The Official Mk7 Wheel Thread

[Dutch77]

I'm just heading out so I'll address in more detail later, but yes what ^ tigger said is absolutely an option. I'm very biased on OZ so I'd also suggest the very traditional Ultraleggeras (available in silver and grey) or the newer Leggera HLT (available in a quite beautiful 'grigio corsa' which looks like traditional silver, but has quite a bit of grey through it).

The other issue with those BMW wheels is they look a little to soft for me - I was quite happy with the set I had on my 340 (albeit 19"):



OZ Leggera HLT on stock GTI suspension but 18" - this is the grigio corsa finish, I don't think a photo does it justice; definitely needed that bit more low to at least R level:



Same wheel, 19" and gloss black:

[Dutch77]

I’m after:
- a silver/light grey colour
- spoked or “light” in appearance. The opposite of the old Detroits; they look heavy and not so sporty. Pretorias are a decent benchmark for general style.
- not too fussed about being super-light for my daily driving. Prefer something fairly robust and resistant to easy bending.
- not too blingy or racey. Want my R to look good but not flashy. Fly-under-the-radar so to speak.
- Would prefer 7 spokes. Prime numbers. Odd numbers. But I’ve seen examples of 5, 10, 12 that I like.
- wheels that don’t look over-designed or too futuristic.
- 18”
- work well with performance all-season tyres

I don’t mind:
- Pretorias
- Cadiz
- Serrons from my old GTI
- Hartmann 4-GS Hartmann Euromesh 4-GS Wheels for Volkswagen fitment - Hartmann Wheels
- VMR 710 V710 – VMR Wheels

I'd definitely keep in mind the BBS that tigger popped up before but they're a 19" proposition - the SR does come in 18" and actually offers a VW style polished and black finish that feels OEM. The classic CH-R does come off ok in 18" as well, but might be a touch heavy looking for what you have described. The SX and XA may also line up for you.

Obviously I've mentioned the OZ. I can hook you up on the BBS/OZ front, and German ATS.

If you've got a contact in the US for Hartmann go for it - I don't believe anyone is going direct here but could be wrong.

If you're happy to import I'd also look over the Neuspeeds which have developed a good rep for strength and lightness for the price point. A lot of the Yanks seem to be going Konig now as well on the cheaper end.

I'd be also looking over Enkei - good rep for strength and lightness, and they have a decent range of 18" sizing. More upmarket there might be some Rays from that neck of the woods as well.

Ultimately I think budget may dictate where you head..

[Dutch77]

Sunday 'this series has taken a weird turn' Rothmans finale:



VWW Mk7 Wheel Thread does not condone the smoking of tobacco or tobacco related products. Thus endeth this very weird week.

[bkpr]

Ultimately I think budget may dictate where you head..

True. Learning a bit more about wheels from y’all’s help + research I don’t think I’d want to spend too much more than $2K (what the dealer is offering) if I’m honest. I’ll probably curb rash any wheels a bit in the next few months getting used to taking city corners in Oz after almost a decade abroad. Hopefully not but I expect to

I found these Audi wheels which look good to me in design and price: http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/melbo...225/1200658393

Would ET54 be good/acceptable on the R? ET51 is the offset of OEM 18” wheels I believe. Also, is there a way I could check if they’d fit the 340mm discs that come on the R Special Edition? I can physically measure the inner diameter if needed as they’re close to me in Melbourne.

[bkpr]

BTW, I really *really* appreciate the time and effort y’all’ve gone to help me with my wheel (and car) questions. Especially on a Sunday!

If y’all are in Melbourne I’ll buy you a beer sometime.

[shauno]

Same wheel, 19" and gloss black:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]39496[/ATTACH]

Whaaaaat?

RS3 or RS4?

