19" to 18" wheels

[david25]

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.

Very interesting site, thanks

Parker / MILTON KEYNES 13.3kg
AUSTIN 12.4kg
Brescia 13.3kg
PRETORIA 18" 11.6kg (rudedog below measures 10.2kg)
PRETORIA 19" 12.8kg
SANTIAGO 13.5kg
Belvedere 8.8kg !!!
SEVILLA 12.6kg

[Rudedog]

I bought a set of the OE 18" Prets in Matt Dark Graphite at the end of last year, I was prepared for a longish wait as they were on back order (along with my TCR rear spoiler) but in the end they came only a severals months later at the beginning of this year.

Originally I used the code number found in the Golf 7.5 accessory catalogue which said they also came with tyres so cost only about £50 more for each alloy - I got a call about a month later to say that they were no longer sold with tyres so got some money off the order.

I think I paid just over £2K for alloys plus spoiler which I paid off using Bumper repayments.




I've fitted my spoiler but shamed to say I still haven't fitted the alloys yet.

[bogwoppit]

They were the ones we had on our Golf and they were made by Ronal. I understand the manufacturer can vary?















Rudedog, would love to know what the weight of a single wheel is if you get chance.
The website linked above varies from 10.6Kg (black) to 11.6kg (silver and grey).

[Rudedog]

Ok I've just weighed a single bare alloy and I was very surprised to find that it was ....... 10.2 kg!

Mine are painted dark graphite inside and out (Ronal's - Poland) - just realised the centre badge that came with them I think it is of a slightly newer font so I may have to reuse the originals.

[bogwoppit]

Thank you Rudedog. 

That's fairly light for an OEM 18" cast alloy wheel.

[david25]

Thanks, I've updated my post with your info

[gfmr89]

Some interesting posts here on the weights of the various wheels!

I fitted the 18” Pretorias last year (along with the TCR rear silencer) and the car felt more nimble to drive but I wasn’t sure if that was a placebo effect.

[P6GTD]

I think that less unsprung weight as a result of lighter wheels should benefit ride, handling and feel.
Any opinions?

I am sorely tempted to change my Parkers to 18 inch Prets.

As I asked before, does the VW Accessories price include dealer fitting? Otherwise I guess re-fitting existing tyres will add a further 4 x £30 ish which takes the total cost nearer £2K. Ouch.

[gfmr89]

The difference is most notable with the corners I feel. I wonder if there is a weight reduction with the TCR silencer also?

The dealer I purchased the wheels from swapped over my tyres and fitted the wheels but didn’t charge extra.

[P6GTD]

This topic has opened up into a very interesting area on bare wheel weight. I see that if I swapped my Parker’s for 18” VW Prets I would save between around 2k to 3k a corner. Let’s call it 10k total.
Not much if it’ was sprung weight but it’s not, it’s unsprung weight.

That leads me down a huge rabbit hole of on-line opinion as to the pros (mainly) and cons (v little) concerning reduced unsprung weight as it affects steering, response and handling feel.

TBH I was quite taken aback to see how heavy the Parkers are…..heaviest 18” GTI alloys ever?

So losing at least 2k per wheel seems likely to yield “hidden” benefits beyond simply looking nice.
(I’m trying to justify to myself spending the money……. )

Opinions and experiences on wheel weight would be most welcome.