Do you want to order new wheels but find the technical terms like **ET35, 8.5J, 5x112 and CB 66.6** confusing? Choosing the wrong size can cause the wheel to hit the shock absorber, protrude outside the wheel arch or vibrate heavily at motorway speeds. In this complete fitment guide from Wheels 'N Customs we unravel all technical measurement units in detail.
The Golden Rule of Fitment:
* **Bolt pattern (PCD):** Must match the car **EXACTLY** (e.g. 5x112 will never fit 5x120 without adapters).
* **Centre bore (CB):** The wheel bore may be larger than the car hub (can be solved with centring rings), but never smaller.
* **ET value (Offset):** Determines how far the wheel sits inwards or outwards. Lower ET = sits further OUT!
1. What Do the Numbers on a Wheel Mean? (e.g. 8.5Jx19 ET45 5x112)
1. J-Width (e.g. 8.5J)
This is the width of the rim bed measured between the raised rim flanges in inches. An 8.5J wheel is therefore 8.5 x 2.54 cm = 21.59 cm wide. The larger the J-number, the wider the tyre that should be fitted.
2. ET Value / Offset (Einpresstiefe, e.g. ET45)
Measured in millimetres. It is the distance between the imaginary central plane of the wheel and the mounting face (the rear of the hub that bolts against the brake disc).
* **Lowering the ET (e.g. from ET50 to ET35):** The wheel will sit **15 mm further OUT**.
* **Increasing the ET (e.g. from ET35 to ET45):** The wheel will sit **10 mm further IN** (closer to the shock absorber).
3. Bolt Pattern / PCD (Pitch Circle Diameter, e.g. 5x112)
The first number (5) indicates the number of bolt holes. The second number (112) is the diameter of the imaginary circle passing through the centres of the bolt holes, measured in millimetres.
2. Overview of Common Bolt Patterns by Car Manufacturer
| Car Make / Group |
Standard Bolt Pattern |
Common Centre Bore |
Typical ET Range |
| Audi / VW / Seat / Skoda (VAG) |
5x112 (Older: 5x100) |
57.1 mm / 66.6 mm |
ET35 - ET50 |
| BMW (F-Series / G-Series) |
5x120 (F) / 5x112 (G) |
72.6 mm (F) / 66.6 mm (G) |
ET25 - ET42 |
| Mercedes-Benz |
5x112 |
66.6 mm |
ET30 - ET48 |
| Toyota / Honda / Nissan (JDM) |
5x114.3 (4x100) |
60.1 mm / 64.1 mm / 66.1 mm |
ET35 - ET45 |
| Ford / Volvo |
5x108 |
63.4 mm |
ET40 - ET52.5 |
3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Fitment
How can I be sure a wheel will fit my car?
At Wheels 'N Customs we perform a 100% manual licence plate and chassis check for EVERY order. Our specialists calculate the J-width, ET value and brake caliper clearance in advance until we provide a 100% fitment guarantee.
Can I request a quote for wheels including fitted tyres?
Yes, absolutely! We will gladly create an all-in package price including balanced A-brand tyres and programmed TPMS sensors.
What payment options are available?
Easily pay via iDEAL, Bancontact, Credit Card, PayPal, SEPA Bank Transfer, Belfius, KBC/CBC, SOFORT Banking and instalment payments on our payment page.
