The 2016 Audi S3 sits in the modern sport-sedan sweet spot, pairing compact dimensions with turbocharged performance and all-wheel-drive confidence. It appeals to drivers who want everyday usability without giving up the sharper character associated with Audi’s S models. Tire choice matters because this S3 uses two low-profile radial fitments, 225/40R18 and 235/35R19, tied to different wheel diameters. That makes the first decision less about vintage construction and more about confirming the wheel setup, then comparing the available blackwall performance-oriented options from BFGoodrich and Nitto. For a car like this, proper fitment, load support, and clearance deserve as much attention as tread design or brand preference.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2016 Audi S3
The 2016 Audi S3 uses two primary tire sizes, and both are radial fitments tied to different wheel diameters: 18-inch and 19-inch. Premium Plus and Prestige models can use either size, so the first step is confirming which wheels are actually on the car before choosing a tire. Once that is settled, the decision becomes comparing performance-oriented product options within the correct size.
225/40R18 is a modern metric radial size in which 225 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, 40 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2016 Audi S3, this size suits the 18-inch wheel setup and keeps the fitment in the low-profile performance category expected for the model. Available choices include BFGoodrich and Nitto blackwall tires across series such as g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, and NT555 G2. This size is the right place to focus if the car has 18-inch wheels and you want to compare all-season versus more performance-oriented product character.
235/35R19 is also a modern metric radial size, with 235 representing nominal section width in millimeters, 35 showing a lower-profile sidewall, and 19 marking the required wheel diameter in inches. For the 2016 Audi S3, this fitment belongs to the 19-inch wheel setup and remains firmly in the sporty, low-profile radial category. Product choices in this size include blackwall offerings from Nitto and BFGoodrich, including NT555 G2 and g-Force Phenom T/A. This is the size to evaluate when the car is already on 19-inch wheels and the goal is preserving the intended wheel-and-tire relationship rather than mixing diameters.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 2016 Audi S3 sub-models because both Premium Plus and Prestige can use the same two radial sizes. The important check is not trim level alone, but whether the car is currently fitted with 18-inch or 19-inch wheels.
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2016 Audi S3 Premium Plus
The 2016 Audi S3 Premium Plus can use either of the two primary radial fitments offered for this model year. Tire selection starts with confirming whether the car has 18-inch or 19-inch wheels, then comparing the available blackwall performance tire options within that size.
The 2016 Audi S3 Prestige shares the same overall tire-fitment pattern as the Premium Plus, with both primary radial sizes applicable depending on wheel setup. That means the practical decision is matching the tire to the actual wheel diameter on the car and then choosing among the available series and brand options.
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 2016 Audi S3 Tires for Sale
Available 2016 Audi S3 tire choices center on 225/40R18 and 235/35R19 radial blackwall performance tires from BFGoodrich and Nitto. The product grid lets you compare series such as g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, and NT555 G2, along with rim-width and load-capacity details where stated.
For the 2016 Audi S3, the most important tire questions usually involve confirming whether the car is on 18-inch or 19-inch wheels, understanding the two low-profile radial sizes, and comparing available performance tire options for road use and maintenance.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2016 Audi S3?
The 2016 Audi S3 uses two primary tire sizes: 225/40R18 and 235/35R19. Both are radial fitments, and both Premium Plus and Prestige models can use either size depending on which wheel package is on the car.
The practical step is confirming the actual wheel diameter before choosing a tire. An 18-inch wheel requires 225/40R18, while a 19-inch wheel requires 235/35R19. Checking the sidewall on the existing tire and verifying wheel size on the car matters especially if the S3 has changed hands or has been updated with different wheels.
What size rim does a 2016 Audi S3 use?
A 2016 Audi S3 uses either an 18-inch or 19-inch rim, depending on which of its two tire sizes is on the car. The 225/40R18 fitment uses an 18-inch rim, while the 235/35R19 fitment uses a 19-inch rim.
Rim diameter should be the first fitment check because these two tire sizes are not meant for the same wheel. After confirming diameter, compare the wheel width against the tire’s stated rim-width range when that information is available. That extra step helps avoid choosing a tire that is correct in diameter but less suitable for the actual wheel setup.
Do all 2016 Audi S3 sub-models use the same tire size?
Premium Plus and Prestige versions of the 2016 Audi S3 share the same overall tire-fitment pattern rather than having one unique size per trim. Both sub-models can use 225/40R18 or 235/35R19, with the difference driven by wheel diameter rather than by trim alone.
