EMPI White 8-Spoke Steel Wheel — 15 in | Series 21 (4x130) & Series 81 (5x205)

EMPI's white powder-coated 8-spoke steel wheel is the tough, simple wheel for sand rails, buggies, Baja Bugs and trail cars. The 4-lug (4x130) version is sold as Series 21 (EMPI 10-1002-0 to 10-1006-0) and the 5-lug Wide-5 (5x205) version as Series 81 (EMPI 10-1014-0 to 10-1018-0). Sold each — choose your lug pattern and width, and check backspacing for your application.

Vehicle Fitment

• 4-Lug (4x130) variants: 1968–1979 VW Beetle & Super Beetle, 1967–1974 Karmann Ghia, 1966–1973 Type 3, and 4x130 buggies and sand rails
• 5-Lug (5x205) variants: 1950–1967 VW Beetle, 1956–1966 Karmann Ghia, 1961–1965 Type 3, and Wide-5 buggies and sand rails
• 15 x 10 in: on a Beetle, Ghia or Type 3 body it needs flared fenders.
• Photo: the product photo shows the 4-lug (Series 21) wheel. Ask us for a photo of the 5-lug Series 81.
• VW Bus: 1971–1979 Bay Bus is 5x112 and does not fit. 1950–1970 Bus: call to confirm before ordering (the Bus uses M14 wide-five bolts and EMPI publishes no load rating for this wheel).

Why Choose EMPI?

EMPI is a long-established name in the air-cooled VW aftermarket, offering accessible styling and restoration parts trusted by classic Beetle, Bus, and Ghia owners.

Key Features & Benefits

• 8-spoke steel design: a strong, repairable steel wheel built for off-road and trail use.
• White powder coat: durable white finish.
• Two bolt patterns: 4-lug fits 4x130mm (Series 21); 5-lug fits 5x205mm (Series 81).
• Multiple widths: available from 15 x 5 in up to 15 x 10 in.
• 60° taper lug seat: use 60° taper (cone-seat) lug hardware, not ball-seat bolts.
• Sold each: build a set to your exact spec.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: EMPI
• Style: 8-spoke steel
• Finish: White powder coat
• Size: 15 x 5 in, 15 x 6 in, 15 x 7 in, 15 x 8 in or 15 x 10 in, by variant
• Bolt Pattern: 4x130mm (air-cooled VW 4-lug, Series 21) or 5x205mm (VW Wide-5, Series 81), by variant
• Lug Seat: 60° taper (cone). Do not use ball-seat lug bolts.
• Bead-lock: No. These are not bead-lock wheels; keep tire pressure above about 12–15 psi.
• Material: Steel
• Sold As: Each

Backspacing by Width

5-lug 15x5, 15x8 and 15x10 backspacing per EMPI Series 81 part listings (Appletree 81-5519, 81-5819, 81-5119); other sizes: published figures conflict, so call us before ordering. EMPI does not publish offset (ET) or center bore per width for this line, so we will not quote one. Measure your hub and test-fit before mounting tires. This catalog mixes 4x130 VW, 5x205 Wide-5 and 5x130 Porsche fitments, and they are not interchangeable.

Available Sizes

• 4-Lug: 15 x 5 in, 15 x 6 in, 15 x 7 in, 15 x 8 in, 15 x 10 in
• 5-Lug: 15 x 5 in, 15 x 6 in, 15 x 7 in, 15 x 8 in, 15 x 10 in

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are these sold as a set? No — each wheel is sold individually.
• Which bolt patterns are available? 4×130mm (4-lug, Series 21) and 5×205mm (5-lug, Series 81).
• What is this wheel for? Off-road and trail use: sand rails, buggies and Baja Bugs. The narrow 15 x 5 also works on the street.
• Is it a bead-lock? No. Keep tire pressure above about 12–15 psi so the bead stays seated.
• What lug hardware does it take? 60° taper (cone-seat) lug bolts. Do not use ball-seat bolts.
• Will it fit my Beetle, Bus or Ghia? Beetle and Ghia, yes, with the matching hub: 4x130 (4-lug) for 1968–1979 Beetles and 1967–1974 Ghias, 5x205 (Wide-5) for 1950–1967 Beetles and 1956–1966 Ghias. The 15 x 10 needs flared fenders on a Beetle, Ghia or Type 3. The 1971–1979 Bay Bus is 5x112 and does not fit; for a 1950–1970 Bus, call us to confirm before ordering.
• What widths are available? 15 x 5, 15 x 6, 15 x 7, 15 x 8 and 15 x 10 in, in both bolt patterns. See the backspacing table above.
• What offset or center bore does it have? EMPI does not publish offset (ET) or center bore per width for this line, so we will not quote one. Measure your hub and test-fit before mounting tires.
• How does it ship? Ships each from our shop in Orange, California. Shipping weight runs about 20 to 34 lb depending on width.

Explore Related Categories

Wheels, All VW Air-Cooled

Fitment & Hardware

• Bolt pattern: 4x130 (VW 4-lug) — see all 4x130 wheels · 5x205 (VW wide-five) — see all 5x205 wheels
• Lug hardware: Ask us which lug bolts before you order — call (657) 438-7002 and we will confirm the seat type and thread for your hub.
• 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