I'm getting really confused! 

 

Will the wheels pictured fit my car ok? Apparently they'll be 24mm further out towards the arch and nearly 2mm closer to the strut. I currently have the stock 16" alloys with 205/55 tyres.

 

i used to understand all the width/offset stuff, haven't had a need to think about it for years!

Stock 16" alloys are 6.5" ET52 (IIRC).  So 7.5" ET28 will poke 37mm further out and you'll have an extra 11mm strut to rim clearance.

They'll fit under the rear guards fine but not the front.

 

They'll poke out past the top of the front guards about 5-8mm.  With 225/50r17  (they are right on the maximum of what diameter tyre will fit))  you'll get scraping if you have lowered springs (been there done that but with 7.5" ET45 - those things would be a nightmare).  On the standard height springs they will probably be OK.

 

Ideally, you want around ET35 to ET50 with a 7.5" rim (ET35-ET40 looks great)

 

Also, the Passat rims probably have a 66mm hub diameter, so you will need hub rings to fit them properly (no big deal).

 

And the extra poke affects part of the steering angles and feels a bit weird (IMO).

 

Personally, I'd look for something else.  16x7.5" ET45 Audi rims with 225/55r16 work really well on the Elegance or 16x7.5 ET40-50 with 235/45r17.

 

And I think you guys have an issue with insurance and out of spec rims / tyres???

Thanks Brad. Changed my mind though! I'm now thinking of the Scirocco Donnington 7.5x17, they're ET41 apparently so should sit nicely and I will also be ordering a new set of coilovers too as my stock shocks are 140k old(!!!), nothing drastic In terms of lowering but I find coilovers a hell of a lot easier to live with  than lowering springs, especially holidays loaded up with kids stuff and a full roof box! New top mounts and alignment will also happen!

That size & offset will be great.  If your insurance allows it, fir 235/45r17 rather than the stock 225/45r17.  Will give a more accurate speedometer, slightly better rim protection, fill the guard a bit better and a few other positives (IMO).

Hi,

If you need any assistance with insurance at all for a change of wheels then please feel free to drop me a line.

Regards,

Dan.

The tyres are nearly new so they'll stay as they are for now, they may even be 235s (Can't remember!)  hopefully my insurance won't charge extra (my last insurer didn't for the same things on my previous car). Cheers Brad, appreciate your replies!

 

Dan, do AF cover modifications in house, or do you pass info down the the relevant underwriter to give an additional premium? And do you have admin charges for vehicle mods? I know you do for COV but that wouldn't be a vehicle change...

regular green and new size in yellow