Volvo S40 alloys on Mitsubishi Space Star

jase1

I noticed on ebay a local seller who is selling a set of Volvo S40 alloys, with four good tyres. Now I could possibly do with a second set of wheels for our Mitsubishi Space Star for winter tyres this autumn.

The Space Star and S40 (along with the V40 and Carisma) are all based on the same platform and have the same wheel settings (in fact the two cars share a lot in common). The S40 and Carisma use 195/65/15s whereas the smaller Space Star uses 195/55/15s. The tyres all have 5mm of tread and are a good brand, so I was thinking that I could replace the tyres with the correct winter ones and sell the existing ones on ebay and get some of the cost of the alloys back.

The only thing that bothers me is the offset. I have not been able to find any details on the exact offsets of the Space Star vs S40 wheels anywhere, only that the acceptable range is the same in both cases.

Does anyone know if the two are truly compatible, and won't require adaptors?

jase1

Hmmm, just read the handbook which throws up a couple of interesting pointers:

1) The offset is listed as 44 or 46mm. The Volvo wheels are apparently ET42, so only 2mm out of spec which I believe is acceptable.

2) A slightly bizarre recommendation here. They list the 15" tyres as being for summer use only, and specify 175/65/14 or 185/65/14 for winter use. This is a bit bizarre, as surely these two sizes are completely different diameters?!? Also, I'm assuming from this that there is a 14" steel wheel available that is suitable -- a website has listed a number of cars that could be suitable, so I think I may have to go back to the drawing board. The good news is that 65 AR tyres are a fair bit cheaper than 55s.

Anyone have any idea why Mitsubishi would fit one size of wheel then specify that this size can't be used for winter tyres?