Date:         Sat, 2 Feb 2002 14:52:23 -0500
Reply-To:     Tim Hannink <tjhannink@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Tim Hannink <tjhannink@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Re: 16" alloy wheels on ebay  5x112 (vanagon bolt pattern)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

I had done some research on wheel load also before I put my model "217" BBS
wheels on Goldibox. A fellow listee was kind enough to forward information
that the "237" model BBS wheel had been TUV approved for a Vanagon Camper
in the 14" x 6.5", ET22 size. BBS was kind enough to tell me that the
difference between a model "217" and a "237" wheel was the lug hole and
seat size (12mm vise 14mm), so I felt comfortable installing them on the
van. I had also looked at the GVWR of the various Benz models that used
these particular wheels and a couple came close to the GVWR of my camper.

As for the effect of the ET22 offset, yes, you do get much more water spray
on the side of the van making it a pain to keep clean. I have approximately
30,000 miles on the  wheels and will be pulling the front bearings soon to
see how much wear they have, but since the van is coming close to 200,000
miles, I will probably replace the front bearings anyway.

I chose not to buy the 16" wheels because when I looked at the prices for
16" tires, I decided that I couldn't purchase both the wheels and the tires
without busting my maintenance budget. But they do look really good.:>)

Thanks,

Tim Hannink
Winter Park, Florida
Goldibox - 1987 Vanagon Camper, Wolfsburg Edition
http://home.earthlink.net/~tjhannink/