2016 Golf TSI wheels and suspension

[jessiewonka]

Greetings! I'm trying to find some semi-definitive information about wheels and suspension compatibility with the less discussed 2016 Golf TSI. After searching here and other forums, using tirerack.com, and even parts.vw.com, I keep coming up with a thin list of options.

While the SEL comes with 17" Madrid wheels, my S comes with lil 15" wheels, and a pretty big gap in those wheel wells. It looks like the S can be fitted with 15"-18" rims, as some places like Tire Rack suggest, while other sites don't seem to list the TSI at all. Curiously, when browsing parts.vw.com and entering my model, you're taken here:

http://parts.vw.com/Volkswagen_2016_Golf/Tire-and-Wheel.html

But there's nothing listed for wheels, and if you click parts on the left navigation, you're taken to the vehicle options list all over again. You can browse wheels in general, but you have to click into the detail page/show more details to see supported models. So far I'm coming up empty.

Tire Rack seems like the best option to find rim/wheel pairings and easy shipping, but no VW rims, and even when choosing a common line like BBS I only see three options.

Suspension is a little trickier. I did find one guy here who paired his TSI with "VW Driver Gear springs 5G4-071-677-E" but only for a few months and then moved on to a GTI. I'm reading that VWR Sport Springs may not work well with the stock TSI suspension, so I'm either looking for something comparable, or if I need to, at coil options.

Ultimately I'd like to keep this car looking close to stock, but with better/larger tires, and dropped 1-2". Tighter suspension would be nice, but not enough to sacrifice ride quality. Think groceries, traffic and short road trips, not tracks.

 

[MeltedSolid]

As far as wheels go, anything that fits the GTI will work with the TSI. This is also at least mostly true with suspension parts. It is possible that there are one or two small little differences, but you would need to search hard to find them, and they wouldn't matter for the large majority of products such as lowering springs, etc... Just keep in mind that there is a ~0.6" height difference between the two cars from the factory, so springs that lower the GTI 1" would lower the TSI 1.6".

Your plan for the car is very similar to mine, I'd like to see how it turns out.

 

[jessiewonka]

As far as wheels go, anything that fits the GTI will work with the TSI.

I'm hoping and wondering the same, but can't really find any documentation of sorts.

This is also at least mostly true with suspension parts. It is possible that there are one or two small little differences, but you would need to search hard to find them, and they wouldn't matter for the large majority of products such as lowering springs, etc... Just keep in mind that there is a ~0.6" height difference between the two cars from the factory, so springs that lower the GTI 1" would lower the TSI 1.6".

Your plan for the car is very similar to mine, I'd like to see how it turns out.

Also good to know, thanks! So what's your setup?

 

[m3incorp]

2015 SEL came with 18" Durbins with 225/40-18 tires. I have 19x8.5 on order and will run 235/35-19 tires.

 

[m3incorp]

Most companies that make springs/suspension parts have a different part number for the GTI and the TSI.

As far as wheels go, anything that fits the GTI will work with the TSI. This is also at least mostly true with suspension parts. It is possible that there are one or two small little differences, but you would need to search hard to find them, and they wouldn't matter for the large majority of products such as lowering springs, etc... Just keep in mind that there is a ~0.6" height difference between the two cars from the factory, so springs that lower the GTI 1" would lower the TSI 1.6".

Your plan for the car is very similar to mine, I'd like to see how it turns out.

 

[Calum.]

For the parts.vw.com, try here http://parts.vw.com/a/Volkswagen_2015_Golf18L-MTS/_53903_6698964/COVERS--TRIM-WHEELS/9273385.html They just haven't updated the 2016 information yet.

 

[jessiewonka]

From what was said here and elsewhere in the forum, and after speaking with a local VW shop (Tomas Sport Tuning), I believe I'm going with VWR Sport Springs. Regarding wheels, VMR V718 18x8.5, likely silver. But I'm not sure which will give the best, most flush fit, ET45 or ET35.

