Facelift Ugly Black Edition 18" alloy wheels spray-painted

Imochiii

Imochiii

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I was eager to get into a new S3 sedan having sold my previous sportback over a month ago. Placed an order with the dealer but after 4 weeks, no build-date and it seems likely that delivery to South Africa maybe as late as October. Salesman found a unit available in the country, similar spec to my order. BUT instead of the 19" rims I preferred, I had to settle for the much disliked 18" 5-arm turbine design wheels. Most people on the forum have expressed a distaste for the wheels and I personally don't like them either. However, faced with a wait of 4 months, I opted to take the car and have the wheels sprayed to change the appearance slightly for a bit more aggressive look (if this was ever possible). I settled on the colour grey with a gloss finish. The change is subtle but better IMO - pics attached. The "before" pics are not my car, just for comparison.

Haven't seen the car in the flesh yet. Pics sent by the dealer who arranged for the respray. Looking foward to collection on monday. Will have better pics then.
 

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does look alot better, but they are ugly wheels arent they. When i had my R32 some of the guys were running these wheels.
 
That's a huge improvement. I don't like the original design, but the spray paint has made them look desirable. Good idea!
 
This design is growing on me, slowly - it's essentially a refreshed take on the "Rotor" design from the 8P3 S3 black editions. I'd definitely go with darker arms to accentuate the diamond cut "flash" and rim.
 
There's something odd about the proportions. It leaves too much of a recess in the wheel arch. I think the odd proportions are due to the recess just behind the diamond cut edge.

@ Audinutta. I was told that to have 19" wheels, magride is required. Wasnt specced on this car. But something I would have considered.
 
I prefer the OEM paint colour and don't think the alloys are ugly either
 
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Ok, ugly is an extreme word and is not apt in this instance. What i mean is that there are other much better-looking options. Buy hey, its a matter of taste. I will certainly be keeping these wheels on, as they are now.
 
Imochiii said:
I was eager to get into a new S3 sedan having sold my previous sportback over a month ago. Placed an order with the dealer but after 4 weeks, no build-date and it seems likely that delivery to South Africa maybe as late as October. Salesman found a unit available in the country, similar spec to my order. BUT instead of the 19" rims I preferred, I had to settle for the much disliked 18" 5-arm turbine design wheels. Most people on the forum have expressed a distaste for the wheels and I personally don't like them either. However, faced with a wait of 4 months, I opted to take the car and have the wheels sprayed to change the appearance slightly for a bit more aggressive look (if this was ever possible). I settled on the colour grey with a gloss finish. The change is subtle but better IMO - pics attached. The "before" pics are not my car, just for comparison.

Haven't seen the car in the flesh yet. Pics sent by the dealer who arranged for the respray. Looking foward to collection on monday. Will have better pics then.
Click to expand...
@Imochiii - Defo looks a lot better
Not a fan of the BE alloys but your resprayed version still look OEM IMHO
 
First congrats on getting into a S3 without waiting for months on end.
The alloys are acceptable they do look nicer with the spray paint, better contrast in colour. Overall pretty nice.
One gripe though is look at that front wheel arch gap!!!! Have the stealers not removed the transportation spring blocks?
 
@SevenW. I agree completely with your observation. This was also my main reservation when looking at pics from other cars with the same wheels. I don't think it's the spring blocks. Will know on Monday.
 
Looks much better, i've been toying with this idea! Was looking to go black but the dark grey looks nice!
 
Looks much better mate :) White saloon club is growing.
 
Sorry to bump an old threat, but saves making a new one.

Has anyone sprayed these a gloss black all over? Just wondered how they would look...
 
KyleS3 said:
Sorry to bump an old threat, but saves making a new one.

Has anyone sprayed these a gloss black all over? Just wondered how they would look...
Click to expand...
I would imagine if they had to be fully painted they would look pretty dreadful
 
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