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14", 15", 16", or 17"? What fits your 500, what looks best, and where to find replacement alloys.
Search Our Stock ❯At Fiat 500 Frenzy, we're Sheffield's only dealership dedicated exclusively to the Fiat 500. With over 60 years of combined motor trade experience, Tom and Shane have the expertise to guide you through every aspect of Fiat 500 ownership. Whether you're buying, selling, or just researching, we're here to help — no pressure, just honest advice from people who genuinely love these cars.
Upgrading or replacing alloy wheels on a Fiat 500 requires understanding two critical specifications: wheel size (diameter and width) and bolt pattern (PCD and centre bore). The 500's unique 4x98mm PCD is different from standard 4x100mm wheels found on most other European cars, which limits aftermarket options. Here's everything you need to know about 500 wheels.
The Fiat 500 comes with different factory alloy sizes depending on trim level. Higher trims get larger wheels for more aggressive styling.
The PCD is the most important specification when buying replacement wheels. It's the diameter of the circle formed by the bolt holes. The Fiat 500's PCD is unusual among European city cars.
The 4x98 PCD is the trap. Most European hatchbacks use 4x100 — including the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta, and Peugeot 208. Fiat chose 4x98 for the 500, inherited from the original Fiat cinquecento. This limits aftermarket wheel choices to wheels specifically designed for 4x98 fitment.
If you want to upgrade wheels, you MUST specify 4x98 to the wheel supplier. Using 4x100 wheels on a 4x98 car will not fit — the bolt holes won't align with the wheel studs.
The downside: fewer 4x98 wheel options exist. Popular brands like OZ, BBS, and Enkei make limited 4x98 offerings. You'll find plenty of 4x100 wheels at better prices, but they're unsuitable. Never force a 4x100 wheel onto a 4x98 car.
Despite the limitation, quality 4x98 wheels do exist. Popular suppliers and brands:
Avoid cheap knock-off brands from eBay/Facebook Marketplace without confirmation of 4x98 fitment. Fakes do exist, and fitting a counterfeit wheel could be dangerous.
Larger wheels are possible, but consider these factors:
Stick to 15-16 inches for daily driving comfort. 17 inches is acceptable if you're willing to sacrifice ride comfort for visual impact. Never go beyond 17 inches on a standard 500.
When upgrading wheels, ensure the offset matches or is similar to original. The offset (ET value) determines how much the wheel sticks out from the hub.
If you increase offset (higher ET number), wheels sit further back, reducing track width. If you decrease offset (lower ET number), wheels sit further out, widening track. For a 500, stay within ±3-5mm of original offset to avoid unintended visual changes or rubbing.
Always verify tyre compatibility. A 16-inch wheel must use 195/45 R16 tyres (or 195/50 R16 in rare cases). Tyre sidewall height changes with size, so doublecheck.
Damaged 500 alloys can be refurbished rather than replaced, saving money.
Professional refurbishment involves stripping the wheel, straightening if necessary, repainting, and applying protective lacquer. Turnaround is typically 3-5 days. For minor scuffs, mobile refurbishment (on-site) costs less (£25-40 per wheel) but is lower quality.
Some 500 owners run two wheel sets: summer wheels (16") for performance appearance, winter wheels (15") with winter tyres for safety and reduced cost.
Buying separate sets is expensive (£400-600 upfront for two complete sets), but if done, allows aesthetic flexibility without compromising winter safety. The smaller 15" wheels also improve ride comfort on rough winter roads.
Standard car insurance often excludes alloy wheel damage. Specialist wheel insurance (£20-40 per year) covers kerb damage, theft, and accident damage with £0 excess. For valuable aftermarket wheels (£1,000+), wheel insurance is worth considering.
The 4x98 PCD is your biggest constraint when upgrading 500 wheels. Popular brands don't offer as many 4x98 options as 4x100, limiting your choices and sometimes increasing costs. However, quality 4x98 wheels exist from AEZ, Dotz, and Oz. Stick to 15-16 inches for practicality. If you want a sportier look, 17-inch Abarth-style wheels are achievable but expect a harsher ride. Always verify fitment before purchasing; never assume a wheel will fit based on size alone.
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