Brm Wheels Black with Polished Lip, 5.5 Wide, 4 on 130mm VW

OVERVIEW

Transform your air-cooled classic with the timeless aesthetics of our BRM Style Wheels. Originally popularized in the 1960s by Speedwell, the BRM design has stood the test of time as the quintessential wheel for the "Cal-Look" movement. This set of four wheels features a stunning gloss black finish on the inner spokes, perfectly contrasted by a high-luster polished lip and polished spoke faces. Whether you are finishing a ground-up restoration or simply looking to give your daily driver a much-needed attitude adjustment, these wheels provide a period-correct look with modern manufacturing precision. At Appletree Automotive, we understand that stance is everything, and these 5.5-inch wide wheels offer the ideal footprint to fill out your fenders without the aggressive rubbing issues often associated with wider aftermarket options.

Engineering meets heritage in these robust aluminum alloy wheels. Unlike the fragile magnesium originals of the past, these modern reproductions are built to withstand the rigors of the road while maintaining a lightweight profile that reduces unsprung weight for better handling and braking performance. Each wheel is precision-cast and CNC-machined to ensure a perfect 4 on 130mm bolt pattern, specifically designed for late-model Volkswagens. This comprehensive kit includes not just the four wheels, but also the iconic center caps and chrome valve stems, saving you the hassle of sourcing finishing components separately. When you install a set of BRMs from Appletree, you aren''t just changing your rims; you are investing in a legacy of Volkswagen performance and style that will turn heads at every car show and stoplight.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (Standard): 1968 through 1977
• VW Super Beetle: 1971 through 1979
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1967 through 1974
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1966 through 1973
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974

SPECS

• Quantity: Complete Set of 4 Wheels
• Wheel Diameter: 15 Inches
• Wheel Width: 5.5 Inches
• Bolt Pattern: 4 on 130mm (Late VW 4-Lug)
• Backspacing: 3-3/4 Inches
• Finish: Gloss Black with Polished Spokes and Lip
• Material: High-Strength Aluminum Alloy
• Lug Seat: 60 Degree Taper (Requires Tapered Hardware)
• Lug Hole Size: 14mm
• Inclusions: 4 Center Caps and 4 Valve Stems included
• Replacement Cap Part Number: 00-9705-0
• Recommended Lug Studs: 00-9519-0 & 00-9484-0
• Recommended Lug Bolts: 00-9712-0

PRO TIPS

1. Always Use the Correct Lug Seating

One of the most common mistakes we see at Appletree is the use of factory VW lug bolts with aftermarket BRM wheels. Standard Volkswagen wheels typically use a "ball seat" (radius) lug, but these BRM wheels are engineered with a 60-degree "taper seat" (cone). Using your stock bolts will not only prevent the wheel from centering properly, but it will also damage the aluminum mounting surface and could lead to the wheel loosening while driving. Always ensure you are using the recommended 60-degree taper hardware, such as our part number 00-9712-0, to ensure a safe and secure fitment.

2. Tire Sizing for the Perfect Stance

While these 5.5-inch wide wheels are versatile, tire selection is key to achieving that classic VW look. For a standard height or mildly lowered Beetle, a 165R15 or a 185/65-15 tire works beautifully on these rims. If you are running a narrowed beam or an extreme drop, you may want to look at a "smart car" style tire (like a 145/65-15) for the front to avoid fender lip interference. Remember that the 3-3/4 inch backspacing pushes the wheel slightly outward compared to stock, so always double-check your clearances at full steering lock before heading out on your first drive.

3. Maintain That Polished Shine

The polished aluminum sections of these wheels are beautiful, but they require proper care to stay that way. Avoid using harsh, acid-based wheel cleaners that are often found at commercial car washes, as these chemicals can dull or stain the polished finish instantly. We recommend cleaning them with a pH-neutral soap and water. To keep the oxidation at bay, apply a high-quality carnauba wax or a dedicated metal sealant to the polished surfaces twice a year. This creates a barrier against road salt and brake dust, ensuring your BRMs look as good five years from now as they do coming out of the box.