326 alloy cracking question

DHO51E · Post by **DHO51E** » Fri Oct 19, 2018 11:15 am

Morning Forum people. A quick question; Did BMW ever cure the 326 alloy cracking problem? Is it more likely to happen on earlier cars rather than a 2016 MY?
Thanks in advance.

David

mr wilks · Post by **mr wilks** » Fri Oct 19, 2018 12:42 pm

Never solved with 326s or other Bmw wheels 18 or 19 & unlikely to ever be whilst Bmw continue with under profiled tyre sizes ( compared with Audi / Mercedes ) added to very high pressures ( if compared again with other manufacturers running 19inch performance wheels) .
The rigid sidewalls of runflats must also be a factor though hopefully better & development of those should mean improvement ?

Phoenixboy · Post by **Phoenixboy** » Fri Oct 19, 2018 1:07 pm

DHO51E wrote: ↑Fri Oct 19, 2018 11:15 am Morning Forum people. A quick question; Did BMW ever cure the 326 alloy cracking problem? Is it more likely to happen on earlier cars rather than a 2016 MY?
Thanks in advance.

David

unfortunately seems to happen on many alloys including oem.
runflats clearly are a contributing factor, so replacing with non runflats will certainly help.
size of wheels also has a bearing on it. bigger wheels tend to give a harder ride and can lead to cracking.
tyre profiles can help with ride.
the more knowledgeable will advise.

Phoenixboy · Post by **Phoenixboy** » Fri Oct 19, 2018 1:17 pm

all you can really do is minimise the risk.
I have cracked alloys on normal tyres as well.
if you hit a big pothole it will do damage.
fortunately I drive purely for pleasure, so am not forced to drive on bad road surfaces.
that said , I will still be ditching the runflats fairly soon, that came on my recently purchased z.

DHO51E · Post by **DHO51E** » Fri Oct 19, 2018 3:18 pm

Thanks for the prompt replies gents. Much appreciated.
It would seem that even later E89's like mine will still suffer cracks due to RFT/pothole interface!!!

Had Audi TT's since 2000 with 18" wheels and V low profile tyres and never once had a wheel rim crack and driving from Kent to Wembley (And back again), I hit a LOT of potholes!
Only had the car since August 15th and like Phoenixboy, its a weekend plaything as I 'drive' a 60+ Oyster card during the week!
Will search the forum for standard tyre suggestions and bite the bullet!

David

Rathean · Post by **Rathean** » Fri Oct 19, 2018 5:42 pm

As others mentioned drop the run flats, as someone who had 3 cracked alloys at the last MOT so replaced the lot with after market Alpina wheels and Michelin PS rubber, it feels like the "bouncey" tyres absorb a lot more from dips and holes

DHO51E · Post by **DHO51E** » Sat Oct 20, 2018 8:30 am

Good point, well made Rathean. Time for the flexible friend to get flexed!

David

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