If you have a better picture or see an error, please post the correction in the forums and I will change it ASAP. I will also watermark credits to your picture upon request, thank you!
The differences in recommended wheel size for the TDI is due to generational differences, gearing and power differences, and stock wheel sizes. Bolt patterns are not interchangeable. To see if a wheel may fit, see 1000q: Tire, wheel, offset, and gearing calculator
When choosing tire sizes, stretching the tire slightly is normally better than pinching the tire (tire too wide for wheel width). Tire width does not equal contact patch width or wheel width. For example, the tire for a 6.5" wide wheel could have a contact patch between 5.5-8" wide depending on how stretched or pinched the tire is. Different models and even different sizes of tires have different sidewall profiles and tread contact patches. Tirerack.com and other tire sellers list tires specifications if the tire manufacturer publishes them. The can also be found directly at the tire manufacturer's website. Your local tire store should also have the tires for you to look at in person and usually match online pricing after shipping and installation.
NOTE: virtually all modern OEM VW/Audi wheels use ball seat lug bolts with 14x1.5 bolt thread.
VW/Audi use lug bolts instead of nuts.
Mk3 VW wheels and earlier generations |
||||
model | years | bolt pattern | approx stock offsets | recommended wheel range (diameter x width) for TDI, in inches |
---|---|---|---|---|
Jetta | 1997-early 1999 | 4x100 | 45 | (14-16)x(5.5-7) |
Passat | 1996-1997 | 4x100 | 38 | (14-16)x(6-7) |
Golf | up to 1999 | 4x100 | 45 | (14-16)x(5.5-7) |
Mk4 VW and compatible Audi wheels |
||||
Jetta | late 1999.5-early 2005 | 5x100 | 38 | (15-17)x(6-7.5) |
Passat | 1998-2005 | 5x112 | 38-45 | (15-17)x(6-7.5) |
Golf | 1999-2006 | 5x100 | 38 | (15-17)x(6-7.5) |
New Beetle | 1998-2006 | 5x100 | 38 | (15-17)x(6-7.5) |
mk1 Audi TT | 1998-2006 | 5x100 | . | Not avail as TDI in North America |
mk2 Audi TT | 2006+ | 5x112 | . | |
Audi A4/A6/A8 | 1996+ | 5x112 | 38-45 | Not avail as TDI in North America |
Mk5 - mk6 VW and Audi Q7 wheels |
||||
Jetta | late 2005.5+ | 5x112 | 48-50 | (15-18)x(6-7.5) |
Golf | 2006+ | 5x112 | 45-50 | (15-18)x(6-7.5) |
VW Touareg or Audi Q7 | 2004+ | 5x130 | 55 | with 500 lb-ft torque, go for it |
Eos | 2007+ | 5x112 | . | Not avail as TDI in North America |
Tiguan | 2009+ | 5x112 | . | Not avail as TDI in North America |
Wheel picture gallery organized by lug pattern and wheel
diameter
13" wheels
14" wheels
15", 16" wheels
15" VW wheels
16" VW wheels
16", 17" Audi wheels
17" VW wheels
18" VW and Audi wheels
15" VW wheels |
5x130 bolt pattern (VW Touareg and Audi Q7 only)
All 16, 17, 18,19, 20, 21": Audi Q7 and Touareg wheels
Search the site if you know what wheel you're looking for: