Passat Variant: Brake Caliper Piston Problems

Hello.

I would like to install steel rims on my Passat Variant 3B, which I have stored in the basement. The rims are 7Jx16 ET37 with a 5-bolt pattern and a 112mm bolt circle. What is approved for my Passat is 7Jx16 ET45 with a 5-bolt pattern and a 112mm bolt circle. Because of the changed offset, my car would become slightly wider, but it should still work with the braking system. Do I have a chance to get this combination registered with TÜV (German technical inspection authority), or should I just forget about this idea from the beginning? The rims are from a Mercedes SLK.

Regards,

hb2000

Without a corresponding expert opinion, I would abandon the idea because otherwise the effort involved would exceed the cost of the correct rims .

blau wrote:

Without a corresponding expert opinion, I would abandon the idea because otherwise the effort involved would exceed the cost of the correct rims.

A technical inspection report isn't always necessary... I was even able to get rims from a Golf 4 registered for my Polo (with an offset of 38 instead of 43).

With "non-brand" rims, the technical inspection authority (TÜV) might raise more objections, for example, regarding the compatibility of the wheel bolts (tapered or ball seat), load capacity, etc.

I would suggest having an initial (free) consultation with a TÜV inspector, showing them the rim, and asking what documents they might need, etc.

So far, my special requests have always been handled smoothly.

hello

I sent a fax to Volkswagen AG in Cologne requesting a certificate of conformity for my Passat 3B Variant. I should actually be able to obtain this document, because this feature is standard equipment on the newer Passat 3BG.

Best regards.

hb2000

hello

...
because this type of feature is standard equipment on the new Passat 3BG.

Best regards.

hb2000

Well, the SLK rims are unlikely to be standard equipment on the 3bg, at most maybe the size.
Can TÜV or DEKRA not determine the load capacity based on a stamped KBA number? If other factors like clearance are also met, then registration should theoretically no longer be a problem.

But when I think about what my TÜV inspector did when my wife was buying original Opel alloy wheels from a Tigra (Corsa base!) for her Corsa, they seriously wanted a strength test report. A phone call from the Opel dealer to the TÜV verbally resolved it. The Opel master technician even laughed at the TÜV's request (the laughter was mercilessly good). I still got the registration approved, though.

I got my Golf 2 through the TÜV (German technical inspection) with original alloy wheels from a Golf 1 SC.
Then, suddenly, he wanted to see a report.
Okay... what??? Those are original VW parts -> just check the part number.

He was satisfied with that.

He argued about the 12-page (I'm not exaggerating) expert report for the original Renault winter tires on my sister's Renault Megane. Apparently, he didn't understand this elaborate, multi-layered sentence that contained the main conclusion of the report.
I then went to the Greens and got confirmation that I am allowed to drive the vehicles.

The Golf1 alloy wheels are still for sale or can be given away .

Okay, please provide the German text you would like me to translate into English. I will only provide the translation.

dieselmartin wrote:

... The Golf1 alloy wheels are still for sale or can be given away .

What are those? I'm still looking for some that fit a Jetta 1.


By the way, using wheels from other manufacturers is not a problem. On my Jetta, I'm running Opel wheels with original Opel wheel bolts. Getting it registered wasn't an issue. However, I had to widen the body by 3 cm so that the 7x12 ET20 wheels wouldn't stick out .

Hello,

MB has a different axle diameter, and therefore there is no centering, which should not be the case. Secondly, the 3B has an M14 thread, while the SLK has an M12 thread. However, both have ball head screws .

Best regards, Rodion.

The issue with the centering shouldn't be a major problem. Many aftermarket rims don't have any centering, and in those cases, the wheel load is even greater. Ideally, all the force should be distributed across the bolts, and the centering is only meant to make mounting the rim easier. I would definitely use the bolts from a 3B model; the ones from an MB are even shorter. I'm going to put this project on hold for now – if anyone is interested in the rims, feel free to contact me. They have Michelin summer tires (205/55 R16) mounted with a tread depth between 5mm and 6mm.

ulf wrote:

A technical inspection report isn't always necessary... I was able to get rims from a Golf 4 registered for my Polo (with an offset of 38 instead of 43).

fulda wrote:

For me, it's all about "ET 38 versus ET 35!"

Hi Ulf!

So, I should probably be able to get the ET 35 (instead of ET 3 registered as well. In my case, the track width would even be narrower than in your situation .
But how is that supposed to work without an expert opinion? What did you need for your registration? }

Thank you.

fulda wrote:

So, should I perhaps also be able to get the ET 35 (instead of ET 3 registered? In my case, the track width would even be narrower than in your case . But how is that supposed to work without an expert opinion?

What did you need for your registration? A preliminary discussion with the TÜV inspector, who told me what he would require.
He checked the wheel compatibility with the G4 using the VAG number, verified the clearance around the brake calipers, and performed a test drive to ensure proper fitment, including loading sandbags in the trunk for weight distribution.

I also wanted to say something about this.
Just this discussion shows that, depending on individual knowledge and technical understanding, there are various possible combinations of vehicle/wheels (e.g., whether the centering hole is important or not, which wheel bolts to use, how long they should be, fender widening, etc.). This alone demonstrates that technical problems can arise that those involved may overlook (e.g., tire clearance, brake caliper clearance, handling, dynamic suspension load, etc.).
This explains the necessity for such combinations to be technically approved or certified by qualified professionals. These are typically testing engineers (PI) or officially recognized experts (AAS). And it should also be noted that they are only human.

There are two options for the purchase.
1. According to § 19(3), this means there is either a partial expert opinion or an operating permit (ABE), which regulates everything (requirements, vehicle compatibility, etc.). The ABE number can be found on the rim. It is possible to download the expert opinions via the data bank in Flensburg (only AAS or PI, and also partial expert opinions).

2. There is no expert opinion available. Instead, a type approval certificate according to § 21 (individual approval) is required, which can only be issued by a designated testing organization (e.g., West TÜV in the western part of Germany or DEKRA in the eastern part). This process requires the issuing body to assess the structural integrity and compatibility (clearance, handling characteristics, ABS suitability, etc.) themselves, potentially including road tests, which would normally be documented in an expert opinion.