[vujade]

yes I am running 17 x 7's with an et of 55. I am also using a 10mm spacer all the way around because the 55 is too much.

If you run 17 x 8's with a 43et offset on the front of a beetle, you will extend the wheel 35mm (1 3/8") closer to the fender per side.

Add dropped spindles (1/4" per side) & disc brakes (1/4" per side) and you have now widened your track 1 7/8" per side. You are going to be sticking out way past the stock fenders in the front. (This doesnt even take into account if you will have to use spacers or not)

I would recommend a 17 x 7 with a et between 40-45 (this should be able to be used without a spacer under stock fenders)