EMPI Sprintstar Wheel Set of 4 — 15x5 & 15x8 8-Spoke Gloss Black, 4x130 | VW Beetle 1968–1979, Ghia (00-9688-0)
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EMPI Sprintstar 8-Spoke Wheel Set of 4 — 15" Gloss Black & Polished, 4x130
Short answer: A staggered set of four EMPI Sprintstar 8-spoke 15" cast aluminum wheels in gloss black with polished lip and spokes, 4x130 pattern, for the 1968–1979 VW Beetle and Super Beetle, 1967–1974 Karmann Ghia, 1966–1973 Type 3 and 4-lug Bajas. You get two 15x5 (ET+25) fronts and two 15x8 (ET−18) rears. Caps and valve stems included; add the 16 matching 60° lug bolts in the Mounting Hardware option.
Part numbers: EMPI 00-9688-0 (009688-0, 0096880) 15x5 · EMPI 00-2322-0 (002322-0, 0023220) 15x8
What's in the set
| Configuration | Wheels in the box | SKU | Set price | Ship weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staggered 2× 15x5 + 2× 15x8 — Gloss Black/Polished | 2× 00-9688-0 + 2× 00-2322-0 | SET4S-00-9688-0-2322-0 | $822.95 | 74.1 lb |
Want four 15x5s instead? Buy four of the single EMPI Sprintstar 15x5 (00-9688-0).
The Sprintstar is the wheel most people picture on a Cal-Look or Baja Bug. The 15x8 rear adds a wide, negative-offset stance that is popular on Bajas, buggies and widened-fender street cars.
Vehicle Fitment
| Years | Vehicle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1968–1979 | VW Beetle (Type 1), sedan & convertible | 4x130 from the 1968 model year. |
| 1971–1979 | VW Super Beetle | 4x130. |
| 1967–1974 | VW Karmann Ghia | EMPI lists 4x130 from 08/66 (1967 model year, disc-brake front). Count your lugs on a 1967. |
| 1966–1973 | VW Type 3 (Notch, Square, Fastback) | 4x130 from the 1966 model year. |
| 1968–1979 | Baja Bug / dune buggy on a 4x130 pan | Any build on factory 4-lug drums or 4x130 disc conversions. |
| Does not fit | 1949–1967 Beetle, 1956–66 Ghia, 1962–65 Type 3 | Those are 5x205 wide-5. See our 5x205 sets. |
| Does not fit | 1973–1974 VW Thing | The US Thing is 5x205. |
| Does not fit | Any VW Bus (1950–1979), Vanagon | Buses are 5x205 (to 1970) or 5x112 (1971 on). |
| Does not fit | Porsche 5x130 / 5x130-converted VWs | Different pattern. |
Technical Specifications (per wheel)
| EMPI # | Size | Offset (ET) | Backspacing | Finish | Ship wt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00-9688-0 | 15x5 | +25mm | 4" | Gloss black, polished lip & spokes | 16.55 lb |
| 00-2322-0 | 15x8 | −18mm (negative) | 3-3/4" | Gloss black, polished lip & spokes | 20.5 lb |
- Bolt pattern: 4x130 (VW 4-lug)
- Lug seat: 60° conical (taper) seat — not the ball (radius) seat used by stock VW steel wheels
- Lug thread: M14x1.5 lug bolts, 4 per wheel (16 for the set)
- Optional: 16 × M14x1.5 60° chrome lug bolts (KIT16-00-9712-0), + $89.95 in the Mounting Hardware option
- Construction: Cast aluminum, 15" diameter
- Center bore: Not published by EMPI (hub-centering is by the 60° lug seats)
- Recommended tires: 15x5: 165R15 is the common front. 15x8 rear: tire size depends on your fenders — ask us before ordering.
- Sold as: Set of 4 wheels (shipped as 4 boxes, about 17 x 17 x 7–9.6 in each)
What's included / not included
- Included: 2 EMPI Sprintstar 15x5 and 2 EMPI Sprintstar 15x8 8-spoke wheels, an EMPI center cap and a valve stem with each wheel. Lug bolts are included only if you choose them in the Mounting Hardware option.
- Not included: lug locks, tires, mounting and balancing.
Add mounting hardware
These wheels need 16 × M14x1.5 60° conical-seat lug bolts. Your stock ball-seat bolts will not work. Pick the bolts in the Mounting Hardware option above and they ship with your wheels:
| Mounting Hardware option | What it is | Price |
|---|---|---|
| No Hardware | Wheels only, for when you already have the correct 60° M14x1.5 bolts | + $0 |
| 60° Chrome Lug Bolts, Set of 16 (KIT16-00-9712-0) | 16 EMPI chrome M14x1.5 60° conical-seat lug bolts (4 × EMPI 00-9712-0), enough for all four wheels. See the kit | + $89.95 |
For theft protection, swap one bolt per wheel for EMPI 70-2707-0 14mm 60° wheel locks (set of 4 with key). On the 15x8 rear, confirm full thread engagement; if you run spacers, use extended 60° bolts sized for the stack.
Why it matters — expert note
Read this before ordering: the 15x8 rear has a −18mm (negative) offset and EMPI's own fitment note says "check for clearance restrictions before installation." On a stock-fender Beetle the 8" rear and tire will sit outside the fender on most cars. It suits Baja Bugs, buggies and cars with flares. For stock bodywork, four single 15x5 wheels (00-9688-0, ET+25) are the safer choice.
Install notes
- Test-fit one bare wheel on each axle before mounting tires: check brake drum/caliper clearance, the inner wheel well and the fender lip; on the 15x8 rear, check the tire sidewall against the fender lip and confirm the lug bolts have full thread engagement.
- Use only 60° conical lug bolts. Ball-seat bolts will not seat and can work loose.
- Tighten in a star pattern to the torque in your VW service manual or the lug maker's spec, and re-check after the first 25–50 miles — aluminum wheels settle.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will 15x8 Sprintstars fit my stock Beetle? Usually not without flares. The 15x8 (EMPI 00-2322-0) has a −18mm offset and EMPI says to check for clearance before installation. It is aimed at Bajas, buggies and widened-fender cars.
- Do these Sprintstars fit a 1974 Super Beetle? Yes. The 1971–1979 Super Beetle is 4x130, which this set matches.
- Do these wheels come with lug bolts? Not by default — choose "60° Chrome Lug Bolts, Set of 16 (KIT16-00-9712-0)" in the Mounting Hardware option (+$89.95) and you get all 16 M14x1.5 60° conical-seat bolts (4 × EMPI 00-9712-0) with your wheels. Each wheel already ships with a center cap and valve stem.
- Do these fit a VW Thing? No. The US 1973–74 Thing is 5x205. See our 5-spoke 5x205 Sprintstar set.
- What offset is the 15x5 Sprintstar? EMPI 00-9688-0 is ET+25 with 4" backspacing.
- Can I buy just one wheel? Yes — EMPI 00-9688-0 (15x5) and 00-2322-0 (15x8) are sold individually in our store.
Need just one?
Explore Related Categories
Wheels, Air-Cooled VW, EMPI 60° Lug Bolt Kit, Set of 16, EMPI 60° Chrome Lug Bolts, EMPI Wheel Locks & Lug Hardware
Parts are legal for use on pre-pollution-controlled vehicles only.
Prop 65 Warning
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
