MK7 Volkswagen Golf, GTI, and Golf R Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide

  • Updated

2015-2021 Standard Golf, Sportwagen, and Alltrack and 2015-2021 GTI and Golf R

 

(17x9" ET42 VS-5RS in Brushed Clear W/ 255/40-17 Hankook RS4 Tires)

View All VW Pictures

 

Models Covered in This Guide

2015-2021 Standard Golf, Sportwagen, and Alltrack

2015-2021 GTI and Golf R

 

 

Brake Clearance Information

All of our VW Flow Formed SM-10 and Forged VS-5RS wheels will clear the standard Golf R and GTI Performance Package brakes with ease, as well as a variety of aftermarket BBK's. To see if these wheels can clear your specific BBK, please check out our brake clearance database at the end of this guide.

Fuel-filler Hose Clearance

It is important to note that the MK7 Golf R has a factory relocated fuel-filler hose that improves rear-inner clearance compared to standard Golf and GTI models. Please read the respective fitment notes if you are interested in running the 18x9" ET42 with 265 or wider tires on your standard Golf or GTI, as more aggressive tire sizes/compounds can potentially come into contact with the rear fuel-filler hose on those models. 

 

Bolt Pattern
5x112mm

Center Bore
57.1mm

Lug Seat
R13 Ball Seat

 Thread Pitch
M14x1.5mm

 

VS-5RS Forged:

SM-10 Flow Formed:

 

 

OEM+ and Performance Street & Track: The Perfect Dual-Duty Fitment 

(18x8.5" ET43 SM-10s in Satin Black W/ 235/40-18 Michelin PS4S tires)

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 MK7 VW. 

 

Wheels

Front & Rear: 17x8.5” ET43 

  • Popular Fitment
  • Available in SM-10 design only 

Tires

APEX Staff Pick: 235/45-17 

  • Direct fit.
  • The best option for additional ride comfort and compliance.
  • All-Season: Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 (540 TW)
  • Max Performance Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW), Continental Extreme Contact (340TW)
  • Extreme Performance Summer: Yokohama A052 (200 TW), Dunlop Direzza ZIII (200 TW), Falken RT660 (200 TW)
  • R-Compounds: Toyo R888R (100 TW)

Wider Alternative: 245/40-17 

  • Direct fit with most street tire compounds
  • More aggressive tire compounds may require a "fender screw mod" to alleviate rubbing under suspension compression
  • All-Season: Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 (540 TW)
  • Max Performance Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW), Continental Extreme Contact (340TW)
  • Extreme Performance Summer: Yokohama A052 (200 TW), Dunlop Direzza ZIII (200 TW), Falken RT660 (200 TW), Continental Extremecontact Force (200 TW), BFG Rival S 1.5 (200 TW)
  • R-Compounds: Goodyear Supercar Eagle 3R (100 TW), Toyo R888R (100 TW)

Slimmer Alternative (OE width): 225/45-17 

  • Direct fit
  • All-Season: Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 (540 TW)
  • Max Performance Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW), Continental Extreme Contact (340TW)
  • Extreme Performance Summer: Yokohama A052 (200 TW), Dunlop Direzza ZIII (200 TW), Falken RT660 (200 TW), Continental Extremecontact Force (200 TW), BFG Rival S 1.5 (200 TW)
  • R-Compounds: Nitto NT01 (100 TW), Goodyear Supercar Eagle 3R (100 TW), Toyo R888R (100 TW)

 

Wheels

Front & Rear: 18x8.5” ET43  

  • Popular Fitment
  • Available in SM-10 design only 

Tires

APEX Staff Pick: 235/40-18 

  • Direct fit
  • All-Season: Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 (540 TW)
  • Max Performance Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW), Continental Extreme Contact (340TW)
  • Extreme Performance Summer: Yokohama A052 (200 TW), Dunlop Direzza ZIII (200 TW), Falken RT660 (200 TW), Michelin Cup 2 240 Connect (240 TW)
  • R-Compounds: Goodyear Supercar Eagle 3R (100 TW), Nitto NT01 (100 TW), Toyo R888R (100 TW)

