New Wheel Requirements

[pat_ballam08]

So after a massive debacle ensued purchasing my first set of after market rims, and me never ending up putting them on my car and selling for a massive loss, I have decided to ask my questions here before spending more of my hard earned.

Please bare with me, as I know some of these questions may be asked regularly, I just want to 100% clarify that I have the correct things for my application on a MK5 GTI. (There is quite a lot of conflicting information in my research)

I have decided to go with a set of BBS LM Reps (Not a debate on wheel choice) which are 18x8 +35 with a centre bore of 73.1.
Set of 4 BBS LM Styling 18" 5x112 Alloy Sport Rims Mags Wheels Benz SL SLK CLK | eBay

I believe this offset is fine as an offset calculator says 10mm more inner clearance and 22mm more poke. (Can anyone confirm this will be fine?)

I will need hub centric rings from 73.1mm to 57.1mm
Hub Centric Rings OD=73.1mm ID=57.1mm - Aluminium Alloy | eBay

Is there anything else I need for these to go on my car (Besides tires, which if anyone would be so kind to recommend the size i should be looking at?). I have read places that I might need different bolts? What sort would I need? (A link would be very much appreciated).

Thanks for any help, it really is appreciated, as I have already spent more than I bargained for on a set of wheels that were wrong size/offset.

[kapowww]

In regards to fitment inner clearance is good. Supposedly 18x8 +35 is the max you can run without having to do any guard work but don't quote me. The only problem may be the wheel design and if it'll clear the brake caliper or not without having to use spacers.

Those hub centric rings are fine but so are plastic ones.

In regards to tyres sizes use the calculator to get a similar rolling diameter to stock. Something like a 225/40/18 unless you need narrower tyres if they scrub on the guards..

Ask the seller if the bolts are ball seat (you can use your original ones) or conical. Most aftermarket ones are conical so you might need to get new ones but you should ask.

[kaanage]

I'd get the bolts after you receive the wheels as aside from the seat type, the thickness of the wheel boss can vary so you may need to buy longer or shorter bolts than stock.

[dylan8]

Check out qwertypants, she has a similar setup in regards to wheel specs, it looks pretty sweet now its lowered

[brad]

I have decided to go with a set of BBS LM Reps (Not a debate on wheel choice) which are 18x8 +35 with a centre bore of 73.1.
Set of 4 BBS LM Styling 18" 5x112 Alloy Sport Rims Mags Wheels Benz SL SLK CLK | eBay

I believe this offset is fine as an offset calculator says 10mm more inner clearance and 22mm more poke. (Can anyone confirm this will be fine?)

I will need hub centric rings from 73.1mm to 57.1mm
Is there anything else I need for these to go on my car (Besides tires, which if anyone would be so kind to recommend the size i should be looking at?). I have read places that I might need different bolts? What sort would I need? (A link would be very much appreciated).

.

I ran genuine BBS 17x8 ET35 on the Octavia (Golf MKV chassis) & the fronts stuck out past the guard line by 10mm. You'll be pushing it not to get fouling if you hit a bump going through turns.
You really need an offset around ET45-48 to make it work without hassles.

Also, ET35 means the wheel hub is thicker, so you will probably need bolts that are about 6mm longer than stock for peace of mind (I did).

BTW: How heavy are those wheels? I wouldn't fit anything over 11kg.

I can't understand why you are persisting with these half-baked Ebay sellers. A good wheel seller will know what the correct offset is for trouble free fitment to your vehicle. They will also supply the correct bolts & hub centric rings as part of a package.

Have a look on tirerack as they get some good close-outs. Also VMR had a special going on one of the other forums.

Tyre size will be 225/40x18. Budget on $100 each for something dissapointing & woefull; $150-$200 each for something very average & $250+ for something decent.

Truly, if you really want to go 18" then either save up $2k+ & do it properly or for a bit less ($1000ish) keep your eyes out on the forums & ebay & buy something 2nd hand but in immaculate condition.

[dylan8]

Offset has nothing to do with the hub size and or the bolt length, thats just the design of the wheel.
So you may need to check it, but that's just each wheel.
Worth checking the bolt seat type as it most likely won't be a ball seat on the aftermarket wheels.

Poke will be different from car to car pending on height etc

[brad]

Offset has nothing to do with the hub size and or the bolt length, thats just the design of the wheel.
So you may need to check it, but that's just each wheel.
Worth checking the bolt seat type as it most likely won't be a ball seat on the aftermarket wheels.

Poke will be different from car to car pending on height etc

Fair enough. Looking forward to how the OP fairs.

I forgot to mention that 8" ET35 also made the handling (turn-in & stability through corners) feel "not quite right" because it was moving the track outwards a bit far.

Maybe I'm just too fussy.

[pat_ballam08]

I haven't bought the wheels yet and am actually rethinking them. I may end up with a second hand set, just waiting for a reply from the seller.

[kapowww]

I haven't bought the wheels yet and am actually rethinking them. I may end up with a second hand set, just waiting for a reply from the seller.

Get these wheels..

Wheels.

[gareth_oau]

Hi Pat, if you havent committed to the wheel yet, then consider this crowd in the UK

VAG 5x112, BM Autosport Ltd

they do 121 different 5x112mm rims including LM reps, staggered etc.

I purchased a set recently for my S3 and they are brilliant, and buying them was easy. he can also include spacers, correct bolts etc etc and knows his stuff.

for a set of 18s delivered to your door, budget around $900 (note his online prices include 20% VAT which you dont pay)