18 inch rear, 19inch fronts - MOT

[Dilema1]

BMW 1 Series - One of my rear alloys was cracked, had it welded and it still failed the MOT (apparently new MOT regulations just introduced prohibit welds on wheels). Need it sorted as I need to get through the MOT.

Currently running 19" 9.5J (265/30/) on the rear and 19" 8.5J (235/35) on the front. A new alloy won't be delivered in time before my MOT runs out.

Currently have a random set of 18" rears which are 255/40, think they are 8.5J.

Straight to the point, if I fit these both to the rear while keeping the 19s on the front will they pass the MOT. I know it's not ideal and they will be getting switched back over.

Edited by Dilema1 on Tuesday 1st April 20:53

[Catnip64]

Probably best to ask here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[BunkMoreland]

Dilema1 said:

... (apparently new MOT regulations just introduced prohibit welds on wheels). Not sure if that's true but here we are, need it sorted as I need to get through the MOT...
.

Its not a fail!

So whoever told you it is, was incorrect. Its only a fail if the weld isn't done properly. A defect.

manual said:

(a) Any fracture or welding defect on a wheel

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-inspection-manual-for-private-passenger-and-light-commercial-vehicles/5-axles-wheels-tyres-and-suspension#section-5-2-2

Nothing in there says you cant have bigger wheels on the front. The only "thing" is across the axles. So you couldn't have a 19" on the nsf and an 18" on the osf.


be aware that with the bigger wheels you run the risk of tyre hitting body or other parts of the car on full lock, which IS a fail

[2ono]

Plenty of cars have different diameter wheels front and rear from the factory, normally rears bigger than fronts but I don't see why it would make any difference if it was the other way around.

[sherman]

Get the 19" alloys powdercoated. It will hide the welding.