Audi S3 space saver info rqd.

[Polome]

Hi Recently bought a 2023 S3 and want a space saver wheel/tyre as a better puncture contingency than just foam/filler. My car has 19 inch wheels (tyre size 235 x 35 x19 ) . I’ve tried to buy one via main dealer here in central Scotland only to be told they are not sure if it will fit in boot underfloor well and cannot check the wheel dimension to be sure. They also won’t refund me (approx £300 ) if the space saver from them doesn’t fit the well as it’s considered “special order” and non refundable . Also the central holding down bolt not in stock and needs to be batch (9 off ) ordered at a cost to me of £123 . A bit mad circumstances considering this is a current model and it’s main dealer I’m talking with. Luckily I’ve traced a single holding down bolt at another (more sensible) dealership for £12.60…result …only need the space saver now.
One main dealer offered a 18 inch and another offered a 19 inch ? for my car after giving the car reg.. I did question if a different size wheel on same axle might cause transmission damage …non could answer , my thoughts being the 18 inch wheel had a better chance of fitting in wheel well.
Anyone on here with the same car with a space saver fitted so dimensions can be passed on . I’ve measured my boot wheel well at 25 inch (633mm) diameter and a depth of 6 inches (150mm) and would welcome any info that would get me a space saver that fits . Kind regards and thanks in advance on helpful replies. Ian

[Pixel Pusher]

Can't answer regarding dimensions but Mrs. PP has a Z4 and I was going to get a space saver from here.

https://www.thewheelshop.co.uk/

[catso]

Not an S3, rather an S4 but similar wheel size: 255/35x19 and have a space saver which is a 125/70x19 (looks like it came off a wheelbarrow ) - I assume diameter is around the same as the road wheels as it's the original Audi supplied spare.

Overall diameter of the spare is 26" and is a snug fit in the boot wheel-well which is around 6" deep.

Assuming a 235/35 is a slightly smaller diameter than a 255/35 (35% of 235 being less than 35% of 255) then, presumably you could get away with either an 18" 70 profile spare or a 19" with a lower profile (if available?).

I've never used the spare and hope I never have to, I also carry puncture repair foam and a compressor but it's good to have a backup just in case.

To add: my Wife's Q2 doesn't have a spare (just a repair kit) but the well in the boot is big enough to fit the spare from the S4 but it is just a 'dent' in the boot floor whereas the S4 has some trim around the edge of said dent to hold the wheel in place, making it slightly smaller.

Edited by catso on Tuesday 25th February 16:53

[Novexx]

To figure out if a full size will fit, get a shot of a jack (presume you don't have one), jack it up take a wheel off & check.

On the space saver, take a look at your manual & it will give the correct size of space saver for your model. If you don't have the manual, download one.

Maybe try another dealer as well as they sound to be clueless, useless & passing the buck onto you with their BS

[catso]

Novexx said:

To figure out if a full size will fit, get a shot of a jack (presume you don't have one), jack it up take a wheel off & check.

On the space saver, take a look at your manual & it will give the correct size of space saver for your model. If you don't have the manual, download one.

Maybe try another dealer as well as they sound to be clueless, useless & passing the buck onto you with their BS

Full size wheel won't fit in the well, at least not with the boot floor in place as it's much wider than the 6"deep recess (if it did then Audi would have to admit that space saver is really cost saver) but, yes the manual should say the space saver size, even the sticker inside the door that tells you the tyre pressures should.

Mine do, both the S4 and Q2 (even though the Q2 has no spare) and, oddly they both list the same size spare: T125/70 19 despite the Q2 having 17" and the S4 19" wheels but, I suppose the overall diameter of the wheel is pretty much the same for a 255/35 19 and a 215/55 17.

So, yes look at the tyre pressure sticker for the correct size.

[Polome]

Thanks for the above info…the two things that concern me are that the circumference of the space saver is the same as wheels fitted ( and so alleviating any g/box issues) and that the wheel fits the well…a bit more investigation today with this info helps…p.s. plenty jacks and tools….old school here. 🤣Cheers. Ian .

[cuprabob]

I know on some of the more sporty VAG cars the space saver doesn't fit over the large front brakes and if you get a puncture on the front you need to take a wheel off the rear, put on the front and put the Space Saver on the rear.

My Scirocco has 235/35x19 tyres but the space saver is 18” but due to the profile of the tyre it's almost the same overall circumference.

The Haldex system will be able to handle the slight difference in rolling circumference.

[Polome]

Space saver now sourced from ‘spare wheels direct” , Glasgow based and very helpful in supplying dimensions for comparison against wheels on car etc , not at all like the Audi b.s. It’s an 18 inch wheel and tyre and measures the same diameter as my 19 inch with low profile tyres so no problem with g/box or abs. Arrived in two days and tested for fit on car and in boot storage today…. all good. It’s a used wheel ( only dusty with no sign of use ) cost £100 …result. I’ve attached pics as ref for sizes etc for anyone else in a similar predicament . Thanks again to all above contributors , the advice was very helpful. New jack this week to complete the set. Cheers. Ian .

