EMPI Smoothie Alloy Wheel 15x5.5 Polished, 4x130 | VW Beetle 1968–79, Super Beetle, Ghia & Type 3 (10-1098-0)
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Short answer: EMPI 10-1098-0 is the polished Smoothie alloy wheel, 15 x 5.5 in, 4x130, ET +5mm (3-3/8 in backspacing) with a 60° cone lug seat. It fits the 1968–1979 VW Beetle, 1971–1979 Super Beetle, 1967–1974 Karmann Ghia and 1966–1973 Type 3 (4x130 four-lug). Sold each.
Part numbers: EMPI 10-1098-0 · UPC 707924425260
A smooth, polished aluminum face for 4-lug VWs. This is an alloy wheel, not the chrome Smoothie hubcap for steel wheels (10-1060-B).
Vehicle Fitment
| Years | Vehicle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1968–1979 | VW Beetle (sedan & convertible) | 4x130 |
| 1971–1979 | VW Super Beetle | 4x130 |
| 1967–1974 | VW Karmann Ghia | 4x130 |
| 1966–1973 | VW Type 3 | 4x130 |
| 1950–1967 | VW Beetle, Ghia, Type 3 (5-lug) | Does not fit — 5x205 |
| 1950–1979 | VW Bus | Does not fit — 5x205 or 5x112 |
| All | Porsche 911 / 912 / 914-6 | Does not fit — 5x130 |
Specifications
| Spec | Polished |
|---|---|
| Part number | 10-1098-0 |
| Finish | Polished |
| Size | 15 x 5.5 in |
| Bolt pattern | 4x130mm |
| Offset / backspacing | ET +5mm / 3-3/8 in (EMPI data) |
| Lug seat | 60° cone |
| Center bore | Not published by EMPI |
| Wheel weight | 13 lb (EMPI data) |
| Shipping weight | 15 lb |
| Boxed dimensions | 17 x 17 x 7.87 in |
| Country of origin | China |
| Sold as | Each |
What's Included
- One EMPI Smoothie wheel in the size and finish you choose
Not included: tire, lug hardware. EMPI does not list a center cap or valve stem for this part number in its price file — ask us before ordering if you need them; the matching cap is listed below.
Why It Matters
At ET +5mm this wheel sits further out than a stock 4-lug wheel. EMPI lists it for the Type 1 from 08/67, Type 3 08/65–07/73, Ghia 08/66–07/74, buggy and Baja; check fender clearance on a lowered car.
Install Notes
- Confirm your bolt pattern (count the lugs and measure) before ordering.
- Test-fit before mounting a tire: check brake, suspension and fender clearance.
- Use lug hardware with the seat shape listed above; torque in a star pattern to the factory spec and re-check after the first 50 miles.
- Measure your hub or drum bore — EMPI does not publish the center bore.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will the EMPI Smoothie 10-1098-0 fit my 1974 Beetle? Yes. It is 4x130, the 4-lug pattern used from the 1968 model year.
- What offset is it? ET +5mm, which EMPI lists as 3-3/8 in of backspacing.
- What lug bolts does it take? M14x1.5 bolts with a 60° cone seat, 16 per car.
- Which center cap fits? EMPI 10-1099-0, the chrome cap EMPI lists "for Smoothie Wheel".
- Was this on your Cosmo listing? Yes, as the "Polished 4x130 (5 ET)" option. It is EMPI's Smoothie, not a Cosmo.
Related
Wheels, Tires & Lug Hardware · All 4x130 wheels
Parts are legal for use on pre-pollution-controlled vehicles only.
Prop 65 Warning
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Fitment & Hardware
- Bolt pattern: 4x130 — see all 4x130 wheels
- Lug hardware: M14x1.5 lug bolts with a 60° cone (taper) seat, 16 per car — EMPI 60° chrome lug bolt kit, set of 16 (4× 00-9712-0).
- Center cap: EMPI 10-1099-0 chrome Smoothie cap (ask us to order)
- Not sure it fits? See the VW wheel fitment guide or call (657) 438-7002, weekdays 8–5 Pacific.
- Compare all 15 styles in The Wheel Book