That means trim badge alone does not answer the tire question. A Premium Plus may be on 18-inch wheels or 19-inch wheels, and the same is true for a Prestige. Verifying the current wheel-and-tire setup on the specific car is the safest way to avoid ordering the right tire size for the wrong wheel diameter.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 2016 Audi S3 tire?
Start with the correct primary size for the wheels on the car: 225/40R18 for 18-inch wheels or 235/35R19 for 19-inch wheels. From there, compare construction details, rim-width compatibility where stated, load figures where stated, and the type of performance use the tire is aimed toward.
The available 2016 Audi S3 choices are all blackwall radial tires, so the selection usually comes down to series, brand, and specification differences rather than sidewall appearance. A car used mainly for daily driving may lead to a different choice than one driven more aggressively, but the correct size and wheel match should always come first.
What brands offer tires for the 2016 Audi S3?
BFGoodrich and Nitto both offer tires for the 2016 Audi S3 in the covered fitments. BFGoodrich appears in both sizes, while Nitto is also available in both 225/40R18 and 235/35R19 through the NT555 G2 line.
Brand choice should be considered alongside the specific tire series and fitment details rather than on name alone. Looking at rim-width range, load capacity where shown, and the intended use of the car helps narrow the field. On a performance sedan like the S3, those specifics are usually more useful than treating every tire in the size as interchangeable.
What tire series are available for the 2016 Audi S3?
The 2016 Audi S3 is covered by several tire series, including BFGoodrich g-Force Comp 2 AS, BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp 2, BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A, and Nitto NT555 G2. The exact series available depends on whether the car uses 225/40R18 or 235/35R19.
Series names matter because they help distinguish the kind of product you are comparing within the same fitment. Once the wheel diameter is confirmed, use the series differences alongside brand, load figures, and rim-width details to sort through the choices. That approach is more useful than choosing purely by size, especially when multiple strong options exist.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2016 Audi S3 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment still matters on a 2016 Audi S3 even though it is a newer performance car rather than a traditional antique or muscle car. The right fitment preserves the intended relationship between wheel diameter, sidewall profile, and the car’s overall stance.
A restoration-minded owner should begin by confirming whether the car is meant to present on 18-inch or 19-inch wheels, then select the matching low-profile radial size. If originality is especially important, compare the current setup against window-sticker, build-record, or marque-specific references so the finished car reflects the configuration being restored.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2016 Audi S3?
For the 2016 Audi S3, tire construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial. That keeps the visual focus on the correct low-profile sizing and the wheel diameter itself rather than on choosing between vintage bias-ply and radial construction styles.
Appearance is shaped more by whether the car sits on 225/40R18 or 235/35R19 and by maintaining the proper wheel-and-tire pairing. Since the available products here are blackwall radials, the cleaner comparison is series and fitment rather than decorative sidewall treatment. Matching the right size to the right wheel is what keeps the presentation coherent.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2016 Audi S3?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2016 Audi S3 even when the tire size itself is correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width or offset, suspension lowering, and brake or body changes can all influence how a 225/40R18 or 235/35R19 tire sits and clears.
That is why the actual wheel setup should be checked before selecting tires, especially on a used or modified car. Look at wheel diameter first, then confirm width and available clearance at the fender, strut, and steering range. A size that suits one S3 configuration may need closer evaluation on another with altered hardware.
What should I inspect before driving a 2016 Audi S3 on new tires?
Before driving a 2016 Audi S3 on new tires, inspect wheel condition, confirm the correct 18-inch or 19-inch fitment, and make sure the tires are inflated properly for the application. It also makes sense to check for obvious suspension or alignment issues that could affect how the tires wear or track.
A quick road-use inspection should include sidewall condition, bead seating, valve stems, and any signs of rubbing at full steering lock. On a performance sedan with low-profile tires, small setup issues tend to show up quickly. Catching them early helps protect the tires and gives a better picture of how the car is actually set up.
How often should tires on a 2016 Audi S3 be inspected?
Tires on a 2016 Audi S3 should be inspected regularly, not just when tread looks low. Frequent checks are worthwhile because low-profile performance tires can reveal uneven wear, impact damage, air loss, or sidewall issues sooner than a taller sidewall tire on a less performance-focused vehicle.
A sensible routine is to look them over during pressure checks and before longer drives. Pay attention to tread wear patterns, cuts, bulges, and any change in ride feel or steering response. Cars that sit for stretches should also be checked for age-related deterioration, since storage time can matter almost as much as mileage.
