Passat with 20 inch, is it common? Post pics!

[Buller_Scott]

arent they audi rs3 reps?

they look good but the one fatal flaw in VW design for any VW circa mk3 and newer - golfs, jettas, polos, passats, etc is that in order to make larger than oem wheels work, the car needs to be lowered a fair bit, otherwise it just looks like a rollerskate (no offense to anyone, this is just my opinion).

[mic151]

I have 20 inch rims on my R36. To those who say the ride is compromised... rubbish. It all comes down to the tyre and those who are looking into the load rating, spot on, that is the important number. I went with a 245/30/20 tyre with a 93Y load rating. The rims are 20x8.5 with 42 offset and they fit beautifully. It rides as well as the standard 18's.

I haven't got a good photo besides a crap one on my phone at night, but it looks much better than this during the day!

[Pullstarter]

That looks tight! You think ET35 would get too much poke?

[mic151]

That looks tight! You think ET35 would get too much poke?

I did a heap of homework on the right offset and if you are going 20 x 8.5, I wouldn't go any lower than offset of 40. Variables are:

• if you plan on lowering it - if you leave at standard ride height, you might get away with 35 but I wouldn't risk it
• tyre width - I like the straight side wall look rather than a stretched tyre wall, hence the 245. However, you can get a 225 on 8.5 inch rims but it is a stretched fit meaning the potential for rub on the guards is reduced.
• tyre profile - I went 30 series as I like them low and with 20's, this is the profile you need to not throw out your speedo. If you went 35's, your speedo would be out and there is greater chance of rub, again depending on width.

Other things learned

• 9 inch wide will NOT fit. I ordered a set of 8.5 inch wheels with 45 offset from the UK and they sent 9 inch with 45 offset. Ended up getting a refund but tried and they are too wide.
• Also, the brakes on the R36 will limit rim choice.

[Riker]

Found this pic earlier today..... Not the style I would have but the 20's certainly fill the guards nicely...

[Pullstarter]

I did a heap of homework on the right offset and if you are going 20 x 8.5, I wouldn't go any lower than offset of 40. Variables are:

• if you plan on lowering it - if you leave at standard ride height, you might get away with 35 but I wouldn't risk it
• tyre width - I like the straight side wall look rather than a stretched tyre wall, hence the 245. However, you can get a 225 on 8.5 inch rims but it is a stretched fit meaning the potential for rub on the guards is reduced.
• tyre profile - I went 30 series as I like them low and with 20's, this is the profile you need to not throw out your speedo. If you went 35's, your speedo would be out and there is greater chance of rub, again depending on width.

Other things learned

• 9 inch wide will NOT fit. I ordered a set of 8.5 inch wheels with 45 offset from the UK and they sent 9 inch with 45 offset. Ended up getting a refund but tried and they are too wide.
• Also, the brakes on the R36 will limit rim choice.

Thanks Mic, I'd be looking at lowering maybe 30-40mm (on current 2011 shape Passat), nothing massive, so might have to go for 225s. Was just asking about ET35 as I already have some in that size. It's ok though, means I get to buy new Wheels! Hussah!