the audi wheels are not the correct offset for the vanagon as they are
45et,  thus the spacers to correct the offset difference.  you are
correct that the answer is offset in relation to wheel width but your
testy reply when some of us are just relating our experiences is a
mystery.  the real problem is that the van uses a 5 x 112 bolt pattern
and only two other companies that i know of use the same pattern: audi
[for the quattros and turbos] and mercedes.  the available offsets for
these cars are generally not compatible w/  the van when we are
talking oem wheels.  thus you either need to use wheel spacers to help
w/  the difference or go to aftermarket.  for this you will have to do
the math to figure it out.  i told you that the audi 15x6 45et wheels
w/  a 5-7mm spacer will give you very little clearance at the rear
where the wheel [no,  not tire,  although i included the tire size and
its clearance as well to help you out] meets the trailing arm welded
seam. [  btw,  this isn't just a claim,  have been driving around w/
the audi wheels for over a year and they work nicely]  using the stock
et for comparison you will see that there is not a lot of play in the
back w/o finding a wheel that will have a great deal less et.  you can
deduce what size wheel will fit at the rear by lining up a metric
ruler against the stock wheel and then move the ruler to simulate a
wider wheel.  you could probably do it on paper as well.   i can't
help you for the front as i have no clearance issues at all up front.
sorry that my original reply to you was not broken down so that it
could be processed easier

cheers
jim catterson
91 syncro
93 ev gl                  ny

> The issue, I'm inquiring about is, if one has the correct offset,
how wide can
> the wheel be before it interferes with the mechanicals.
>
> Now, BEFORE folks respond.. let me show the range of answers:
>
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