[tigger73]

True. Learning a bit more about wheels from y’all’s help + research I don’t think I’d want to spend too much more than $2K (what the dealer is offering) if I’m honest. I’ll probably curb rash any wheels a bit in the next few months getting used to taking city corners in Oz after almost a decade abroad. Hopefully not but I expect to

I found these Audi wheels which look good to me in design and price: 18" GENUINE AUDI A3 / S3 *S-LINE* ALLOY WHEELS & 95% MICHELIN 225 | Wheels, Tyres & Rims | Gumtree Australia Melbourne City - Melbourne CBD | 1200658393

Would ET54 be good/acceptable on the R? ET51 is the offset of OEM 18” wheels I believe. Also, is there a way I could check if they’d fit the 340mm discs that come on the R Special Edition? I can physically measure the inner diameter if needed as they’re close to me in Melbourne.

ET54 is 3mm further inboard. I don’t think you’d notice it. Are the Pretoria 19x8 or 19x8.5?

Only way to check clearance is to test fit the wheels. If they’re local they may be happy to allow that. It’s not an unreasonable request.


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[bkpr]

The Official Mk7 Wheel Thread

ET54 is 3mm further inboard. I don’t think you’d notice it. Are the Pretoria 19x8 or 19x8.5?

Only way to check clearance is to test fit the wheels.

I see. Thanks for the info. I’m still wrapping my head around rim specs and how they work. The 19” Pretorias are 8, the 18” Pretorias are 7.5.

I’m thinking with the larger disc brakes a fitment is the best bet. The Gumtree seller I linked above seems to do many wheels so I don’t think this’d be a problem.

[tigger73]

I see. Thanks for the info. I’m still wrapping my head around rim specs and how they work. The 19” Pretorias are 8, the 18” Pretorias are 7.5.

I’m thinking with the larger disc brakes a figment is the best bet. The Gumtree seller I linked above seems to do many wheels so I don’t think this’d be a problem.

The new rims are 1/2” (12.7mm) wider and with 3mm less offset will poke 3mm more than stock. No issues.

The only question is clearance on your brakes and whether you like the look. Both questions can be answered with a test fit.


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[bkpr]

Thanks for the info.
So ET54 will be 3mm closer to the outside of the car? You mentioned earlier they’d be 3mm “inboard” which sounds like they’d be closer to the centre. Closer to the outside — wider stance? — is preferable; I quite like the idea of getting closer to flush with the outside [emoji106]

[Dutch77]

No other way around.

You'd definitely want to test fit for brakes, and it may look a fair bit 'under' wheeled.

[Dutch77]

BTW, I really *really* appreciate the time and effort y’all’ve gone to help me with my wheel (and car) questions. Especially on a Sunday!

If y’all are in Melbourne I’ll buy you a beer sometime.

It's all good mate, anything to get a few more Australian cars posted directly in here.

I spent 8 months in Melbourne but I generally don't know where I am.

[Dutch77]

whaaaaat?

Rs3 or rs4?

It's just a picture mate.. relax.

[Dutch77]

No other way around.

You'd definitely want to test fit for brakes, and it may look a fair bit 'under' wheeled.

OK, had a look at those Audi wheels.

You gain 2.3mm from the strut - that's fine/good - but you're inboard 10.4mm over the Pretorias. Given these already don't look that wide/flush, I don't think you'll be happy with the result at all.

I suspect you might still get away with the brakes, although I haven't seen what is fitted to the SE.

I feel like this guy is having a bit of a joke though, seems very expensive for a used set of wheels with some minor damage and even old tyres. I would be looking to spend on something else, although if the budget is $2k with tyres then your choices will be very limited (unless you go to the dodgy online rep sellers, they will fall over backwards to sell you fully sick high kwolity gear).

[shauno]

2k with tyres won’t buy much, certainly nothing new!

2k for wheels only, I’d look at VMR, Rotiform, maybe Neuspeed. Be aware there’s fake/replica versions of even these cheap brands!

I’m currently tempted to drop down to 18’s (for comfort) and maybe go to a wider 245/40/18 tyre... need an 8.5 wide & ET45 to make it all fit though I think.

Anyone tried 245’s in 18”?