Volkswagen Phaeton wheel fitment — V10 3D
Overview
The Volkswagen Phaeton (Typ 3D) is a full-size luxury sedan/saloon introduced at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show. It was marketed worldwide but sales in North America ended in 2006 and global production ceased in 2016. The Phaeton was hand-assembled in Volkswagen's Transparent Factory in Dresden, Germany, with a capacity of producing up to 35,000 vehicles annually. Built on the Volkswagen Group D platform (D1), it shares components with Audi A8 but uses all-steel construction unlike the A8’s aluminum chassis. The Phaeton aimed to compete directly with luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW in the full-size sedan segment.
Volkswagen Phaeton wheel fitment
Volkswagen Phaeton wheel fitment for the Volkswagen Phaeton V10 3D (2002–2008): the factory PCD, centre bore and bolt spec, then the aftermarket width and offset window we fit to.
| Bolt pattern (PCD) | 5x112 |
| Centre bore | 57.1 mm |
| Bolt / thread | M14x1.5 (bolts) |
| Wheel-bolt torque | 120 Nm |
| Seat type | radius |
| Factory setup | square |
| TPMS | indirect |
Aftermarket wheel sizes — read per position:
| Position | Width | Offset |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 7.5J–9.5J | ET30–ET45 |
As a rule, each extra 1J of width wants roughly +8–10 ET to keep the wheel tucked. The exact offset and any spacer are confirmed by the fit-check.
UK popularity & demand
Based on DfT VEH0124 vehicle-parc data (2025), there are approximately 636 Volkswagen Phaeton on UK roads, placing it in the top 35% of car models by volume across our fitment database.
That makes Volkswagen Phaeton wheel fitment a high-demand spec to keep in stock. It is one reason we track it here.
Source: DfT/DVLA licensed-vehicle statistics (VEH0124), matched to the AIWheelTech fitment database.
Engines & drivetrain
| Variant | Engine | Fuel | Power | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0L W12 | Volkswagen W12 engine | petrol | 450 hp | RWD|FWD |
| 4.2L V8 | List of Volkswagen Group petrol engines#4.2 V8 40v BGH, BGJ | petrol | 335 hp | RWD|FWD |
| 3.6L VR6 FSI | List of Volkswagen Group petrol engines#3.6 VR6 24v FSI (EA390) | petrol | 280 hp | RWD|FWD |
| 5.0L V10 TDI | List of Volkswagen Group diesel engines#V10 TDI AJS | diesel | 275 hp | 4Motion |
| 3.0L V6 TDI CR 150–210 kW | List of Volkswagen Group diesel engines#3.0 V6 24v TDI CR 150–21 | diesel | 204 hp | 4Motion |
Performance
| Variant | Power | 0–62 mph | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| V10 TDI (2003–2007) | 245 hp |
Dimensions
| Length | 5055 mm |
| Width | 1903 mm |
| Height | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3001 mm |
| Kerb weight | 2184 kg |
Body styles & production
| Body styles | Sedan |
| Produced | 2002–2008 |
| Units produced | 84,253 |
Trim levels
Factory colours
History & notable variants
Development of the Phaeton began under Ferdinand Piëch, aiming for a car that could surpass German prestige market leaders. It featured advanced technology such as adaptive cruise control and was the first production sedan to use a V10 engine (5.0 L V10 TDI). The Phaeton underwent several updates including facelifts in 2008 and 2011, introducing new LED daytime running lights and updated interiors. Despite its technological advancements and luxury features, sales were disappointing, particularly outside of China.
Reliability & owner notes
- Pros: Advanced technology features; Luxurious interior and exterior design
- Cons: High production costs; Poor sales performance outside of China
- Common issues: Significant financial losses for Volkswagen due to low sales