Wider Alternative: 245/40-18 

  • Direct fit with most street tire compounds
  • More aggressive tire compounds may require a "fender screw mod" to alleviate rubbing under suspension compression
  • All-Season: Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 (540 TW)
  • Max Performance Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW), Continental Extreme Contact (340TW)
  • Extreme Performance Summer: Yokohama A052 (200 TW), Dunlop Direzza ZIII (200 TW), Falken RT660 (200 TW), Continental Extremecontact Force (200 TW), BFG Rival S 1.5 (200 TW), Goodyear Supercar 3 (220 TW)
  • R-Compounds: Goodyear Supercar Eagle 3R (100 TW), Nitto NT01 (100 TW), Toyo R888R (100 TW)

Wider Alternative 2: 245/35-18 

  • Direct fit
  • With a shorter overall rolling diameter compared to the 245/40-18, the 245/35-18 will allow you to run a wider contact patch while reducing the chance of rubbing under suspension compression.
  • All-Season: Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 (540 TW)
  • Max Performance Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW), Continental Extreme Contact (340TW)
  • Extreme Performance Summer: Continental Extremecontact Force (200 TW)
  • R-Compounds: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 (180 TW)

Wider Alternative 3: 255/35-18 

  • Direct fit with most street tire compounds
  • More aggressive tire compounds may require a "fender screw mod" to alleviate rubbing under suspension compression
  • Not recommended when running tire compounds that tend to run wide in the shoulders (200TW or R compounds), as those will be better supported with our 18x9" ET42 fitment. 
  • All-Season: Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 (540 TW)
  • Max Performance Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW), Continental Extreme Contact (340TW)
  • Extreme Performance Summer: Yokohama A052 (200 TW), Dunlop Direzza ZIII (200 TW), Falken RT660 (200 TW)
  • R-Compounds: Toyo R888R (100 TW)

Slimmer Alternative (OE width): 225/40-18 

  • Direct fit
  • All-Season: Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 (540 TW)
  • Max Performance Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW), Continental Extreme Contact (340TW)
  • Extreme Performance Summer: Yokohama A052 (200 TW), Dunlop Direzza ZIII (200 TW), Falken RT660 (200 TW), Michelin Cup 2 240 Connect (240 TW)
  • R-Compounds: Nitto NT01 (100 TW), Toyo R888R (100 TW)

 

 

 Performance Street & Track: The Perfect HPDE-Ready Fitment

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(17x9" ET42 SM-10s in Anthracite W/ 255/40-17 Nitto NT01 tires)

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 MK7 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 Golf R and GTI Performance Package brakes with ease, as well as a variety of aftermarket BBK's. To see if these wheels can clear your specific BBK, please check out our brake clearance database at the end of this guide. 

*Important note for all non-R MK7 VW models (including standard Golf, Sportwagen/Alltrack, and GTI)*

On the non-R MK7 Golf, Sportwagen/Alltrack, and GTI the OEM fuel filler hose limits rear-inner clearance for wider aftermarket wheels and tires. On the Golf R, VW relocated this fuel filler hose to allow for additional inner clearance to support the wider wheels and tires that come standard. While we developed our performance track and race fitments with lower offsets to help address this concern on the non-R Golf variants, certain suspension and alignment configurations can potentially still allow for rubbing on the fuel-filler hose when using more aggressive tire compounds. Due to this, we recommend doing the fuel-filler hose relocation modification to provide you with enough rear-inner clearance to support a 265 or wider rear tire. 

 

Wheels

Front & Rear: 17x9” ET42

  • Popular Fitment
  • Available in SM-10 and VS-5RS designs.

