Today you can choose between many different rims for your vehicle. Even if there is information on the approved rims in the vehicle registration document, this is not always complete. We explain the subtleties that you should know if you are thinking about buying new rims.
Contents
Which rims may I drive?
In principle, your vehicle documents state which rim sizes you are allowed to drive. You will find this information under item 22 in your vehicle registration document (registration certificate part I). However, sometimes this information is not complete. Then you should look at the EC Certificate of Conformity, also known as the CoC document (Certificate of Conformity). Furthermore, you may drive the rims for which there is an ABE, in which your vehicle is named. The most important parameters of rims include: offset, rim width, rim flange type, diameter, bolt circle and number of holes. It is always necessary to register your new rim if there is no suitable ECE certificate or ABE for the rim (or your vehicle is not named there).
What does the KBA number mean on your rims?
The KBA number is a registration number at the Federal Motor Transport Authority in the „KBA format -4XXXX“, which is cast into the rim. However, rims that were not manufactured for sale in The United Kingdom do not always have such a KBA number (and then there is usually no ABE). It is necessary to enter rims without a KBA number, you need an individual approval, for example by TÜV or Dekra.
What is an ABE in relation to rims?
A rim ABE, like an ABE for other vehicle add-on parts, is a so-called general operating permit. This document provides information on which vehicles these rims may be used on without a special entry. A01, for example, may state conditions that you must meet. You can have compliance with this confirmed, for example, by the TÜV with an attachment confirmation. The ABE itself can, but does not have to be entered. You will usually receive the relevant papers when you buy the rims. If you no longer have this, look for the embedded KBA number (KBA-4XXX)on your rim and request the ABE for a fee from the Federal Motor Transport Authority.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
⚠ When do aluminum rims have to be entered?
If your vehicle is not listed in the ABE/ECE certificate, you need the relevant certificate/an acceptance test. These must then be entered in your vehicle documents.
⚠ When do you not have to register rims?
Do you have an ECE certificate or an ABE without A01 (i.e. none important restrictions) and if your vehicle type is explicitly listed as permissible in these documents, you do not have to register the rims. In principle, however, an entry is possible if you do not want to carry the relevant documents with you all the time.
⚠ Where can you get reports for rims?
At all recognized technical monitoring institutes, such as TÜV or Dekra.
⚠ Where can I register my rims?
Your new rims are generally registered at your responsible vehicle registration office. The corresponding address can be found on the authorities’ websites.
⚠ What do you need to register rims?
In order to enter your rims in the vehicle documents, you need the ABE (possibly with a change report/confirmation of attachment), the report for individual acceptance or the parts report. Of course, you also need your vehicle documents.
⚠ How much does it cost to register rims?
If it is necessary to enter your rims in the vehicle documents and if the necessary reports are available, you must expect costs of 30-70 euros.
⚠ How much does it cost to register rims with a certificate?
An attachment confirmation (ABE with A01) usually costs less than 50 euros. If a parts certificate is required, this usually costs 60-80 euros. An individual acceptance (no vehicle-specific test report available) starts with prices of around 120 euros. The pure entry afterwards costs 30-70 euros.
⚠ Can larger rims be entered?
As a rule, you can drive a vehicle with different, often larger, rims. However, be sure to observe the information in the ABE or the ECE certificate and whether the corresponding information also applies to your vehicle in order to avoid any nasty surprises.
⚠ What do I need to register my rims?
It is best if you can provide the appraiser with as many documents as possible. For example, if there is an ABE in which your vehicle is not listed or conditions are noted under A01, you must bring this with you. In this way you avoid unnecessary costs, because then a cultivation confirmation from a relevant testing organization is often sufficient.
⚠ How do I get an expert opinion for my rims?
In principle, the recognized technical vehicle monitoring organizations such as TÜV and Dekra prepare any necessary reports for your rims. However, a visit there is only necessary if there is no ECE certificate or ABE without A01.
⚠ Where can I find the KBA number on the rim?
There is a five-digit KBA number (KBA-4XXXX) on the rim, which unequivocally identifies the rim manufacturer at the Federal Motor Transport Authority. You can also use this number to obtain the necessary documents (such as an ABE) if you should have lost them.
⚠ What is an ABE for rims?
An ABE is a so-called general operating permit. If there is a so-called ABE without A01 for your rim (in which your vehicle is listed), then in The United Kingdom no entry in your vehicle documents and no attachment confirmation is required. The same applies in The United Kingdom if an ECE certificate (a seal of the Economic Commission of Europe) is available, because this serves the same purpose. If you only have an ABE with A01, an attachment confirmation is required, which the TÜV can issue, for example. Please note that you must always carry the ABE or the ECE certificate with you.
Conclusion
Finding a suitable rim can sometimes be a little more complex than expected. This is especially true if you are looking for a very specific type. Whether an expert opinion from Dekra or TÜV and an entry in your vehicle documents is necessary depends on the papers that you get with the rim. Make absolutely sure that you only drive with approved rims to avoid damage to the vehicle and to enjoy optimal driving safety.
A tip from CarTipsandmore: Always carry your ECE certificate (valid throughout Europe) or your ABE in the vehicle. If this is not available during a check, a warning fee of at least 10 euros must be paid. If, on the other hand, you do not meet the necessary requirements of the expert opinion, you can even count on a point in the Flensburg traffic offender file and a fine of 140 euros. Your vehicle insurance company may also refuse to pay.
