MUST-HAVES
FLOW DOWN® magnetic number plate holders suitable for Audi - frameless
You drive an Audi and want the clean look, without visible screws or advertising print on the plate? At FLOW DOWN® you will find magnetic plate holders suitable for Audi - vehicle-specific for the usual tuning models (A3, S3, RS3) and as a universal holder for the rest of the range. From the A1 saloon to the RS6 Avant, from the A4 Allroad to the R8, from the Q3 to the Q8, there is a solution for almost every Audi. Made in Germany, produced in our own workshop in Essen from UV-resistant ASA.
Vehicle-specific holders for the A3, S3 and RS3
We currently stock precisely fitting, vehicle-specific holders for the most popular Audi tuning models. Each one is matched exactly to that model's bumper geometry:
8Y generation (current)
8V generation
Universal holder for every other Audi
Driving an Audi A1, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, R8, an Avant, an Allroad or a Q model? Or one of the S and RS models such as the S4, S6, RS4 or RS6? Our universal magnetic plate holder fits all of them. It is designed to suit almost every bumper and tailgate geometry Audi has used for years.
A and S models
- Audi A1, A4, A4 Avant, A4 Allroad
- Audi A5 Coupé, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet
- Audi A6 saloon, A6 Avant, A6 Allroad
- Audi A7 Sportback, A8 saloon
- S4, S5, S6, S7, S8 (all body styles)
- S and A models with the S line package
RS, R and Q models
- RS4 Avant, RS5 Coupé/Sportback
- RS6 Avant, RS7 Sportback
- R8 Coupé, R8 Spyder
- Q2, Q3, Q5, Q7, Q8
- RS Q3, RS Q8
- TT, TTS, TT RS (8S)
The universal holder works on the same principle as our vehicle-specific models: magnets bolted to the bumper or tailgate with M4 screws, ASA backing plates bonded to the plate with 3M VHB. Tested on the Nürburgring Nordschleife and driven at over 300 km/h.
8V vs. 8Y - why the A3/S3/RS3 needs its own holder
Moving from the 8V generation (built 2012-2020) to the 8Y (from 2020), Audi completely reworked the front bumper geometry. The Singleframe grille remains characteristic, but the position and depth of the plate mounting differ.
Audi 8V (S3, RS3, A3)
The 8V generation has a flatter Singleframe grille with the plate recess directly beneath it. Our 8V holders sit flat on the bumper, neatly centred and without covering the honeycomb grille.
Audi 8Y (S3, RS3)
The 8Y generation has a larger, wider Singleframe and its own plate position. On the RS3 8Y the distinctive RS honeycomb grille with its enlarged intakes is added - our holder is developed for exactly that.
How are the FLOW DOWN® holders fitted to an Audi?
On an Audi the magnets are bolted with M4 screws straight into the bumper or the tailgate, where the OEM holder sits. At the front that means the bumper, at the rear the tailgate (on the RS3 Sportback, A4 Avant or A6 Allroad, for example). The ASA layer behind the magnet prevents direct contact with the paint.
The ASA backing plates are bonded to the back of the plate with 3M VHB tape. One point that matters on Audis with a honeycomb grille: the holder is positioned so the grille stays visually clear and the Singleframe still reads properly.
Audi with pre sense, ACC or parking sensors - does it work?
Yes, without restriction. The FLOW DOWN® holders are designed so that neither the ACC radar, the parking sensors nor the pre sense camera are affected:
- ACC sensor: on an Audi it typically sits centrally in the front bumper behind the Singleframe grille - the plate sits above or beside it. Where space is particularly tight we supply additional spacers on request so the sensor works undisturbed.
- Parking sensors: they sit to the sides of the bumper, well clear of the plate area - on the A3, S3 or RS3 alike. No effect whatsoever.
- Pre sense front camera: up by the rear-view mirror - the plate holder does not touch it.
Custom holders on request - for unusual Audi builds
Driving an Audi with a retrofitted RS grille, a carbon aero kit or another front modification where neither our vehicle-specific holders nor the universal one sits perfectly? Not a problem - drop us a message and we can make a custom holder for your particular front end.
Because we manufacture entirely in our own workshop in Essen, custom adaptations are possible. Get in touch via WhatsApp or on 0176 76043407 - ideally with a photo of your front end, so we can work out the best solution.
What to know before buying an Audi holder
- Front, rear or set: choose in the variant picker. For the full look we recommend the complete set.
- RS3 8Y with the RS performance package: the regular RS3 8Y holder fits the Performance Edition with its extra aero parts too - the plate position is unchanged.
- Sportback, saloon or Avant: the A3/S3 8Y comes as Sportback and saloon - the front bumper is the same, only the rear differs. The A4/A5/A6 add Avant and Allroad versions, where the universal holder fits both front and rear.
- Plate size: on every Audi both 520 x 110 mm (standard) and 460 x 110 mm (short) fit. Special sport plates on request.
- 3D plates: no problem. The raised areas left by the embossed characters on the back are securely enclosed by our thick 3M tape. We recommend warming the plate briefly with a hair dryer after sticking it on, so the adhesive flows around the rivets and bonds fully.
