Advice on buying second hand alloys

G

glastoveteran

Active member
 Bristol
Hi all,

I'm going to look at a set of 19" M3 alloys listed on ebay before I bid as they are only a few minutes away:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220623173411&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

The guy says they have been refurbished, but is there anything in particular I should be looking for to make sure they're ok? Is there any way of telling if they are buckled by looking at them?

Thanks all.
 
A quick way to do a preliminary check for buckles is to stand them face to face against each other - this will quickly identify any rim deformity: the rims should sit flat and face to face with no gaps. Any gaps and walk away. As for the finish - if they have been professionally done ask where and for the receipts etc. From the phots. on ‘E Bay’ looks like the BMW wheel centres are original and will need replacing – not a big deal and worth it if the wheels are good. Check they are original BMW rims – part numbers etc will be on one of the spokes on the inside – should/may also give details of manufacture date. And finally ask where they came from and why is the seller selling.
 
They look exactly like my 2002 OEM wheels. I had a mishap (hit a rock while driving in the mountains). I had one of the wheels machined and found that the color changed somewhat also it brought out some of the casting imperfections. So it is hard to say from the pictures, they do look refurbished (re-machines by taking a skim cut and / or have been polished).

Alan has a good point to check them, however, if you purchase them with out seeing them then you can not perform this check unless you find someone here on the board that can be your eyes to go and inspect them for you.

Good luck in your hunt :)
 
I've had a look at the pics,,,,,,my feeling, after a few glasses of wine, is that I would be uncomfortable paying without seeing first.
I would ask the guy if you win can you pay cash on inspection and collection, if they are OK I can't see why he would object.
Good luck.
 
glastoveteran said:
Ta - my plan is to go and see them BEFORE bidding anyway - they're only 10 minutes away from me so easy enough to do.
Click to expand...

Good luck - take £ notes with you and make a silly offer if they are OK, you never know...... :)
 
Good luck hope they are what you are looking for. If not, try a reputable seller of used alloy wheels as opposed to eBay. I bought mine from BM Autosport and can voucher for the quality, speed of service and price.
 
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