Thanks for the answers Ben, ( and everyone else). Just what I needed. For
clarification, the Ronals I now have are ON my van.   Rather than repairing
the (badly) dented one, I was thinking of getting  new wheels, so wanted
general info about wheel numbering and what would fit so I would know what
I'm looking for at the wreckers.  Yep, it was a general question- but with a
specific underpinning and your answer has covered it pretty darn thoroughly.
Better than my archive search. Thanks again.

btw the wheels on the van are 14"  5 112 ET45. so yes,
there's spacers on the front....

Thanks again all, hope this covers any loose ends....

Bill M
82GL I4

On 9/13/06, BenT Syncro <syncro@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>  On 9/13/06, Bill MacLachlan <billmacla@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > I'm thinking of new wheels/tires for the van.
>
> I've now got a very old set of Ronal mags, and they seem to have all sorts
>
> of  numbers on them - I'm hoping there is a standard numbering system for
> aftermarket wheels that will allow me to choose replacements (most likely
> used) without the "yeah I think it'll fit " uncertainty.
>
> 1) is there a standard numbering system?
>
>
> Sure. For basic stuff there is. There isn't for bolt patterns. Some
> manufacturers do some don't. Ronal usually has the bolt pattern cast or
> stamped in their wheels. they also have the offset expressed as the letters
> "ET" followed by one or two numbers.
>
> 2) if there is is, then
> > what is the bolt pattern description for the van?
>
>
>  5 X 112mm. Ronal typically stamps that as simply 5X112.
>
> what is the range of wheel widths useable?
>
>
>  Well, that will depend on how you have your van set up. Dokas can take
> wider rims because they do not have sliding doors. Max width is a function
> of offset. In other words, some wide wheel wil not fit if it sticks in too
> far or too far out. You see what I mean?
>
> what is the offset useable without using spacers?
>
>
>  ET23-ET37 for 2wd depending on width and wheel style. Syncro can go as
> much as ET45 but again depending on width.
>
> anyone have definite answers ? ( yes I know that generally BMW/Mercedes
> > wheels will fit, but I'd like to be a bit more specific if possible when
> >
> > looking)
>
>
>  Well, the definite answer you just gave is not correct. BMW cars with
> 5-lugs are typically 5 X 120mm. Mercedes cars are 5 X 112mm like out vans.
> Keep in mind that some MB wheels like te G-Class are Porsche pattern which
> is 5 X 130mm. Some BMW's have 4-lugs (4 X 100mm).
>
> So it may sound silly but it would be better if you tell us what your
> wheels are and what numbers are stamped on it rather than asking these
> general questions. After a long hard day waiting at a hospital emergency
> room, I'm dying to answer just specific questions. "Just the facts..."
> please.
>
>
> BenT
> vanagoncafe.info
>
> ps: by buddy got out of emergency just fine. it wasn't a stroke afterall
> -- just pneumonia. damn, i'm not inheriting his TDI yet. =( j/k
>
>
>