Rim ideas?

[LadybugEwa]

I am looking for some new rims for Ladybug. I'm planning to buy online and found some interesting (Canadian) websites. Since I don't want anything too big or too shiny, I'll be keeping the 16" tires, and chrome isn't really my thing. So far my 2 choices are :Audi RS4 Replicas $150 CDN each OR Montegi MR7 $130 CDN. This is the first set of rims I ever bought, so any hints would be greatly appreciated. Which do you think is a better value/quality? What features should I look for (in general)?

[NYBugman]

RS4's 100%. The Motegi's looks cheap

[yellow1.8T]

yeah I like the rs4's better than the motegi, check this site, I like the oz record...

http://www.ozracing.com/2006/pages/p...SUPERTURISMOGT

[LadybugEwa]

Thanks for the weight hint, Porkchop I'll definitely look into that. I agree with you that 18's look sweet I was dreaming of 17s, but had to get realistic, since my 16" tires still have some life in them. I also heard that the riding comfort decreases with the size of the wheel, and since I have to contend with potholes galore in the city these days - it didn't seem practical.
I have another question: This one about instalation. It seems some rims have to be installed using special lug nuts. There are instalation kits offered by the wheel merchants, a $100 value. Why so expensive? Is this necesarry? And what are spacers? Would I need both the kit and spacers for those Audi wheels?
BTW big thanks to all the lovely people who replied.

[NYBugman]

Some wheels require "tuner lugs", which are narrower than your regular lugs because of the small diameter mounting holes of the aftermarket wheel in question.

Spacers are pieces of aluminum or steel that bolt between your wheel and the brake hub. Spacers require longer than stock lug bolts if they are the straight-through design. Other spacers bolt to the hub and then the wheel bolts to the spacer using another set of holes and lugs. Often the style of spacer depends on the thickness of the spacer. You should not require them for the Rs4 wheels, unless you want to use spacers for cosmetic reasons.

[bhppy101]

Originally Posted by LadybugEwa

Thanks for the weight hint, Porkchop I'll definitely look into that. I agree with you that 18's look sweet I was dreaming of 17s, but had to get realistic, since my 16" tires still have some life in them. I also heard that the riding comfort decreases with the size of the wheel, and since I have to contend with potholes galore in the city these days - it didn't seem practical.
I have another question: This one about instalation. It seems some rims have to be installed using special lug nuts. There are instalation kits offered by the wheel merchants, a $100 value. Why so expensive? Is this necesarry? And what are spacers? Would I need both the kit and spacers for those Audi wheels?
BTW big thanks to all the lovely people who replied.

Hi LadybugEwa

Your riding comfort on 18's really dont change if you go with a 45 series tire. Its not the size of the wheel....its the lower profile tires that are accompanied by the larger wheel. Lower profile = less distance between the road and the rim which = harsher ride. I had some 19's with 35 series tires on them and I felt every bump in the road. I now dropped down to 18's with a 40 series tire and perfomance is there but the ride is still quite smooth (except when you hit a deep pothole). So a 45 or even a 50 series tire will put more space between the wheel and the asphalt = more comfort.

Sorry for rampling on.....lol....hope this helps you in your wheel/tire decision.

Good Luck!!

[LadybugEwa]

I think I found my dream rims. Going purely on looks, though since I'm no expert. I'm hoping someone here might be able to tell me more about them. They are RTX ARSENIC Machined Red. Here's the pic. I'm in such state of excitement, I just might buy them right now (online) if you don't stop me Did I mention Ladybug is Red too?
Are RTX good wheels?

Later: The bolt pattern is 4/100. I guess that means they won't fit? Is there a way to make them fit? Please say yes

[NYBugman]

4x100 won't fit. The New Beetle pattern is 5x100. TO my knowledge, there are no 4x100 to 5x100 adapters out, so looks like you're SOL, unless they come in a 5x100 version also.

In any case, they look awful to my eyes. If I were you, i'd be glad they don't come in 5x100.

[LadybugEwa]

Thanks for the tech info, NYBugman, and for your honest opinion. See, I'm just dying to get some red rims. But it appears they are only offered in the highest price range. When I saw these, I thought: "Finally some red rims in my price range!"
Here's something I don't get. Most rims come in just a few basic (dreary) colors, but since most of them have the finish applied why not make more rims in red?
If anyone knows of a company that makes red rims that fit the NB, please let me know.
I'm such a red freak...

[NYBugman]

There is a wheel company called Krylon. They sell wheels in a can

Seriously, buy the wheels you want and paint them or get them painted in the same color as your car. If you were local to NYC I could do them for you, as I refinish wheels as a side business.

Any compitent bodyshop will be able to paint whatever portion of the wheels you desire to be red. Plus, going custom is always better than an off-the-shelf part.

[r0nd3L]

Originally, my Turbo S had 17" wheels with 45 series tire. When I switched to 18" and 40 series tires, ride comfort actually increased. I believe this was due the crappy Michelins that they put on from the factory. My new tires are Kumho Ecsta SPT and are far superior to those H4MX (or whatever they are called) Michelin tires, in both comfort, noise, and performance.

[LadybugEwa]

Ok. So our wheels are 5x100. I understand the 5 is the number of bolt holes. What's the hundred about? And would 5x120 wheels fit? (I know probably not, but if you don't mind please tell me why.) I just saw these on eBay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT

[LadybugEwa]

What do you think about these?
BSA Wheels
Name: 319
Bolt Pattern: 5x100/114.3
Size: 17"x7"
Off Set: +40mm
Finish: Gloss Red with Polish Lip

Is BSA considered a good company? Anyone have BSA wheels?

[LadybugEwa]

bump
I'd love some imput, ppl.

[GINA]

I don't have BSA wheels so I have no comment there. One thing I would be worried about is the color. I think if it didn't match the red on your NB, it would look awkward. That said, I don't care for all-red wheels much, but having red accents might look nice.

But hey, you know what they say about other people's opinions

[dvious]

ever considered black wheels?

[LadybugEwa]

I considered black. I'm not so partial to the look - they tend to disappear into the wheel well. And the black rims don't make my heart palpitate the way the red ones do
So they'll fit, right?

Thanks for your responses, Gina and dvious