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Hi guys

Just bought a 2012 red VW polo 1.2 tsi, any know the alloy size? could you recommend a set of alloys that look nice.
Also any maintenance tips would helpful, ive heard the coil packs go pretty quick, not sure if thats true.

Thanks in advance

sm57ruo wrote: Wed Nov 27, 2019 6:31 pm Hi guys

Just bought a 2012 red VW polo 1.2 tsi, any know the alloy size? could you recommend a set of alloys that look nice.
Also any maintenance tips would helpful, ive heard the coil packs go pretty quick, not sure if thats true.

Thanks in advance

I think VW fitted a 1.2 litre power plant to different models within the 2012 Polo range.

• Two 3 cylinder variants with power outputs of either 60ps or 70ps in S and Match models

• A four cylinder TSI unit with power output of 105ps in the SEL model

I’m assuming that as you’ve said your car has a 1.2 TSI, then your car is an SEL model.

The standard wheels on the SEL were a 7j x 16” alloy called the Navarre (tyre size 215/45 R16) - like the ones at the link below;
viewtopic.php?t=57819

If your car was fitted with the optional 7j x 17” alloys for the Polo SEL, then they’ll be the Boavista alloys (tyre size 215/40 R17) - like the ones at the link below;
viewtopic.php?t=69501

That’s assuming a previous owner hasn’t changed the original wheels for an aftermarket set.

As for recommendations on alternative wheels that look nice; that’s a difficult one, as we all like different things, so only you can decide if you like a specific design of wheel. I have these on my Polo GTI (7j x 17” ET46)



On the subject of alloy wheels in general;

• If buying used alloys, always check with the seller to see if they’ve ever suffered any damage (e.g. cracks, buckling) that's required any form of straightening or welding to repair it, as a poor repair could compromise the structural integrity of the wheel.

• If buying a used set of OEM VW wheels, always check the reverse side of the spokes, which should contain the following information; wheel size and offset (e.g. 7j x 16 ET46) VW part number, manufacturers name (e.g. Ronal, Borbet, BBS) and quality / safety certification mark (TUV, ABE, JWL orcequivalent.

• I’d personally avoid cheap Chinese imports / cheap replicas as they may be poor quality and the finish may be poor. Additionally, they may not have been TUV, ABE, JWL (or equivalent) certified for safety and quality of manufacture. Aftermarket wheels that have TUV, ABE or JWL certification should have the certification mark forged into the rear of one of the spokes

• I’d also avoid wheels with a diamond cut finish, as the finish isn’t very durable - especially during winter months - and is prone to white worm corrosion, requiring a full refurbishment to remove the white worm. A good quality refurb of a diamond cut alloy will cost in the region of £80-£90 plus VAT per wheel. Be aware that diamond cut wheels can usually only be refurbished a maximum of twice, as the refurb process involves removing a layer of metal by re-cutting the face of the wheel on a diamond cutting lathe. More than two refurbs and the structural integrity of the wheel can be compromised.

• in terms of size and offset; I’d choose something that’s the same as - or close to - the size and offset of VW’s OEM wheels and OEM tyre size, to avoid any potential issues of tyre rubbing that you could experience if you choose a wheel with an aggressive offset. Wheels for the Polo need to have bolt pattern PCD of 5 x 100 and a centre bore size of 57.1 or greater, if greater than 57.1, a set of spigot rings will be needed to reduce the centre bore size to 57.1.

• Fitting different wheels is classed as a modification for insurance purposes, so if you do fit new wheels, you’ll need to inform your insurer.

In terms of maintenance, I’m a firm believer of regular servicing, so my car is on VW’s time and distance service regime (rather than the long life servicing regime), so it gets serviced each year. After the first brake fluid change when the car’s three years old, brake fluid should be changed every two years. Check under bonnet fluid levels and tyre pressures regularly and top up as required. I can’t remember reading of many issues on the forum of failing coil packs.

Enjoy your new car.

On the subject of coils, and coils packing up early, that was mainly an issue for earlier engine types, I thought/guessed, that VW Group had reverted to double ended air cooled coil pack and individual HT leads for that version of engine - and early lead sets failed due to heat damage and so replacement OEM leads came with a protective sleeve on at least one cylinder's HT lead. These engines were fitted with Iridium plugs at factory (NGK), so replacing them will cost a bit more than maybe expected.

Edit:- pollen filter should get checked to make sure that it is not clogged with dust/dirt etc.

Haynes provide a repair manual that cover most areas, though unless it has been updated, it will not cover any TSI engines, so check if that has changed before buying, lots of bolt torques and other useful info in it, I bought one initially for my wife's 2015 Polo even although it did not cover 6C Polo at that time, I've since bought a copy of the dealership workshop manual from easymanuals .

That Haynes manual has not been updated to include TSI engines, but is available direct from Haynes for £14.99 inc postage as a Black Friday deal - if you are interested.

Edit:- annoyingly, the Haynes manual for the "same" SEAT Ibiza does include the 1.2TSI engine - although it only appeared in print many years after the Polo one!

Here is link for Seat Ibiza
https://haynes.com/en-gb/seat/ibiza/2008-2017-0
& one for Polo (with out TSi)
https://haynes.com/en-gb/volkswagen/polo/2009-2014

@SRGTD
The alloy picture you sent, the one you have on your polo gti, what are they called?

sm57ruo wrote: Sun Dec 22, 2019 12:40 pm @SRGTD
The alloy picture you sent, the one you have on your polo gti, what are they called?

They’re VW Motorsport and were available in Anthracite, Black or White. Size for the Polo is 7J x 17” ET46 (Centre Bore 57.1 and bolt pattern 5x100).

Part no’s (last three digits of the part number relates to the colour);
6R0071497 16Z (Anthracite)
6R0071497 AX1 (Black)
6R0071497 Y9C (White)

If buying new, I’m not sure if they’re still produced in all three colours; think they may now only be available in black, but a VW dealership parts department should be able to confirm which colours are available.

The Vw motorsport alloys are pretty hard to find in a set of 4! Look asweome though.