Hi,
I'm looking to upgrade my current 15" alloys on my 2011 polo to a set of 17".
Preferably I'd like to buy them used as I don't want the hassle of buying a new set, along with tyres and having them fit.
Anyone know the best place to look? I've been trawling eBay/gumtree for a few weeks but to no prevail. Or alternatively are there any other brands/models that are compatible with the polo spec?
Willing to refurb if I can get the right price.
Need advise about rims!!
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Jakesmithhhh
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SRGTD
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Re: Need advise about rims!!
You've not said what your budget is but there are currently some 17" wheels in the For Sale section of the forum;
viewforum.php?f=60
I'd avoid buying cheap Chinese alloys off eBay; these won't have been subjected to the stringent (and costly) TUV safety testing. VW OEM wheels or wheels manufactured by the likes of BBS, Ronal, or Borbet would be fine - these manufacturers make (or have made in the past) many of the wheels fitted to VW cars as original equipment and will be TUV certified. There are other reputable aftermarket manufacturers; I would stick with wheels from manufacturers who are TUV certified, so you know their wheels have been safety tested. If your preference is to buy used wheels, I'd get the seller to confirm that the wheels haven't suffered any damage (they're not buckled or cracked and repaired) and the tyres haven't been punctured/repaired.
You need to ensure the PCD (bolt pattern) of any replacement wheels you're considering is 5x100 and the centre bore is 57.1. Many aftermarket wheels may have a larger centre bore, in which case you'll need to fit spigot rings to reduce the centre bore to 57.1 to ensure the wheels are a tight fit onto the hubs. Once you know the width and offset of the replacement wheels, you can check the impact they'd have (if any) on clearance and whether or not you may experience any rubbing issues, by using an offset calculator like the one at the link below;
http://www.willtheyfit.com
You may need to budget for new tyres if you buy used wheels and the existing tyres are the incorrect size for your 6r Polo. The offset calculator will also calculate any speedo reading error caused by having the wrong size tyres. 6c/6r Polos from the factory with 17" wheels (they'll be either 7" or 7.5" wide) have 215/40 R17 tyres fitted.
Remember that fitting different wheels to your car is classed as a modification for insurance purposes, so if you do go ahead and change your wheels, you'll need to inform your insurer.
viewforum.php?f=60
I'd avoid buying cheap Chinese alloys off eBay; these won't have been subjected to the stringent (and costly) TUV safety testing. VW OEM wheels or wheels manufactured by the likes of BBS, Ronal, or Borbet would be fine - these manufacturers make (or have made in the past) many of the wheels fitted to VW cars as original equipment and will be TUV certified. There are other reputable aftermarket manufacturers; I would stick with wheels from manufacturers who are TUV certified, so you know their wheels have been safety tested. If your preference is to buy used wheels, I'd get the seller to confirm that the wheels haven't suffered any damage (they're not buckled or cracked and repaired) and the tyres haven't been punctured/repaired.
You need to ensure the PCD (bolt pattern) of any replacement wheels you're considering is 5x100 and the centre bore is 57.1. Many aftermarket wheels may have a larger centre bore, in which case you'll need to fit spigot rings to reduce the centre bore to 57.1 to ensure the wheels are a tight fit onto the hubs. Once you know the width and offset of the replacement wheels, you can check the impact they'd have (if any) on clearance and whether or not you may experience any rubbing issues, by using an offset calculator like the one at the link below;
http://www.willtheyfit.com
You may need to budget for new tyres if you buy used wheels and the existing tyres are the incorrect size for your 6r Polo. The offset calculator will also calculate any speedo reading error caused by having the wrong size tyres. 6c/6r Polos from the factory with 17" wheels (they'll be either 7" or 7.5" wide) have 215/40 R17 tyres fitted.
Remember that fitting different wheels to your car is classed as a modification for insurance purposes, so if you do go ahead and change your wheels, you'll need to inform your insurer.