Tires

APEX Staff Pick: 255/40-17 

  • "Fender screw mod" is recommended to help alleviate any rubbing that may occur under suspension compression.
  • Additional front and rear negative camber is recommended when using aggressive track-focused tire compounds.
  • All-Season: Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 (540 TW)
  • Max Performance Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW), Continental Extreme Contact (340TW)
  • Extreme Performance Summer: Yokohama A052 (200 TW), Dunlop Direzza ZIII (200 TW), Falken RT660 (200 TW), Continental Extremecontact Force (200 TW), BFG Rival S 1.5 (200 TW)
  • R-Compounds: Goodyear Supercar Eagle 3R (100 TW), Toyo R888R (100 TW)

Slimmer Alternative: 245/40-17 

  • Direct fit with most street tire compounds
  • More aggressive tire compounds may require a "fender screw mod" to alleviate rubbing under suspension compression
  • All-Season: Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 (540 TW)
  • Max Performance Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW), Continental Extreme Contact (340TW)
  • Extreme Performance Summer: Yokohama A052 (200 TW), Dunlop Direzza ZIII (200 TW), Falken RT660 (200 TW), Continental Extremecontact Force (200 TW), BFG Rival S 1.5 (200 TW)
  • R-Compounds: Goodyear Supercar Eagle 3R (100 TW), Toyo R888R (100 TW)

(17x9" ET42 VS-5RS in Brushed Clear W/ 255/40-17 Hankook RS4 Tires)

Wheels

Front & Rear: 18x9” ET42 

  • The best track setup option for those running aftermarket BBKs with rotor sizes that require 18" or larger wheels. 
  • Available in SM-10 and VS-5RS designs. 

Tires

APEX Staff Pick: 255/35-18 

  • "Fender screw mod" is recommended to help alleviate any rubbing that may occur under suspension compression.
  • Additional front and rear negative camber is recommended when using aggressive track-focused tire compounds.
  • All-Season: Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 (540 TW)
  • Max Performance Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW), Continental Extreme Contact (340TW)
  • Extreme Performance Summer: Yokohama A052 (200 TW), Dunlop Direzza ZIII (200 TW), Falken RT660 (200 TW)
  • R-Compounds: Toyo R888R (100 TW)

Wider Alternative: 265/35-18 

  • Not recommended for non-R MK7 variants due to rear fuel filler clearance issues.
  • Additional front and rear negative camber is required when using aggressive track-focused tire compounds.
  • May require a "fender screw mod" to alleviate rubbing under suspension compression.
  • All-Season: Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 (540 TW)
  • Max Performance Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW), Continental Extreme Contact (340TW)
  • Extreme Performance Summer: Yokohama A052 (200 TW), Dunlop Direzza ZIII (200 TW), Falken RT660 (200 TW)
  • R-Compounds: Toyo R888R (100 TW)

Slimmer Alternative: 245/40-18 

  • Direct fit with most street tire compounds
  • More aggressive tire compounds may require a "fender screw mod" to alleviate rubbing under suspension compression
  • All-Season: Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 (540 TW)
  • Max Performance Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW), Continental Extreme Contact (340TW)
  • Extreme Performance Summer: Yokohama A052 (200 TW), Dunlop Direzza ZIII (200 TW), Falken RT660 (200 TW)
  • R-Compounds: Toyo R888R (100 TW)

 

Reverse Stagger Fitments

(18x9" ET42 front W/ 265/35-18 tires and 18x8.5" ET43 rear W/ 245/40-18 tires)

For the MK7 Golf, 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

  • Front: 17x9" ET42 // Rear: 17x8.5" ET43
    • Available in SM-10 design only 

Tires

  • APEX Staff Pick: Front: 255/40-17 // Rear: 235/45-17
    • "Fender screw mod" is recommended to help alleviate any rubbing that may occur under suspension compression.
    • Additional front and rear negative camber is recommended when using aggressive track-focused tire compounds.
    • All-Season: Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 (540 TW)
    • Max Performance Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW), Continental Extreme Contact (340TW)
    • Extreme Performance Summer: Yokohama A052 (200 TW), Dunlop Direzza ZIII (200 TW), Falken RT660 (200 TW), Continental Extremecontact Force (200 TW), BFG Rival S 1.5 (200 TW)
    • R-Compounds: Goodyear Supercar Eagle 3R (100 TW), Toyo R888R (100 TW)

