Choosing the right wheels for your VW Beetle can be a quick, easy, and fun way to improve the look of your Volkswagen while putting your own mark on it.
Just Kampers has been part of the VW community since 1989, so we understand that Beetle owners are passionate about their vehicles and want the best fit for their air-cooled classics.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you work out which wheels will fit your VW Beetle perfectly.
Which Wheels Will Fit My VW Beetle? Understanding VW Beetle Wheels
VW Beetles were produced between 1946 and 2003, with various changes to everything from the size and shape of the windows, to the placement of the indicators, so it’s no surprise that different wheels will fit Beetles from different decades.
Generally, classic VW Beetles come with 15-inch wheels, but it’s worth noting that wheel size can vary depending on the model year and specific modifications, and your Beetle may have been modified by previous owners.
Here's a general overview of common wheel sizes:
Early Beetles (Pre–1968): Typically use 5-lug wheels with a 205mm bolt pattern (5x205), which are often called Wide Fives.
Late Beetles (1968–1979): Use 4-lug wheels with a 130mm bolt pattern (4x130).
Super Beetles (1971–1979): Also have 4-lug wheels and a 130mm (4x130) bolt pattern, but could accommodate slightly wider wheels and tyres because of the updated suspension system at the front.
Key Factors to Consider
While you’re shopping for new wheels for your Beetle, there are a few things to check and bear in mind while you’re browsing, before you get carried away and fall in love with a set of alloys which won’t fit!
Bolt Pattern (PCD): The bolt pattern or Pitch Circle Diameter (PCD) is crucial, and is one of the most important things to consider while you’re looking for new Beetle wheels.
As covered above, early VW Beetles have a 5x205 bolt pattern, while later models use a 4x130 bolt pattern.
Double-check that your Beetle does indeed have the bolt pattern you’d expect, and then use this to narrow down the range of different wheel options which will fit your Beetle.
Wheel Offset (ET): The offset is the distance between the wheel's mounting surface and the centerline. If you haven’t heard the term before, the centreline is an imaginary line which runs through the middle of your tyre’s surface.
Buying wheels with the correct offset ensures that they’ll fit correctly, handle properly, and won’t be unsafe. Classic Beetles usually have an offset range between ET25 to ET45.
You don’t necessarily need to understand exactly what this means, but you can use this information to help you narrow down the wheels which will fit your Beetle properly.
Wheel Width: The width of the wheel affects both how it looks and how it performs. Standard widths on VW Beetle wheels range from 4.5 inches to 6 inches.
It’s possible to use wider wheels, and these will provide better grip, but you may need to modify your Beetle to make them fit and stop them from fouling on the body of your vehicle.
Wheel Diameter: The diameter impacts both the overall look and performance of your Beetle.
Most classic Beetles use 15-inch wheels, but you can opt for 16-inch or 17-inch wheels for a more modern appearance. Again, you may find that you need to alter or modify your Beetle to ensure that they fit properly and don’t cause any issues, but it is doable.
Hub Centre Bore: Ensure the wheels fit the hub centre bore of your Beetle. Also known as hub-bore, the centerbore of your wheel is the machined opening on the back, which ensures that it’s mounted correctly on the hub of your Beetle.
Adapters are available if the bore size doesn’t match, but make sure that you can get the correct adjusters for your wheels and your vehicle.
Popular Wheel Options for VW Beetles
Stock Wheels: Maintaining the classic look, stock wheels are available in original sizes and designs. These wheels ensure a perfect fit without any modifications, and can be painted to match the colour of your Beetle’s bodywork or accessorised with baby moon hub caps or white wall tyre rims.
Aftermarket Wheels: If you’re looking for something a bit more unusual, which will still fit nicely to your Beetle, then there’s a massive range of aftermarket wheels available.
These come in a variety of styles, sizes, and finishes, with brands like EMPI having created a lot of the truly iconic alloys seen on Beetles around the world.
Performance Wheels: For enhanced handling and performance, you might want to take a look at lightweight alloy wheels. These wheels reduce unsprung weight, improving acceleration and braking, but can come with a higher price tag than stock or aftermarket wheels.
Tips for Selecting the Right Wheels for your VW Beetle
By now you should have a pretty good idea of how to narrow down the huge variety of wheels available for your Beetle, so you’re only looking at wheels which will fit our VW.
Here are a few more tips and things to keep in mind while you’re shopping for new Beetle wheels:
Always Check the Compatibility: Before you get carried away with how cool a set of wheels looks, check whether they’re compatible with your VW Beetle's specifications.
Consider Tire Size: Ensure the tyres you select fit the new wheels you’re looking at. Proper tyre size maintains the overall diameter of your wheel, which can prevent speedometer errors without sacrificing ride quality.
Legal Requirements: Consider the laws governing things like the width, diameter, and materials of the wheels and tyres you’re looking at to make sure you don’t run afoul of the law.
Test Fit: Always test fit new wheels before final installation to check for any clearance issues with brakes, suspension, and fenders.
Quality and Finish: Choose wheels from reputable brands such as EMPI to ensure durability and quality. Take a look at the different options of finishes that are available, like chrome, polished, or powder-coated, so they match your Beetle's style.
Common Questions About VW Beetle Wheels
Q: Can I fit larger wheels on my VW Beetle?
A: Yes, you can fit larger wheels, such as 16-inch or 17-inch, but ensure they are compatible with your Beetle's bolt pattern, offset, and overall diameter to avoid clearance issues.
Q: Do I need spacers for aftermarket wheels?
A: Spacers may be necessary if the wheel offset is not ideal or if you are fitting wheels with a different bolt pattern. Ensure spacers are high-quality and properly installed.
Q: How do I maintain my new wheels?
A: Regular cleaning with mild soap and water, avoiding harsh chemicals, and protecting the finish with wax or sealants will keep your wheels looking new.
Visit Just Kampers for VW Beetle Wheels
We’ve got a great selection of wheels, tools, and accessories for your VW Beetle here at Just Kampers, with hundreds of different parts ready to be sent out from JK HQ in Odiham, Hampshire.
Click here to explore our selection of VW Beetle wheels and accessories.
Whether you're restoring a classic or upgrading for performance, we have the perfect wheels for your VW Beetle.
