GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: darrent on 28 August 2020, 16:12

Title: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: darrent on 28 August 2020, 16:12
I've been scouring the search function and see the CM Wheels 18" Pretoria replicas getting a few mentions. How are these holding up for anyone who has had them a while? Also are they a direct fit with no spacer rings or new bolts needed? I've also got my eye on Borbet Y's anyone got any feedback on these? Or, as Im going to have them as winter wheels, should I just get a used set of Milton Keynes/Parker?
Cheers
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: Guzzle on 28 August 2020, 16:31
If you're using them for winters i'd consider something with a painted or powder coated finish rather than a set of Parker's. They'll be far more durable than VW's diamond cut finish.
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: darrent on 28 August 2020, 16:43
That's very true, it was more going for the quality of the OEM wheel
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: Guzzle on 28 August 2020, 17:10
If you just want OEM quality and aren't too fussy about the pattern then you can buy genuine OEM Skoda or SEAT wheels (which will fit the Golf) for far less than what VW charge. You may need to buy some VW branded centre caps though as the centre hole is smaller.

http://www.superskoda.com/Skoda/Wheels/5x112/18-/

https://www.seatpartsshop.co.uk/collections/seat-wheels?page=1

Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: Ceefeesh on 28 August 2020, 18:43
In July I went to CM wheels and bought a set of replica Reifnitz wheels 18 X 8 j. I suspect the 18 replica Pretorias  are made by the same company. I looked at a set of the Pretorias in gunmetal and they were smart. My rep wheels needed spigot rings and CM knew this and gave me a set of plastic rings with the wheels as the central bore of the wheel is different to VW. My car currently has Milton Keynes fitted and I have checked the OEM wheel nuts and they are correct for the replica Reifnitz. The reps have different sized centre caps and I have bought a set of 56mm VW stickers from eBay. I think that spigot rings wheel nuts and centre caps will be the same for the  Prets. Hope this helps.

Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: clarky92 on 29 August 2020, 11:08
Despite popular belief, the CM wheels Prets are not much stronger than genuine Prets. I did a fair bit of digging into this before choosing what to go for. Quite a few reports of cracked CM Wheels Prets about and buckled reports.
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: jaceyboy on 29 August 2020, 13:45
Yep ive got CM Prets and they are good
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: darrent on 30 August 2020, 08:54
Despite popular belief, the CM wheels Prets are not much stronger than genuine Prets. I did a fair bit of digging into this before choosing what to go for. Quite a few reports of cracked CM Wheels Prets about and buckled reports.
That's interesting, did you just get genuine Prets for your car? Are the CM wheels just generic unbranded wheels?
I'm leaning towards the Borbets now. Next question is what colour on a Tungsten silver car?

Thanks for everyones replies
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: Guzzle on 30 August 2020, 09:30
Most colours look fine with Tungsten, as long as you get enough contrast with the paintwork.

I don't normally like black wheels but I've run a set of black winter alloys on mine for a few years and they look fine.

Borbet, BBS etc all good options. IIRC the Borbet Y pattern was a factory option for the Mk3 SEAT Leon FR, but in a diamond cut finish and made to SEAT specs. Remember though most of the aftermarket options are 8J width or more in 18 inch, so you'll be stretching your tyres a bit or you'll need to buy wider ones.
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: darrent on 31 August 2020, 08:58
I thought 225 40 18 would go on an 8" rim with no problems?
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: watchdog on 31 August 2020, 09:19

You wouldn't be disappointed with Borbet wheels.  I have the FF1s and i am really pleased with everything about them.
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: darrent on 31 August 2020, 09:43
Lovely looking wheel the FF1. Unfortunately even with ultimate man maths I can't justify the price for winter wheels.  :grin:
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: SRGTD on 31 August 2020, 10:29
I thought 225 40 18 would go on an 8" rim with no problems?

225/40 should be fine - see table below. I’d go for a tyre that offers good rim protection though to help minimise the risk of kerbing damage.

(https://i.postimg.cc/MHzpVHVp/93-B1-B1-DE-8-C37-4-BD1-B426-058-D44-BBA33-A.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: Guzzle on 31 August 2020, 12:32
They'll go on no problems, but you'll get a little bit less tyre wall flex and a little bit less rim protection. Depends on what you are trying to achieve. If they are a second set of wheels / tyres specifically for winter use i'd want at least the same or greater margin as OEM for rim protection. But that's just me.
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: darrent on 02 September 2020, 16:28
Am I missing something here? I've found these
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=borbet+ff1+vw&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&Rim%2520Diameter=18&Offset=45&Stud%2520Diameter=112&_dcat=179679&rt=nc&_oaa=1&_stpos=dh3%201jt&_fcid=3

but apparently they won't fit a 68 GTi Performance. Please someone point out its something daft and I'm just suffering from wheel blindness  :grin:
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: mcmaddy on 02 September 2020, 18:47
Am I missing something here? I've found these
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=borbet+ff1+vw&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&Rim%2520Diameter=18&Offset=45&Stud%2520Diameter=112&_dcat=179679&rt=nc&_oaa=1&_stpos=dh3%201jt&_fcid=3