Edited by Polome on Sunday 2nd March 18:54

[Creg]

Polome said:

Space saver now sourced from ‘spare wheels direct” , Glasgow based and very helpful in supplying dimensions for comparison against wheels on car etc , not at all like the Audi b.s. It’s an 18 inch wheel and tyre and measures the same diameter as my 19 inch with low profile tyres so no problem with g/box or abs. Arrived in two days and tested for fit on car and in boot storage today…. all good. It’s a used wheel ( only dusty with no sign of use ) cost £100 …result. I’ve attached pics as ref for sizes etc for anyone else in a similar predicament . Thanks again to all above contributors , the advice was very helpful. New jack this week to complete the set. Cheers. Ian .

Edited by Polome on Sunday 2nd March 18:54

Apologies, I saw your post last week but was away. Remembered to take a pic today but looks like you’ve got it sorted.

That looks pretty much what I got when I specced a spare on my pre face lift saloon. There was no option to do the same on the facelift and I switched it over to my new sport back when I traded in. Both cars had 19” wheels.

From memory it was £120 as an option, so price you’ve paid is not too bad.

[Polome]

Hi Cres…thanks for info…my car looks same as yours now…your spacesaver was a bargain at £120….i was surprised how heavy the car felt when using my hydraulic jack so decided on correct rated Audi kit . Jack/handle and securing (plastic) clamp ..£89. Happy now knowing i have alternative puncture options. P.s. do you notice much improvement with new model to old. Cheers. Ian

[Creg]

Polome said:

Hi Cres…thanks for info…my car looks same as yours now…your spacesaver was a bargain at £120….i was surprised how heavy the car felt when using my hydraulic jack so decided on correct rated Audi kit . Jack/handle and securing (plastic) clamp ..£89. Happy now knowing i have alternative puncture options. P.s. do you notice much improvement with new model to old. Cheers. Ian

The factory option came with extra trim which clipped in and basically enclosed the wheel.

Facelift feels a bit sharper handling and the engine a little more eager, Ian.

Now have adaptive dampers, which I didn’t previously and those make a difference to the ride quality.

Was planning to get another saloon but happy with the change.

[Polome]

That’s a good looking car Creg. My favourite colour too. We had two cars to choose from a grey and a blue , both very similar and since I picked the car my partner picked the colour . I call grey the automotive magnolia of the car world . Your point re suspension is interesting , certainly driving here on what the Edinburgh council claim as roads shows the cars failings…very brittle , harsh at times uncomfortable ride so it sounds like the adjustable shocks cure that. . All in still think it’s a great all rounder. Cheers.

[Creg]

Polome said:

That’s a good looking car Creg. My favourite colour too. We had two cars to choose from a grey and a blue , both very similar and since I picked the car my partner picked the colour . I call grey the automotive magnolia of the car world . Your point re suspension is interesting , certainly driving here on what the Edinburgh council claim as roads shows the cars failings…very brittle , harsh at times uncomfortable ride so it sounds like the adjustable shocks cure that. . All in still think it’s a great all rounder. Cheers.

I’m a bit West of you, Ian but can empathise on the road quality.

To be honest, I never had many issues with the standard set up of the pre face lift and till now it has been on the longer runs I’ve noticed the difference with the adaptive dampers.

Didn’t test drive the revised standard car but believe with the new diff it is a little firmer.

Love the look of grey - really understated and under the radar. I had decided I would switch to a saloon any colour than (Navarra) blue and then bought an in stock Ascari Blue sportback.

As you say, a pretty decent package all round.

[Creg]

Polome said:

That’s a good looking car Creg. My favourite colour too. We had two cars to choose from a grey and a blue , both very similar and since I picked the car my partner picked the colour . I call grey the automotive magnolia of the car world . Your point re suspension is interesting , certainly driving here on what the Edinburgh council claim as roads shows the cars failings…very brittle , harsh at times uncomfortable ride so it sounds like the adjustable shocks cure that. . All in still think it’s a great all rounder. Cheers.

I’m a bit West of you, Ian but can empathise on the road quality.

To be honest, I never had many issues with the standard set up of the pre face lift and till now it has been on the longer runs I’ve noticed the difference with the adaptive dampers.

Didn’t test drive the revised standard car but believe with the new diff it is a little firmer.

Love the look of grey - really understated and under the radar. I had decided I would switch to a saloon any colour than (Navarra) blue and then bought an in stock Ascari Blue sportback.

As you say, a pretty decent package all round.

[Creg]

Polome said:

That’s a good looking car Creg. My favourite colour too. We had two cars to choose from a grey and a blue , both very similar and since I picked the car my partner picked the colour . I call grey the automotive magnolia of the car world . Your point re suspension is interesting , certainly driving here on what the Edinburgh council claim as roads shows the cars failings…very brittle , harsh at times uncomfortable ride so it sounds like the adjustable shocks cure that. . All in still think it’s a great all rounder. Cheers.

I’m a bit West of you, Ian but can empathise on the road quality.

To be honest, I never had many issues with the standard set up of the pre face lift and till now it has been on the longer runs I’ve noticed the difference with the adaptive dampers.

Didn’t test drive the revised standard car but believe with the new diff it is a little firmer.

Love the look of grey - really understated and under the radar. I had decided I would switch to a saloon any colour than (Navarra) blue and then bought an in stock Ascari Blue sportback.

As you say, a pretty decent package all round.