Models Covered in This Guide
2019+ Standard Golf and Sportwagen (international markets only)
Bolt Pattern
5x112
Centerbore
57.1mm
Lug Seat
R13 Ballseat
Thread Pitch
M14x1.5mm
Easy upgrades for street-driven cars
These fitments are ready-to-bolt-on, typically without any modifications, and provide a meaningful increase in wheel width over stock. Available in both 17" and 18" diameters, the fitments listed in this section are an ideal choice for the enthusiast who regularly drives their VW on the street but still wants to participate in a few HPDE's as well. These fitments are a great match for a completely stock or lightly modified MK8 GTI or Golf R.
Wheels
Front & Rear: 17x8.5” ET43
Tires
APEX Staff Pick: 235/45-17
Wider Alternative: 245/40-17
Slimmer Alternative (OE width): 225/45-17
Wheels
Front & Rear: 18x8.5” ET43
Tires
APEX Staff Pick: 235/40-18
Wider Alternative: 245/40-18
Wider Alternative 2: 245/35-18
Wider Alternative 3: 255/35-18
Slimmer Alternative (OE width): 225/40-18
Wider fitments for enhanced performance
These fitments are the perfect match for weekend track warriors and hardcore racers seeking to maximize the wheel and tire size that they can fit on their MK8 VW. These aggressive wheel specs will typically require supportive modifications commonly found on track cars. Available in both 17" and 18" diameters to cater to a variety of performance-focused tire sizes and compounds. With a focus on brake clearance, both our 17" and 18" fitments are able to clear the standard and Performance Package GTI brakes with ease, as well as a variety of aftermarket BBK's. However, the larger 360mm Golf R brakes will require spacers with certain 17" wheels or larger 18" wheels to ensure safe barrel clearance.
Wheels
Front & Rear: 17x9” ET42
Tires
APEX Staff Pick: 255/40-17
Slimmer Alternative: 245/40-17
Wheels
Front & Rear: 18x9” ET42
Tires
APEX Staff Pick: 255/35-18
Wider Alternative: 265/35-18
Slimmer Alternative: 245/40-18
Reverse Stagger Fitments
For the MK8 Golf or GTI, a square setup with the same size wheels and tires at all four corners is typically the best option for both street and track use. With a square setup, you will have a more neutral handling balance compared to a staggered setup, as well as the ability to rotate your wheels and tires to maximize tread life. However, there are certain situations where the driving characteristics of a reverse stagger setup can provide a handling advantage over a square setup. When driving on an autocross course or a tight track with minimal high-speed sections, a reverse stagger setup can allow you to have more rotational control of your vehicle. With a reverse stagger setup, you will have less rear grip, which can induce oversteer at the limit. This oversteer helps rotate the car during tighter and lower-speed corners, providing you with more control to point the vehicle where it needs to be coming out of a corner.
Wheels
Tires
Wheels
Tires
Whether you are a casual weekend track warrior that still enjoys your car on the street, or a hard core racer competing for a spot on the podium, negative camber is a vital part of chassis setup that has many benefits. Not only will adding negative camber create more room for wider wheel and tire configurations, it more importantly improves handling, turn-in and tire longevity. Learn more in our blog article, The Positives of Negative Camber.
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