Wheels and tyres - Alternative wheels
Introduction
Please read disclaimer.
NB. Warning... When fitting alternative wheels at the rear, please note that unless they are recessed for the two small drum locating set screws, then they will need to be removed so the wheel can be pulled up flush and flat to the drum surface.
See here for wheel nut & bolt torques
Syncro alternative rims
MERCEDES C-Class rims (common easily available rims with various offsets, some suit Syncro)
15" Merc steel rims with the part no. starting 202 *** *** off C-Classes. You'll find them in ET31 and ET37 flavours, in 6 or 6.5" width.
Russel at Syncronutz: Warning
These Merc rims were designed for a car not a van if you use them off-road only then it's ok because you are not going fast. But if you are using them on the road, well up to you but I wouldn't. (Syncronutz supply correct load rated 15" rims 2/12/05)
Note: The C-Class: Gross vehicle weight rating (kg): 1,945, gross vehicle weight rating kerb weight (kg): 1,490
The unladen 'Kerb' weight of the Caravelle GL is 1500KG (10KG heavier than a C Class!) Gross vehicle weight is 2390kg (from the VW instruction manual)
I'd say you're OK with the Merc rims if you don't overload your van (no more than 455Kgs including passengers).
HarryMann: These rims are used a lot on Syncros. They are what's said to be 'soft', that is the rim edges bend or roll back fairly easily when encountering sharp edged rocks, due to being less thick than other steels e.g. T4/T5/Passat steels etc. They can however be knocked back out temporarily quite easily. They have to my knowledge not been found to fail catastrophically which would rule them out altogether, bending rather than breaking. However, as Russel says, they are not 'fully rated' for a vehicle of the weight of a T25, so moe regular inspections and maintenance is indicated, especially if they have been deformed and straightened at any time (I have found one cracking radially from the outside edge down the bead (inside).. sof if you do use them, every time you take them off, clean and inspect them inside and out)
see also Syncro Alternative Rims
MEFRO
OEM alternative wheel fitments for T25s
Here's some information on wheel fitments that may be of use.
It's a list of OEM wheel fitments suitable or adaptable to the T3.
Where suitable I have added notes on work needed to fit them.
Overview of Dimensions
A good guide to these parameters and what they mean can be found here as well as a Speed Difference Calculator:
Click here and scroll down for Wheel Information
AUDI
Model P.C.D. Offset C/Bore
100 (90>) 5 x 112 35...42 57.0
A4, A6, A8, V8, S2, S4, S6 5 x 112 35 57.0
Notes: Offset usable but small centre bore diameter means a need to machine the front wheels.
FORD
Model P.C.D. Offset C/Bore
Scorpio 5 x 112 35...38 63.3
Galaxy 5 x 112 42...45 57.0
Notes: Offset usable but small centre bore diameter on Galaxy means a need to machine the front wheels.
MERCEDES
Model P.C.D. Offset C/Bore
All (except below) 5 x 112 35...42 66.5
SL models 5 x 112 18...25 66.5
A Class, Vito 5 x 112 45...50 66.5
Sprinter 5 x 130 45
Vito/ML 16"x6.5J/PCD 5x112/ET47/Bore 66.5
ML up to 2/2002 16" 5x112 62 66.5
ML 2/2002 onwards 17" 5x112 52 66.5
Extra Mercedes ML Wheel Data
ML230 'Tegmen' 5 spoke 6.5Jx16 on 225/75R16104T. ET47
" Tegman Wheel Photo
ML270CDi 'Tegmen' 5 spoke 8.0 J x16 on 255/65R16109T. ET62
ML320 'Tegmen' 5 spoke 8.0Jx16 on 255/65R16109T. ET62
ML320CDi/ML430 'Pictor' 5 spoke 8.5Jx17 on 275/55R17109H. ET52
" Pictor Wheel Photo
ML350 'Thuban' 5 spoke 8Jx17 on 275/55R17109H. ET52
" Thuban Wheel Photo
ML55 'AMG I' 5 spoke 9Jx18 on 285/50R18109H. ET42
" AMG I Wheel Photo
Notes: Good choice of usable offsets, centre bore adequate.
Sprinter wheels require Porsche adapters. ML wheels require spacers, particularly at the front due to offset.
Reports coming in that ML wheels use the 14mm ball taper standard.
PORSCHE
Model P.C.D. Offset C/Bore
911, 924, 930, 944 >86 5 x 130 25 71.5
911 Carrera 2/4, 928, 944 87>, 964, 968, 993 5 x 130 45 71.5
Notes: High offsets but with adapters many choices of style available.
SEAT
Model P.C.D. Offset C/Bore
Alhambra 5 x 112 35...38 57.0
Notes: Offset usable but small centre bore diameter means a need to machine the front wheels.
VOLKSWAGEN
Model P.C.D. Offset C/Bore
'Caravelle, Passat 96>, Sharan, Transporter' 5 x 112 35...40 57.0
Notes: Offset usable but small centre bore diameter means a need to machine the front wheels.
Further links
at 9/7/06 From the brickyard forum, list being compiled by Pork dub
