Hi all, hoping the finish my V12 OTS rebuild by early summer, last expense will be the road wheels and tyres.
Standard tyres have quite baloony side walls, and as I’m hoping to stiffen the drive a bit, I thought 7 by 16 wheels with lower profile tyres might be a good idea.
MWS and Turing do them but the offset is all important, the MWS ones are 2mm meaning they hit the inner arches on cornering or heavy stuff in the boot, I don’t know what the Turrinos are except that I gather they aren’t a problem on this car.
If anyone has recent experience of this area I would be very interested in their thoughts.
Bob
Wheels update
#2 Re: Wheels update
Hi why spoil the ride the s3 rides great on standard tyres and wheels have u had a drive in a standard car plus it to me looks perfect so again why spoil it
Rob 1972 s3 roadster
Aston Martin DB9 Volante
Aston Martin DB9 Volante
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#3 Re: Wheels update
These wheels
https://www.imagewheels.co.uk/db3-alloy-wheel/
In 17x7 size with 215/55 tyres would be perfect for S3E imo; is what my car will be getting.when everything else is done ...
And yes they will fit (perfectly)
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=20264&p=164586&hili ... ls#p164552
https://www.imagewheels.co.uk/db3-alloy-wheel/
In 17x7 size with 215/55 tyres would be perfect for S3E imo; is what my car will be getting.when everything else is done ...
And yes they will fit (perfectly)
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=20264&p=164586&hili ... ls#p164552
Regards,
ColinL
'72 OTS manual V12
ColinL
'72 OTS manual V12
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#4 Re: Wheels update
Hi, I’ve had my s3 2plus2 for 12 plus years, running on standard wheel and tyre set up which is the best option for road comfort as the tyres take so much vibration from the road surface (particularly on uk roads now!) imo.
Lowering the sidewall on the tyre with bigger rims will always reduce comfort/vibration damping, so any bumps in the road will go through both tyre, wheel rim and subsequently the suspension components & steering.
I have adjustable shock absorbers which work well and can be personalised to what you want.
Big wheels and small tyre walls won’t stiffen the ride, the suspension will do that.
Look at the e-types racing at Goodwood etc, they don’t run big wheels rims and low profile tyres and these vehicles are stiff as a board.
Practicality over vanity I guess and just my opinion.
Hope that helps
Ps I’ve driven a s3 ots with Turrino 16”s, it did look lovely but it just wasn’t for me.
Lowering the sidewall on the tyre with bigger rims will always reduce comfort/vibration damping, so any bumps in the road will go through both tyre, wheel rim and subsequently the suspension components & steering.
I have adjustable shock absorbers which work well and can be personalised to what you want.
Big wheels and small tyre walls won’t stiffen the ride, the suspension will do that.
Look at the e-types racing at Goodwood etc, they don’t run big wheels rims and low profile tyres and these vehicles are stiff as a board.
Practicality over vanity I guess and just my opinion.
Hope that helps
Ps I’ve driven a s3 ots with Turrino 16”s, it did look lovely but it just wasn’t for me.
Mark
Oct 1971 S3 2+2

Oct 1971 S3 2+2
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Gfhug
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#5 Re: Wheels update
A similar thing with all road cars vs the racing version. Look at the racing Porsches all have smaller diameter wheels and larger profile tyres than the road going car. The manufacturers even insist on putting lower and lower profiles on the higher power road cars. Definitely vanity there!Captain Caveman wrote: ↑Sat Jan 31, 2026 8:43 amLook at the e-types racing at Goodwood etc, they don’t run big wheels rims and low profile tyres and these vehicles are stiff as a board.
Practicality over vanity I guess and just my opinion.
My opinion, that’s all.
Geoff
S2 FHC Light Blue
S2 OTS LHD - RHD full restoration
S2 OTS LHD - RHD full restoration
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#6 Re: Wheels update
Thank you for all the differing views! Will decide when car is ready- June this year I hope
Cheers
Bob
Cheers
Bob
1973 E Type OTS V12
Lotus Esprit V8
Lotus Esprit V8
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