I'm interested in a specific rim, bit it is 17x7.5 with a 45mm offset. Stock is 37mm I believe. Will the 45mm fit?

B5.5 non W8 = 37mm offset
B5.5 W8 = 45mm offset

You should not have a problem since the VW OEM 17" wheels for the W8 sport are in fact 45mm and 7.5" wide.

 

I believe that the W8 stock rims are 45mm offset. Going to 17s with 45 mm offset will not be a problem if the rims would otherwise clear the calipers. (In other words, it is not the offset, but the style of the wheel that is a bigger issue.) I have been told that the sport rims on the W8 are 45 mm offset. I went to 35 mm offset for my 17s (on my W8) simply because that is what was available in the style I wanted and because they are wider. They clear the brakes by a mile because of the style of the rim, much more so than the OEM rims, but because of style not a difference in offset.

One word of caution, if you go to significantly wider rims and tires with the same 45 mm offset, you could run into rubbing problems on the inside of the tire (because half of the increased width is on the inside of the rim).

Good luck.

 

My only concern is the W8 brake set-up. Are the brakes going to restrict me having the W8 versus the regeular passats?

oh yeah...my fault, didnt think of that one!

 

My only concern is the W8 brake set-up. Are the brakes going to restrict me having the W8 versus the regeular passats?

 

yes, it should fit no problem. my a4 sport rims are that size, with 235/45 tires and i am trouble free.