Modded Euros carries ET45:
https://www.moddedeuros.com/products/18x8-5-vmr-v718-wheels-hyper-silver-5x112-et45-57-1

ECS Tuning carries both ET45 and ET35:
https://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswage...ermarket_Alloys/VMR_Wheels/18_inch/ES2723857/
https://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswage...ermarket_Alloys/VMR_Wheels/18_inch/ES2723856/

ECS states on the ET45, "Aggressive enthusiast fitment. Fender rolling and slightly stretched tires may be required depending on suspension configuration." While the local shop suggested ET45, but were not really sure.

Sadly neither site carries the springs, and Tire Rack don't carry VMR rims. So it's looking like I'll have to source from three different sites for springs, wheels and tires.

Update: ECS wrote me back with, "It looks like these are available in both sizes, I would recommend purchasing the set in the link. https://www.ecstuning.com/ES2837245/" These are 18x8.5 ET45. I'm not sure how much of an informed suggestion that is though, especially since their Hyper Silver ET45 have that warning, while these don't.

Update: Yes yes...45 is obviously the right choice here. ; ) But any other related advice appreciated! Sounds like 235/40 is a good tire size for it. Not sure if I'll need spacers or not though.

 

[m3incorp]

E5T45 should work fine....some run ET35 on the rear, keeping in mind that not all wheels are the same. 235/40-18 should be a good choice in tire. What tires are you considering?

From what was said here and elsewhere in the forum, and after speaking with a local VW shop (Tomas Sport Tuning), I believe I'm going with VWR Sport Springs. Regarding wheels, VMR V718 18x8.5, likely silver. But I'm not sure which will give the best, most flush fit, ET45 or ET35.

Modded Euros carries ET45:
https://www.moddedeuros.com/products/18x8-5-vmr-v718-wheels-hyper-silver-5x112-et45-57-1

ECS Tuning carries both ET45 and ET35:
https://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswage...ermarket_Alloys/VMR_Wheels/18_inch/ES2723857/
https://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswage...ermarket_Alloys/VMR_Wheels/18_inch/ES2723856/

ECS states on the ET45, "Aggressive enthusiast fitment. Fender rolling and slightly stretched tires may be required depending on suspension configuration." While the local shop suggested ET45, but were not really sure.

Sadly neither site carries the springs, and Tire Rack don't carry VMR rims. So it's looking like I'll have to source from three different sites for springs, wheels and tires.

Update: ECS wrote me back with, "It looks like these are available in both sizes, I would recommend purchasing the set in the link. https://www.ecstuning.com/ES2837245/" These are 18x8.5 ET45. I'm not sure how much of an informed suggestion that is though, especially since their Hyper Silver ET45 have that warning, while these don't.

Update: Yes yes...45 is obviously the right choice here. ; ) But any other related advice appreciated! Sounds like 235/40 is a good tire size for it. Not sure if I'll need spacers or not though.

 

[jessiewonka]

E5T45 should work fine....some run ET35 on the rear, keeping in mind that not all wheels are the same. 235/40-18 should be a good choice in tire. What tires are you considering?

The 235/35 look nicer, but I guess I'd rather have a bit more comfort and protection. I'm not sure on tire -- recommendation?

 

[m3incorp]

Summer: Michelin Pilot Super Sports or Continental ExtremeContact DW
All Season: Michelin AVS3 or Continental ExtremeContact DWS06

I'm sure you will get many more suggestions, especially in the cost less category.

I tend to buy what I recommend to people. Two cars have Michelin Pilot Super Sports.

Just got these in for the Golf.



Waiting on these. (Decided on machined silver instead of the graphite, since car is platinum gray.

http://www.elementwheels.com/proddetail.asp?prod=rwrc22sil1985

The 235/35 look nicer, but I guess I'd rather have a bit more comfort and protection. I'm not sure on tire -- recommendation?

 

[jessiewonka]

Summer: Michelin Pilot Super Sports or Continental ExtremeContact DW
All Season: Michelin AVS3 or Continental ExtremeContact DWS06

I'm sure you will get many more suggestions, especially in the cost less category.