but apparently they won't fit a 68 GTi Performance. Please someone point out its something daft and I'm just suffering from wheel blindness  :grin:
centre bore is wrong size.
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: darrent on 02 September 2020, 19:28
Wrong size? Virtually every aftermarket wheel is the wrong bore is that not why they have spigot rings?
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: SRGTD on 02 September 2020, 19:30
Am I missing something here? I've found these
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=borbet+ff1+vw&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&Rim%2520Diameter=18&Offset=45&Stud%2520Diameter=112&_dcat=179679&rt=nc&_oaa=1&_stpos=dh3%201jt&_fcid=3

but apparently they won't fit a 68 GTi Performance. Please someone point out its something daft and I'm just suffering from wheel blindness  :grin:
centre bore is wrong size.

It’s normal for aftermarket alloys to have an oversized centre bore, so the wheels can be fitted to a wide variety of different cars. It’d be necessary to fit appropriate sized spigot rings inside the centre bore though, to reduce it to the Golf’s 57.1 centre bore size. When buying new alloys, reputable sellers should supply a fitting kit that includes spigot rings and new bolts where necessary to ensure they fit correctly.

@darrent - interestingly on the Rimstyle website, 8J x 18” Bordet FF1 alloys are compatible with a 68 plate Golf GTI - screen print below;

(https://i.postimg.cc/wBrDjm1L/091-AABB6-1537-4-C04-B1-C9-2-B04-B43-A81-A8.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R3cWPqQZ)
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: watchdog on 02 September 2020, 19:36
My FF1 wheels are from Rimstyle. Excellent company to deal with and they will supply you with everything you need to fit a 68 GTI. Centre Caps from a polo are a first class fit.
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: mcmaddy on 03 September 2020, 06:42
Wrong size? Virtually every aftermarket wheel is the wrong bore is that not why they have spigot rings?
alright calm down you asked was it anything daft and that's the only thing that sticks out, they aren't the usual VW bore size so would expect spigot rings to be supplied. Quite a few eBay sellers seem to have incorrect information about fitment for one reason or another. Are you not better off buying from a recognised website in the UK?
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: darrent on 03 September 2020, 08:57
Wrong size? Virtually every aftermarket wheel is the wrong bore is that not why they have spigot rings?
alright calm down you asked was it anything daft and that's the only thing that sticks out, they aren't the usual VW bore size so would expect spigot rings to be supplied. Quite a few eBay sellers seem to have incorrect information about fitment for one reason or another. Are you not better off buying from a recognised website in the UK?
:grin:  I am calm  :grin: I was just querying whether you knew that spigot rings are used  :grin:
Thanks for everyone (elses) help just a joke
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: mcmaddy on 03 September 2020, 09:56
Wrong size? Virtually every aftermarket wheel is the wrong bore is that not why they have spigot rings?
alright calm down you asked was it anything daft and that's the only thing that sticks out, they aren't the usual VW bore size so would expect spigot rings to be supplied. Quite a few eBay sellers seem to have incorrect information about fitment for one reason or another. Are you not better off buying from a recognised website in the UK?
:grin:  I am calm  :grin: I was just querying whether you knew that spigot rings are used  :grin:
Thanks for everyone (elses) help just a joke
yes fully aware having bought plenty of aftermarket wheels 👍 :whistle:
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: Exonian on 03 September 2020, 10:57
I spent a fair bit of time thinking about purchasing a set of FF1’s a few years ago.
Watchdog’s photos are on here somewhere and they look spot on, by far the best looking 18” wheel I’ve seen on a mk7(.5)

The resellers might not list the ‘68 plate 7.5 GTI specifically and will likely be going by the TUV approval certificates for their listings on eBay.
It’s safe to go for a ‘near enough’ fitment where you’ll get either the correct 57.1 CB or a set of correct spigots in the package. So any version of mk7 Golf will have the same CB and bolts.

Personally if it was me I’d be getting a pair of 8x18 ET45 for the fronts and a pair of ET35 for the rears.
When I last checked you could buy ET45 off the shelf with a 57.1 CB but the ET35 would need sleeving down with a spigot ring from something like a 72mm (Audi?).
Cheapest place to buy back then was Tyreleader by a fair margin but they are based in mainland Europe so caveat emptor.
I’ve used the company myself and they were fine but it’s whether the slight risk outweighs the financial savings to another person.

