On 8/29/07, David Kao <dtkao0205@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> That's interesting. Can you give more specific about Audi's formal notice?
> Was there any discussions about this before?

That's in the archives.

By looking at my 2001 Passat 15" Alloys they don't look as strong as the
> set I got from an Audi 5000. They are used in recent Audi's too. I won't
> use such Passat rims on Vanagon.

Appearance alone is not a good indicator of strength and durability. For
example, forged alloy wheels "look" thinner and less robust than a
comparable cast alloy wheel. In almost all cases, the forged alloy wheels
will be stronger than the cast wheel. There were several styles and types of
wheels offered on Passats in 3 different bolt patterns. Some can appear more
robust than those found in Audi 5000's whilst others don't. Some (such as
the Avus wheel) look just like the Audi alloys except have a VW centercap.

The rims from Audi 5000 look more beefed and  definitely heavier. There was
> a post in the archive from someone regarding his experience of Audi 5000
> rims
> (or Audi rims in general). He had a journey through Baja California and
> back
> with Audi rims in good shape. But his stock VW 14" alloys were all damaged
> from similar use.

One person's experience is hardly qualifies as an engineering benchmark. He
may not have even taken the same road and/or encountered the same obstacles.
It simply not reliable considering the sample.

Don't know about the 15" SA version of the VW stock alloys. They are easier
> to use. No spacers but new lug bolts and nuts, just like stock 14" alloys?

Well, if you've already got stock 14" Vanagon alloys, you wouldn't need new
hardware.

BenT