Replacing 17" Wheels with 15" Wheels

[jameshero]

Have a 118TSI with the 17" Wheels (Included as part of the sports pack). Want to fit snow chains but according to the manual I am unable to fit chains to my current wheels. While I have been told I could use RUD Centrax(or similar), the manual complicates things insurance wise, and is something I am not willing to risk.

So am looking at purchasing a set of 15" steel rims off a 77TSI. Just wondering if the wheels will fit my car, and is it just a simple process of unbolting the old and bolting on the new, then coding the car for the new rolling diameter, or is there more involved. Will the wheels fit over my brakes?

Thanks for your help.

[Diesel_vert]

It is likely that your 118TSI is fitted with 312 mm discs, so it's unlikely that anything less than 16" wheels will clear them.

VW recommends 6.0 x 16 ET50 wheels (on 205/55 R16 91H tyres) or 6.0 x 17 ET48.5 wheels (on 205/50 R17 93H tyres) if you want to fit snow chains.

Most wheels fitted on a 118TSI from the factory are 6.5 x 16 ET50, 7.0 x 17 ET54 or 7.5 x 17 ET51.

In the unlikely event that your 118TSI has 288 mm discs, then you may use 15" wheels.

[TomC]

While I have been told I could use RUD Centrax(or similar), the manual complicates things insurance wise, and is something I am not willing to risk.

Is this your only concern? If so, why not call your insurance company and ask them whether your insurance would be voided? My guess is they'll say no problems at all.

[jameshero]

It is likely that your 118TSI is fitted with 312 mm discs, so it's unlikely that anything less than 16" wheels will clear them.

VW recommends 6.0 x 16 ET50 wheels (on 205/55 R16 91H tyres) or 6.0 x 17 ET48.5 wheels (on 205/50 R17 93H tyres) if you want to fit snow chains.

Most wheels fitted on a 118TSI from the factory are 6.5 x 16 ET50, 7.0 x 17 ET54 or 7.5 x 17 ET51.

In the unlikely event that your 118TSI has 288 mm discs, then you may use 15" wheels.

Thanks heaps for your info, very informative. Unfortunately I do have the 312mm discs, so 15" are a no go.

Is this your only concern? If so, why not call your insurance company and ask them whether your insurance would be voided? My guess is they'll say no problems at all.

Price was also a determinant. While a set if Thule K-Summits have a RRP of $599, I sourced a full set of relatively new 15" Wheels/Tyres for $300. Allowing $299 (more than enough) to buy a set of chains. Will have to ring up the insurance company tomorrow.