Anyway, a set of 4 8x18 ET 45 will fit just fine and dandy so long as it’s listed for a mk7 Golf of some description (or a whole host of other models for that matter but there’s no point me typing all that out).
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: darrent on 04 September 2020, 08:41
Thanks for everyones input. I've ordered some Borbet Y's. The FF1 is a great looking wheel but I couldn't justify spending that much on winter wheels.
Cheers
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: rajb on 04 September 2020, 17:25
Thanks for everyones input. I've ordered some Borbet Y's. The FF1 is a great looking wheel but I couldn't justify spending that much on winter wheels.
Cheers

Nice choice. Wish I'd seen this earlier as could have offered my BBS SR's with winter tyres on for a decent price.
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: darrent on 10 September 2020, 08:17
Just to finish this off. My wheels arrived yesterday. I'd ordered them from Tyreleader, even though they have some less than favourable reviews. I got an email as soon as I placed the order saying delivery dates are pushed out due to the pandemic so I feared the worst but credit where it's due they have arrived about 5 days after ordering so it's a thumbs up from me.
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: SRGTD on 10 September 2020, 08:31
Just to finish this off. My wheels arrived yesterday. I'd ordered them from Tyreleader, even though they have some less than favourable reviews. I got an email as soon as I placed the order saying delivery dates are pushed out due to the pandemic so I feared the worst but credit where it's due they have arrived about 5 days after ordering so it's a thumbs up from me.

Darren, it’s good to hear your experiences with Tyreleader, as I’m close to buying a set of wheels from them for my car.
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: darrent on 10 September 2020, 08:51
Just to finish this off. My wheels arrived yesterday. I'd ordered them from Tyreleader, even though they have some less than favourable reviews. I got an email as soon as I placed the order saying delivery dates are pushed out due to the pandemic so I feared the worst but credit where it's due they have arrived about 5 days after ordering so it's a thumbs up from me.

Darren, it’s good to hear your experiences with Tyreleader, as I’m close to buying a set of wheels from them for my car.
The only thing to watch for is the tracking of the delivery. I checked on Wednesday morning and it said they were still in Germany, 2 hours later I got a text from my Dad saying they'd arrived  :grin: Just for the avoidance of any confusion I'm in County Durham :grin:
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: rajb on 10 September 2020, 09:43
Just to finish this off. My wheels arrived yesterday. I'd ordered them from Tyreleader, even though they have some less than favourable reviews. I got an email as soon as I placed the order saying delivery dates are pushed out due to the pandemic so I feared the worst but credit where it's due they have arrived about 5 days after ordering so it's a thumbs up from me.

Glad all sorted and delivered ok. Look forward to the fitted pics.
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: mcmaddy on 10 September 2020, 14:10
Just to finish this off. My wheels arrived yesterday. I'd ordered them from Tyreleader, even though they have some less than favourable reviews. I got an email as soon as I placed the order saying delivery dates are pushed out due to the pandemic so I feared the worst but credit where it's due they have arrived about 5 days after ordering so it's a thumbs up from me.

Darren, it’s good to hear your experiences with Tyreleader, as I’m close to buying a set of wheels from them for my car.
The only thing to watch for is the tracking of the delivery. I checked on Wednesday morning and it said they were still in Germany, 2 hours later I got a text from my Dad saying they'd arrived  :grin: Just for the avoidance of any confusion I'm in County Durham :grin:
whereabouts in Durham are you? I'm from up them parts.
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: darrent on 10 September 2020, 21:31
I know you are. I enquired about your GTi when you were selling it but your new car was delayed or something so I eventually found another
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: mcmaddy on 11 September 2020, 06:51
I know you are. I enquired about your GTi when you were selling it but your new car was delayed or something so I eventually found another
delayed and then some 😂👍👍
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: Pretzel on 11 September 2020, 16:30
Just to finish this off. My wheels arrived yesterday.

To really finish this of properly, we need some pictures of the new wheels on the car.
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: Exonian on 11 September 2020, 16:48

To really finish this of properly, we need some pictures of the new wheels on the car.

Just to make it a bit clearer 😁
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: darrent on 12 September 2020, 10:48
I'll get some up when they go on, they are winter wheels and the weather's still canny here in County Durham, honest  :grin:
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: darrent on 15 October 2020, 11:53
(https://i.postimg.cc/J7ggBtLh/golf.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hhLMkDhF)

Just put them on, bit early in the season I know but I only do about 40 miles a week so no harm done.
Managed to do it in between showers, so yes the car needs washing and the tyre soap needs cleaning off. I'm quite pleased how they look.
That's of course if my first attempt at posting pics has worked :grin:
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: Guzzle on 15 October 2020, 11:56
Those look excellent Darren, very nice. Good contrast with the body colour. What size wheels did you go for in the end?
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: darrent on 15 October 2020, 12:09
Thanks. I just went for 18's ET44. I nearly bought the silver ones but I'm really happy with the look of the titan.
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: ar899 on 15 October 2020, 13:36
Saw a Mk 7 Match with R wheels the other day - ooooo.....
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: Exonian on 16 October 2020, 19:30
Looking good darrent :afro:
They suit the car really well  :smiley:
Title: Re: Aftermarket wheels
Post by: king monkey on 16 October 2020, 20:39
Oooooh they look really good! Well done.