19" to 18" wheels

[bogwoppit]

Looks really good. Silver wheels against the indium grey paint, and in my biased opinion the Pretoria really suits the Mk7/7.5.

We made the same change on our mk7.5, went from the 19" Brescia's to genuine 18" Pretoria wheels (but dark grey in colour) and it improved the ride. The wheels are roughy 1kg lighter per corner, I guess that also helps.

Also with the appalling state of the roads at the moment, hopefully the 18" wheels will last longer.

[oryx3dr]

They look great, I’m considering picking up some 18 prets myself although they are from CM. I love the look of 19s but as we move towards winter they don’t feel like the right choice.

[david25]

Hi all, a little update, I bought a set of genuine VW 18" Pretoria's. Got a bargain price for 4 Michelin PS5 tyres which actually worked out under £100 per tyre after claiming the cashback offers.

Let us know about how the car feels, the new wheels should be (much) lighter

[jon87]

Apologies for the delay in replying. It is a huge difference! Feels so much better. Not sure how much of it is down to downsizing the rims and how much is down to the new PS5 tyres.

On smooth roads, there doesn't seem to be much difference in the ride quality TBH, apart from the road/tyre noise decreasing by at least 50%. Noise from the tyres is massively reduced.

Rough roads and bumps is where you definitely feel the difference in ride quality. Doesn't feel anywhere as harsh. Feels like a completely different car and much smoother. Best decision I have made to move to 18s. I just think they look better in person too.

I had a 8.5 GTI on order as I wasn't previously happy with the ride of the 7.5 but have now cancelled the 8.5 (partly due to them increasing the discounts AFTER I ordered it) and am happy to keep my 7.5 for the foreseeable and won't be changing it as love the difference the wheels and tyres have made.

[P6GTD]

Having decided to hang on to my car indefinitely, I am now tempted for the first time by the oem 18 inch Prets.
Is there a section on VW website where these show as available and prices?
Are the Prets lighter than the standard 18 Parkers?
Are the Prets diamond cut or painted?…..and do they come in a choice of colours of silver & grey?

[SRGTD]

Having decided to hang on to my car indefinitely, I am now tempted for the first time by the oem 18 inch Prets.
Is there a section on VW website where these show as available and prices?
Are the Prets lighter than the standard 18 Parkers?
Are the Prets diamond cut or painted?…..and do they come in a choice of colours of silver & grey?

Link to 18” Pretoria alloys on www.volkswagenpartsuk.co.uk website;

https://volkswagenpartsuk.co.uk/parts/category/wheels-accessories/alloy-wheels/

The prices shown are for a set of four and centre caps are included in the price.

Four different colours for the 18” version; silver, gloss black, galvano grey or dark graphite. Don’t know if the 18” version is lighter than the standard Parker alloys. They’re either painted or powder coated (definitely not diamond cut), so they’re much more durable than Diamond cut alloys - no issues with white worm corrosion. Note that all colours of these 18” Pretoria alloys are shown as available on back order on the linked website, so none in stock, although some dealers might have stocks locally.

If you do an internet search on the part numbers quoted on the website, you may well find a set cheaper. I’ve seen VW dealers selling sets of brand new OEM VW alloys on eBay at less than the official VW prices.

[bogwoppit]

There is a really good website here for looking at OEM alloy wheels. It shows part numbers and approximate weight

https://www.original-felgen.com/vw/golf/7/3

Assuming you are looking at the page using microsoft edge, just right click and 'translate to english'

The genuine 18" Pretoria's we had weighed roughly 10.6Kg, I'm not sure what the 18" Parker wheels weigh.

[jon87]

There is a really good website here for looking at OEM alloy wheels. It shows part numbers and approximate weight

https://www.original-felgen.com/vw/golf/7/3

Assuming you are looking at the page using microsoft edge, just right click and 'translate to english'

The genuine 18" Pretoria's we had weighed roughly 10.6Kg, I'm not sure what the 18" Parker wheels weigh.

Thanks for sharing that, that's a good website.

Looking at it the Parkers weigh 13.3kg so the 18" Pretoria's are lighter.

[BillSan]

I think 18" Parkers were 12kg+ when I changed mine about 3 years ago, but others (thanks Jon - above) may have a more accurate number.

[P6GTD]

Thanks for all that great info everyone. I can see the Prets are a couple of K lighter.
Interestingly I see the Mk7 Austins are lighter as well. Always felt the Parkers looked and felt heavier but disguised by the black gloss parts.
VW Accessories site makes no mention of whether fitting is included although OP got this in the price. Anyone else know about fitting?
Finally, is there much value/demand for the Parkers in reasonable nick??