Wheel offset problem: ET 45 versus ET 33

Hi, I was offered a set of winter tires on steel rims from an Audi A4 today for my A6 (C4). The tire size is correct (195/65 R15), and the rim is identical to mine except for the offset (6J x 15 H2). However, my offset is 45mm, while the offered rims have an offset of 33mm. This would result in a 'wheel offset increase' of 12mm. It has enough space in the wheel well; I used to have 20mm wheel spacers on my car myself.
Does anyone know if the rims from an A6 can fit on another car? Perhaps other drivers have faced the same question before.
Best regards & thank you for the tips.
Burki.

Burki wrote:

Does anyone know if you can use the rims from an A6 on another car?

Does the vehicle registration document not specify the wheel size, including...? Is ET included?

If yes and "33 mm" is not included, you are not allowed to drive (or register) it.

However, there are exceptions, such as for winter tires. It's best to ask a reputable tire service and/or a VAG workshop. With the 3B Passat, a different part number could be installed along with winter tires, even if it wasn't listed in the vehicle registration document. Unfortunately, I don't remember the exact dates at the moment.

The vehicle registration document only states: '... depending on the equipment, rim size A: 6JX15H2 or 7JX15H2...' and lists a few other rim sizes, but all the information is given without specifying the offset! I asked VAG, but they were only interested in selling their winter tire sets.
Best regards, Burki.

Burki wrote:

all specifications without pressing depth!

Wow, did you know that still exists?

Then I would definitely install the ET 33 offset if it fits properly on the hub and looks like it has enough clearance.
Because the effort involved in checking with the manufacturer about something that appears "unobjectionable" at first glance, and without any obvious violation of the information on the certificate, is something that "almost certainly" no one will bother to do.

I guess I'll do it that way (if everything else works out). Thanks for the tips.
Best regards, Burki.

In my case, the offset is 45mm, while the offered rims have an offset of 33mm. That would be a 'track widening' of 12 mm.
Okay, I'm being picky, but the track width extension is 24 mm .

Hello!

For me, this whole thing is called "ET 38 versus ET 35!" However, legally speaking, the different offset depth does not automatically invalidate the operating permit, but rather the tires must also be a causal factor in an accident, or what?

fulda wrote:

... Legally speaking, however, it is the case that the different indentation depth does not automatically invalidate the operating permit, but rather that the tires must also be a causal factor in an accident, or?

No!

In Germany, at least, the approval (ABE) for a vehicle is invalidated if it has unauthorized accessories. In the worst-case scenario, the insurance coverage might even be voided.
Whether someone will blame you in the event of an accident depends entirely on who is conducting the investigation. So, simply put, whether he notices it or not.
From a legal standpoint, the matter is clear. The operating license has expired. Without any reservations.

Bertil wrote:

fulda wrote: ... Legally speaking, however, it is the case that the different indentation depth does not automatically invalidate the operating permit, but rather that the tires must also be a causal factor in an accident, or? No!

"It is not permitted to mount a rim that is not approved in the type approval certificate."
and results in the vehicle being deemed unsafe for road use and operation.
is valid - therefore, you risk penalties, and being held partially responsible for a traffic accident.
It is unlikely to be constructed solely for this reason!

That's what the legal department of Graz-Ost/ÖAMTC-Styria says!

fulda wrote:

"It is not permitted to mount a rim that is not approved in the type approval certificate." and results in the vehicle being deemed unsafe for road use and operation. is valid - therefore, you risk penalties, and being held partially responsible for a traffic accident. It is unlikely to be constructed solely for this reason! "That's what the legal department of Graz-Ost/ÖAMTC-Styria says!"

Hi,

The situation, however, can change very quickly if you drive over a manhole cover in the curve, the wheel that is now further out/in rubs against the wheel arch, and it forces you out of the curve and into the path of an oncoming car .

The standard test at the TÜV, which involves loading the car with sandbags and checking the free movement of the wheels, is a useful procedure.

Best regards, Rainer.