More tuning parts for your Audi
Want to finish your Audi build properly? At FLOW DOWN® you will find more than plate holders - the full tuning range for the most popular Audi RS models:
Audi RS 8Y generation
Audi RS 8V generation
Carbon parts, exhausts, tailpipes, body kits, wheels and more - all sorted by your Audi model.
Advice & fitting at our workshop
Not sure which holder suits your Audi - because you have a special RS bumper, say, or an older model such as the B8 RS4 or the R8? At our workshop in Essen we advise you in person and can adapt the holder on the car. Book by phone on 0176 76043407 or via WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions about Audi magnetic plate holders
Do you have a holder for my Audi A6, A4 Avant or Q5?
Yes - for models such as the A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, all Q models (Q2 to Q8), RS4 Avant, RS6 Avant, RS7, S6, S7, R8 and TT/TT RS our universal magnetic plate holder fits. It is designed to suit almost every bumper and tailgate geometry Audi has used for years. The principle is identical to our vehicle-specific models: bolt the magnets to the bumper, bond the backing plates to the plate.
Do the holders also work with 3D number plates?
Yes. On 3D plates the embossed characters create slight raised areas on the back. Our thick 3M tape encloses them securely and still bonds across the full surface. We recommend warming the plate briefly with a hair dryer after sticking it on - the adhesive then flows around the rivets and reaches full strength.
What is the difference between the Audi 8V and 8Y?
The 8V generation (A3, S3, RS3, built 2012 to 2020) has a flatter front bumper with the classic, smaller Singleframe grille. The 8Y generation (from 2020) has a noticeably larger, wider Singleframe and, on the RS3, the distinctive RS honeycomb grille. Bumper geometry and plate position differ clearly, so each generation needs its own holder.
Does the universal holder really work on an RS4 Avant or RS6 Avant?
Yes. The universal holder is designed for a wide range of bumper and tailgate geometries and fits almost every RS and Avant version. At the front it bolts into the bumper, at the rear into the tailgate. If your RS front has been heavily modified with a retrofitted carbon kit or a performance grille, get in touch - we will check the fit or make a one-off version.
Does the holder fit every bumper version of my Audi?
Within a generation the plate position is identical across the standard models. RS models with the RS bumper sometimes use a different geometry, which is why we have vehicle-specific holders for the RS3 8V and RS3 8Y. For the other RS models (RS4, RS6 and so on) the universal holder fits. For rare options such as carbon aero kits we can check the fit in advance.
Does the holder also work on an A3 or A4 with the S line package?
Yes. The S line package changes how the bumper looks (different air intakes, a sportier diffuser) but not where the plate sits. On the A3 (8V/8Y) our vehicle-specific holder fits; on the A4 and all larger models the universal holder does - in both cases regardless of the S line package.
Does the holder interfere with the ACC sensor or the pre sense function?
No. We deliberately design around both the ACC radar sensor behind the Singleframe grille and the parking sensors in the bumper. Where the ACC sensor sits particularly close to the plate we supply additional spacers to go between holder and bumper, so the sensor stays undisturbed. The pre sense camera is up by the rear-view mirror and is not affected.
Where are the magnets fixed on an Audi?
The magnets are bolted with M4 screws directly to the bumper at the front and the tailgate at the rear, at the position of the OEM plate holder, which is removed on many tuning builds anyway. On Audis such as the RS3 Sportback, A4 Avant or A6 Allroad the rear plate sits in the tailgate, so that is where they go. Behind each magnet an ASA layer prevents direct contact with the bodywork - kind to the paint and permanently firm.
Does the RS3 holder also fit an S3 or A3?
No. The RS3 has its own RS bumper with a completely different geometry from the A3 or S3. We therefore offer separate holders: one for the A3/S3 8V, one for the S3 8Y, one for the S3/RS3 8V (shared, because the mounting position is similar) and a dedicated one for the RS3 8Y. Check the model designation carefully when ordering.
Do you have holders for custom RS grilles or carbon front ends?
If your Audi has been modified so heavily with a retrofitted RS grille, a carbon aero kit or other front changes that neither our vehicle-specific nor the universal holder fits properly, send us a photo of the front via WhatsApp. Because we produce entirely in our own workshop in Essen, we can make a custom holder for your build if needed.
Do I need the same holder front and rear?
Yes - on the same Audi the plate positions front and rear match geometrically. Simply choose "front", "rear" or "complete set" in the variant picker. For a consistent look front and rear we recommend the set.
Can I fit the holder to my Audi myself?
Yes. The first fitting takes about 10 minutes and is straightforward with the enclosed instructions. All you need is isopropanol to degrease and a hair dryer to warm the tape. If you would rather leave it to us: at our workshop in Essen we fit it properly.
All brands and model designations named in this shop, such as Audi, A3, S3, RS3, A4, A6, Q5, RS4, RS6, R8, TT, TT RS and the associated generation codes (8V, 8Y, 8S), are used solely to describe the compatibility of our products. FLOW DOWN® is an independent supplier of tuning parts and accessories and is not connected with AUDI AG. Legal responsibility for mounting the plate correctly rests with the vehicle keeper.