apologies if this has been asked... picture added

I have some spare BMW BBS wheels that I'd like to run on the Golf this summer…

BUT the BMW bolts that hold the BMW wheels to the BMW are a different shape WHERE THE BOLT PRESSES AGAINST THE WHEEL from the VW bolts which hold the VW wheels to the VW….

Let me put it another way - the shape of the head of the wheel bolts is different. The outer edge of the BMW one is slantier than the VW one.

So what?

Well the profile of the BMW-wheel hole matches this slantier profile - if I put the BMW wheel on the VW, which bolts should I use?



The BMW bolts will suit the profile of the BMW wheel, but they feel very VERY slightly looser in the hub as you tighten them up. But if I use VW bolts, will I be putting too much strain on the point of contact of the VW bolt on the BMW wheel?

I don't want any possibillity of nastiness happening to my beloved Golf.

Or should I get out more?

…advice please.

don't mean to take the pee but you should be using VW bolts anyway  8O !
Do you have the 2 different types of bolts, if so can you take a pic so that we can see the difference?

One set are 45 degree shoulders (BMW) and the others are rounded. You should use the bolts to suit the wheel. Early Vauxhall wheel bolt have the 45 degree shoulders and correct threads (Not sure on the pitch), but you still need to get the length right. I would have thought the BMW ones would be ok to be honest...

no pee worries here


see what I mean? two different opinions, and I can see the worth of both - I'll nip out and take some pictures anyway  

picture added above

I know the VW bolt is too short, but I had it lying around rather than taking one off the car

As Al said use the correct bolt seat for the wheel,your pics show taper seat and spherical seat.

Pick the correct one and if too short go and buy a new set of the correct type,will not cost much.

thanks - the BMW bolt is not too short, it just feels very very slightly looser (than the VW one)when you put it into the hub by hand.

can you buy tapered VW bolts?

I bought some the other week from fletchers that look exactly like the one you have on the left. Cost me ?2 a bolt though