Wheels

  • Front: 18x9" ET42 // Rear: 18x8.5" ET43
    • Available in SM-10 design only 

Tires

  • APEX Staff Pick: Front: 265/35-18 // Rear: 245/40-18
    • "Fender screw mod" is recommended to help alleviate any rubbing that may occur under suspension compression.
    • Additional front and rear negative camber is recommended when using aggressive track-focused tire compounds.
    • A great alternative for non-R MK7s, as you can increase your front tire size and overall grip without running into rear/inner fuel filler clearance issues.
    • All-Season: Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 (540 TW)
    • Max Performance Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW), Continental Extreme Contact (340TW)
    • Extreme Performance Summer: Yokohama A052 (200 TW), Dunlop Direzza ZIII (200 TW), Falken RT660 (200 TW)
    • R-Compounds: Toyo R888R (100 TW)

Additional Resources

Brake Clearance Information

 

Golf R Brake Clearance

  17x8.5" ET43 17x9" ET42 18x8.5" ET43 18x9" ET42
OEM Golf R/ GTI PP 1-Pot 340x30mm Clears Clears Clears Clears
Porsche Macan 4-Pot W/ OEM 340x30mm  Clears Clears Clears Clears
Brembo GT/GT-S/GT-R 6pot 380x34mm Does not clear (Barrel) Does not clear (Barrel) 21mm spacer required 14mm spacer required
Brembo GT/GT-S/GT-R 6pot 350x34mm 21mm spacer required 14mm spacer required 4mm spacer required  Clears
Brembo Race 6pot 355x35mm 7mm spacer required Clears Clears Clears
AP Racing CP9660 6pot 355x32mm 6mm spacer required Clears Clears Clears
Stoptech ST-60 380x32mm Does not clear (Barrel) Does not clear (Barrel) 8mm spacer required  1mm spacer required
Stoptech ST-60 355x32mm 5mm spacer required Clears Clears Clears
Stoptech ST-40 355x32mm 8mm spacer required Clears Clears Clears
Powerbrake/APR 6pot 380x34mm Does not clear (Barrel) Does not clear (Barrel) Clears Clears
Powerbrake/APR 6pot 350x34mm 8mm spacer required Clears Clears Clears

 

Golf GTI Brake Clearance 

  17x8.5" ET43 17x9" ET42 18x8.5" ET43 18x9" ET42
OEM Golf R/ GTI PP 1-Pot 340x30mm Clears Clears Clears Clears
Porsche Macan 4-Pot W/ OEM 340x30mm  Clears Clears Clears Clears
Brembo GT/GT-S/GT-R 6pot 355x32mm Does not clear (Barrel) Does not clear (Barrel) 3mm spacer required Clears
Brembo GT/GT-S/GTR 4pot 365x29mm Does not clear (Barrel) Does not clear (Barrel) Clears  Clears
Brembo GT/GT-S/GTR 4pot 355x32mm 10mm spacer required 2mm spacer required 5mm spacer required Clears
Brembo Race 6pot 355x32 7mm spacer required Clears Clears Clears
AP Racing CP9660 6pot 355x32mm 6mm spacer required Clears Clears Clears
Stoptech ST-60 355x32mm 5mm spacer required Clears Clears Clears
Stoptech ST-40 355x32mm 7mm spacer required Clears Clears Clears
Stoptech ST-40 328x28mm
 Clears Clears Clears Clears
Stoptech ST-41 328x25mm Clears Clears Clears Clears
Powerbrake/APR 6pot 350x34mm 8mm spacer required Clears Clears Clears

 

Should I Dial-in Negative Camber, and How Much is Right for me? 

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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