108s Corrosion ??

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As we all know the iconic 108s are one of the best looking wheels on the Z4.

Unfortunately they suffer inherent corrosion issues.
From my understanding the main cause of this is

- Diamond cut ( no paint protection. Only a layer of lacquer which when damaged corrosion can start and spread underneath it.

-Split rim design ( specifically around the titanium bolt holes and the joint where the rim connects to the star.

My question is if I paint the entire wheel (gloss black) (including the surface that the star attaches to.
Will this prevent corrosion? And to what degree?
 
The problem is that as soon as you tighten the boilts to attached the two parts together, the paint will break underneath and they'll corrode again.
They should last a decent amount of time but it will happen again
 
Jacobkayne said:
As we all know the iconic 108s are one of the best looking wheels on the Z4.

Unfortunately they suffer inherent corrosion issues.
From my understanding the main cause of this is

- Diamond cut ( no paint protection. Only a layer of lacquer which when damaged corrosion can start and spread underneath it.

-Split rim design ( specifically around the titanium bolt holes and the joint where the rim connects to the star.

My question is if I paint the entire wheel (gloss black) (including the surface that the star attaches to.
Will this prevent corrosion? And to what degree?
Click to expand...

Only a full split and proffessional refurbish will sort them. Splitting is essential, usally meaning cracked bolts, too. It's a big ole job.
Many opt to use a chrome/effect paint on the outer barrel to preserve the look by not using a polished finish, some look more OEM than others.
Check out BM Autopsort, they have a set in at the moment.

They look fantiastic when new, even with standard silver rather than any thing different on the outer barrel.
I think if you use as a daily through the winter then maybe opt for another set of wheels if you want to keep them nice.
If keeping the car as a strict summer/weekend only, they look great and will last years and years.

When they're all black, they look horrific to my eyes (personally opinion), like some kids got a rattlecan from Halfords and gone at them. OEM, or silver or a grey.
 
i'm sure i've heard of reasonable results if you powdercoat them without splitting them.

but im with firebobby, personally i much prefer 107s.
 
I think the problem is galvanic corrosion that occurs between the alloy wheels and the bolts that hold the 2 parts together, so I don't see any finish preventing that altogether.

I sold the 108s on my 2nd Coupe while they were still in good condition and replaced them with different wheels. :)
 
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