I tend to buy what I recommend to people. Two cars have Michelin Pilot Super Sports.

Just got these in for the Golf.



Waiting on these. (Decided on machined silver instead of the graphite, since car is platinum gray.

http://www.elementwheels.com/proddetail.asp?prod=rwrc22sil1985

Nice thank you, I put them in my notes. Those Michelin Pilots may work well. I'm looking for something mostly for summer weather. I never drive further north so I'm not dealing with anything worse than winter rain. And quality-wise I'd like something in the middle.

Ah yeah silver would be a good match for a platinum gray car -- do you have pics of how the car currently looks?

Btw I read VMR's post suggesting 225/40 over 235/40 due to rubbing with VMR V718 18x8.5 with VWR Springs. I haven't run into anyone else saying this though.

http://www.golfmk7.com/forums/showpost.php?p=231055&postcount=289

 

[jessiewonka]

The more I see 225/40, the more I realize I really prefer the look of 235/40...

 

[MeltedSolid]

Also good to know, thanks! So what's your setup?

I suppose I should probably put it in my signature. So far it's an APR stage 1 tune, DIY turbo muffler delete, and springs from a golf R.

A warning for the golf R springs though, like an idiot I didn't do enough research before I bought them. They will lift the car about 0.2" normally. I am trying something out using heavy duty u clamps that I don't really want to post about much until I have tested it and done all of the math to know it will work without issues, it's not something I would recommend be tried at home.

Most companies that make springs/suspension parts have a different part number for the GTI and the TSI.

It depends a lot on the company. They're both the same for neuspeed, FK, and a few others, but they are different for H&R, VWR, etc... The differences, while there, are small enough that a number of companies ignore them. Generally speaking, if there is a particular company that you want springs from, but they only make them for the GTI, chances are they will work just fine for the base golf. (Hey, even the stock golf R springs will fit ).

 

[lucyfek]

I'll add to conversation as I've just purchased the wheel/tire package from TR for my 15S. My goal was simple - eliminate tire flex and restore original noise levels (I believe there's something wrong with either OEM tires, or - worse yet - bearings, I'll act accordingly once tire option has been tested). Esthetics while important were not paramount - function over form. Original tires 195/65R15 are just too much of the good stuff (I've actually fattened tires on my old DD - from 50R16 to 55R16). I did not want nothing extravagant (and pricey, so light and sensible was priority. I've ended up with "titanium" SE A10 16x6.5 and BFG GF COMP2 AS 205/55R16. The set looks actually really nice (not mounted yet due to a cold). I was considering different set of rims - SE P4 16x7.5 but due to inconsistent opinions on stretching tires (within limits, but only just) I went with A10 despite being priced higher (and I did prefer A10 looks).
"dropped 1-2". Tighter suspension would be nice, but not enough to sacrifice ride quality." - you may want to reconsider. If you've dropped it this much you do want to stiffen it. As luck would have it, on the way back from TR DC I stopped on the gas station and crossed onto adjacent parking lot on the way out. F...s didn't mark a curb high "cliff" between two lots. Luckily with original suspension and tires the Golf did not protest this off-road adventure. S..t like this happens and showroom cars fail miserably these kind of tests. That said I'd like to drop mine by less than inch and stiffen it (I'm not a fan of the pillow like handling in corners).

 

[jmp4golfvw]

Hey this is probably redundant but first off...i have a Golf SEL TSI w/ 18" VW Durban OEM wheels, which are 18"x7.5" and still have the stock Pirelli Nero All-Seasons on (225/40/18) w/ the ECS wheel spacer Flush Kit (15mm up front, 20mm rear) and DG Sport Springs (30mm- 1.1" lowering). I've been running this set up for 17k miles w/ zero issue and no rubbing whatsoever....

And btw I was just thinking about 35 on the sidewall, thinking how good that looks on 19" wheels, I know they make it but never seen a set of 18's w/ the 35 sidewall...only thing though wheel gap would increase wouldn't it...right now w/ DG springs the ride height is perfect, have about a finger-finger and a half gap from top of tire to fender.