UK-POLOS.NET - THE VW Polo Forum

OK, so after much deliberation, not going to refurb my BBS's just yet - want to get something new and euro styly. Think i've decided on TH monos (yeah,...know its not a first!), but what size can i get away with? Really wanna get 16"s so i can justify the outlay - but can i get away with them? - what about tyres? - 195-40-16's?? Really fancy some 8x16 et25 but will they fit (is 8 the width?).

Only lowered about 35mm

i think 8x16 with an et of 25 would possibly stick out a bit but as the lowerage is not that low then you shouldn't have a problem with the wheels catching the arches.
as the 195 tyres would have a stretch over 8 inch wheels, this would also aid with arch clearance!
hope that helps

bigger aint always better remember. imho, 15's suit the polo best

Plus they're cheaper, as are tyres - and ride quality is better on 50 profile than 40. Plus if you're stretching the tyre, it will have less 'bounce' than a regular (unstretched) 40 profile, so you'll be doing the equivalent of riding a sub-40 profile tyre, which I don't think you can even buy.

It might look good on 16's but it won't feel nice to drive at all on 16" wheels stretched over a 40 profile tyre.

Thanks for the advice guys....can see me going down the refurb route at this rate!

Don't want to feel like I've put you off 16's.

There are a few guys on the forum running 16's - but they are most commonly the BBX RXII 16" version. The RXII are fairly narrow in terms of alloys (6.5") which means you can get away with it being lowered as they won't catch on the arches.

A lot of aftermarket allows tend to be wide (7"+), which cause problems on a small hatch when it's lowered. 16's fit mid-sized cars(like a Honda Civic, ford Focus etc) perfectly, as you can fit the wheel in the arch with a decent tyre profile too.

I like 16's, they aren't common and have a bit of 'mystique' about them as they aren't the common 15" or 17". If you look at tyre prices on 16"s, they are pretty high as they sell less. And the needed tyre-profile is just a bit too low for a comfy ride in a lowered car.

Man, I'm starting to sound old Maybe you should just ignore me.

Just get 15s, can use the original tyres, brings the cost down. 8j will be ok with the car lowered by 35mm and won't stick out too far but fill the arches nicely.