How should tires on a collector 1986 Audi 5000 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1986 Audi 5000 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition even if the car is driven sparingly. Look for cracking, cuts, bulges, flat spotting, irregular tread wear, and slow air loss. Low annual mileage does not prevent tire deterioration on an older enthusiast car.
Storage conditions matter just as much as miles. Keeping the Audi away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. It is also wise to inspect them before any longer outing, since a car that sits can develop issues gradually. Periodic movement and proper inflation help reduce stress on the casing.
