Help! need wheel adapter/spacers for my 15" BBS rims

[mysticblue_mk3]

It was all going so well.

I got my Mk3 GTi back from the bodyshop a fortnight ago, fresh from having various parts resprayed and parking dents/scuffs removed, Looking good. Then fitted some new standard replacement rear lights. Last week on goes the VR6 chin spoiler, fitted great.

So far so good, or so I thought

Yesterday, off I trot down to the local tyre & exhaust center for a set of 205/50/15s for my 7"x15" BBS cross spoke alloys (similar to early VR6 ones). Tyres fitted, I return home and set about fitting said rims..................and hey presto the stud pattern is wrong. Not only that but they also foul the calipers. Needless to say I was not a happy bunny .

The ebay seller from whom I got them clearly stated that they were a 5x100 PCD stud pattern, which is a standard Mk3 GTi/VR6 stud pattern. However they appear to be about 5x108 PCD, though could be 5x112. I'm not sure how to measure this.

The caliper fouling can be easily rectified by fitting spacers, but with the wrong size stud pattern, thats another headache. I know that spacer/adapters are available for different VAG fitments, but need to know if these are a VAG fitment.

I suppose its partly my fault, as I should have offered them up to the car to check when I fist took delivery, and before I went and got tyres . But when someone advertises wheels for sale, you'd think they'd get the fitment right. Its probably to late for any comeback anyway as I gave positive feedback when I received them.

So guys & girls, any advice or input on this would be very much appreciated .

Phil 

[GolfGL]

have the alloys got a offset printed on the back may make it easier to find out what they were from, sounds like ur going to need adapters try venom motorsport

[mysticblue_mk3]

The sellers description stated the offset as ET-33, but the only 2 digit marking I can find on the back says 23, assuming that this is the offset mark then it looks like he got that wrong as well .

Golf GL, I have some information in magazines about PCD, but its a bit sketchy so any advice on how to measure this accurately would be much appreciated. If they are 5x108, thats a Ford fit isn't it? 5x112 is an Audi fit so that would be less of a headache.

Thanks for the reply Golf GL, I'll give Venom Mortorsport a look

Phil

[GolfGL]

bbs rims are most likely to be off a bmw or vw but i have seen some on vauxhalls etc.mk 3 offset is pretty much all round ET38 so either way its a bit off so aint too sure. PCD is the diameter based on a circle connecting all the the bolts, not a great explanation. 5 is obviously the amount of studs and the 3 digit number is in milimetres so draw a circle connecting all the bolts(going through there centres and as accurate as possible, got a petractor and marker pen) if possible and then measure straight across from one side to another hence diameter. if u can find out the pcd leave a post and il see if i can find out what it from, hope it helps.

[mysticblue_mk3]

Cheers for that Golf GL, I'll have a go doing what you suggest when I get up, if I get a chance/get out of bed (few jars down the pub etc. ).

[mysticblue_mk3]

Apologies for the delay in replying, had lots on (work etc.). Finally got round to doing what you suggested.

Using a compass and pencil, I drew a 112mm diameter circle on a bit of scrap paper, cut round it as accurately as possible and lay-ed it over the bolt pattern. Hey presto, the edge of the circle goes right through the centre of the bolt holes. Just to be doubly sure I did the same with a 108mm circle and it was nowhere near.

As this all started to get a bit Blue-Peter , I stopped before I gave myself nightmares about being in maths class at school  .

So I'm pretty sure they are 112mm PCD. Had a look on Venom Motorsport's website, they do them for £75 a pair . But I need them so i guess I'll just have to bite the bullet. I did find another ET marking behind the centre caps, says ET34, so the ebay seller got something right after all .

Thanks for your advice on this Golf GL, all I need now are the right wheelbolts..............

Phil.

[Overseer]

isn't ET34 BMW... seems logical as they also use BBS for their alloys..

[mysticblue_mk3]

They do look like the ones that used to be fitted to higher spec models of the old E30 3 series BMWs, so you've probably hit the nail on the head there  . I'll query this when I order my spacers.

Cheers.
 
Phil.

[GolfGL]

Have you seen this months PVW the guy with the mk4 fronted mk3 had BMW wheels and got them redrilled. when you get it sorted post a pic in the gallery as im sure it will look good.

[mysticblue_mk3]

Not yet, I'll have to get a copy.

Re-drilled you say? , not heard of that before. I'll check out the article before I commit to spacers/adapters.

The Golf's booked in for a full brake service (including fluid change) next Tuesday at a local garage, and at the nearest VW dealers for a new full exhaust system (standard) cat-back on the Thursday. Not cheap I know, but cheaper than stainless, better quality than a pattern one and also insurance friendly (with my insurance company anyway). 

Then I'm off on holiday for a week with the Golf , so I'll deal with the wheel saga when I get back .

When it's all sorted I will post some pics