Front Wheel

Rear Wheel

Front Diagonal View

Another Diagonal View

Side View

Another Side View

Nothing enhances the image of a car more than the wheels. Depending on the size, and the style of the wheel, your car can look from something thrown together, to something that came of the lot looking like a true performance vehicle. This was the look I had in mind when I decided to purchase aftermarket alloy wheels for the Passat. After careful consideration, I went with a German wheel manufacturer to truly bring out the performance appeal the stock Passat lacks in the aesthetic department. I chose to run 17x8" Borbet Type T wheels, running 225/45/zr17 Sumitomo HTRZ II tires. The wheels are a perfect match for the car, and several times I have been approached by people who inquired whether these wheels actually came of the lot with the car. Several others have asked whether the car was a BMW after seeing the wheels (hopefully, a compliment!). The wheels are relatively light for a 17" wheels at a little over 20 pounds, and with the tires round out at about 45 pounds. The Type T's with tires, purchased from the Tire Rack were $1,650.00 with shipping.

Due to some careless driving on my part, and some problems that occurred with my Suspension modifications, the wheels incurred some curb damage and the tires were cupped after less than a year's use. Rather than spend $300 to fix the wheels, I decided to go with a new wheel package. At first I thought of running Mille Miglia Spyders (beautiful wheel) but I really liked the way the Type T's fit the curves of the Passat. Then I realized that I had enough money to purchase the 18" Type TD's which are very, if not exactly similar in design to the Type T's. I have since purchased a set of the TD's which will be shod with 225/40/zr18 Dunlop SP Sport W-10's. Pictures will follow soon! According to the Tire Rack, the TD's weigh approximately 23 pounds each, which is not bad for an 18" wheel. The Type TD's with tires, purchased from the Tire Rack were $1,725.00 with shipping.

If I had to do it again, considering what I've now paid, I would probably have saved the money and purchased a set of 18" Forged wheels, or a set of 18" BBS RC's for optimum strength and light weight. However, I am very pleased with the Borbet's and these should stay on the car for quite a while.

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This site is in no way affiliated with Volkswagen AG. VW, Passat, 1.8T and all other VW related terms are the sole property of Volkswagen AG. The modifications detailed within are merely my thoughts on what can be done to this car. Anyone who decides to perform similar modifications based on those detailed here do so at their own risk.