Aftermarket wheels - Yes or no?

[Bobskih]

Hi

Maybe a daft or divided opinion question but what are peoples thoughts on aftermarket wheels.

I'm due to to take my OEM wheels to be refurbished (as I still like them) but 2 of them maybe beyond repair so don't want to waste my money on them.

Thoughts from the group would be appreciated.



Just refurbed my calipers and I'm sure my car is faster since this.

 

[brillomaster]

it depends on the wheel - you can get some bad aftermarket wheels (ie poorly made, heavy) or perfectly good aftermarket wheels. I've got aftermarket wheels on my daily driver and they're great.

though, if you wanted to keep the daisies, you could probably get hold of a decent set secondhand for the cost of having them refurbished - most people are looking to swap 17" daisies for 18" wheels. like these for example:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254949237345?hash=item3b5c28a261:g:kQYAAOSwLjxgfp-1

 

[Zedebee]

They’d have to very bad to not be repairable. That said, a full refurb seems to start at around £70 per wheel, depending on where you are; and you’ve got a good chance of getting a replacement set second hand for less than that.

As Brillomaster says, many 103 owners look to upgrade to an 18” wheel. 108s and MV2s seem most popular, and there’s a lot of love for 107s. You can see all the OEM wheel styles on www.bmwstylewheels.com

 

[Bobskih]

[ref]brillomaster[/ref], [ref]Zedebee[/ref],

Thanks for your valuable input, both given me food for thought.

Bobskih

 

[M1k3yC]

Personally I like to stick to (or close to) wheel sizes and offsets that were offered with a vehicle from the manufacturer. That rules out some aftermarket choices for me. I've just ordered some new wheels for my E86 and went for genuine BMW but picked a style you don't often see. Pictures forthcoming when I get them. You have plenty of choice of wheels because a lot of 3 series wheels of that era have the same dimensions and offsets as wheels that came on a Z4. Lots of BMW wheels from other BMWs tend to fit fine, but might have different widths and offsets - not necessarily a problem, either. You'll see a lot of love for aftermarket CSL styles, too. Buy what you like the look of the most.

 

[Jakg]

I'm not a fan of aftermarket wheels unless the car is heavily modified (from an appearance POV).
Functionally, some are heavy and some are crazy light, but typically people go for the former.
I think OE wheels work better with standard wheels, but they don't have to be from a Z4, plenty of other BMW wheels can look good.

 

[Mr Tidy]

For after-market wheels Apex and Veeman seem to get positive reviews on here.

But I've always stuck to OE BMW ones, even if I did put E89 wheels on my previous E86 and I currently have E89 wheels on my 3 Series!

I bought both those sets on here, as well as the 224s I've just fitted to my MC so it's well worth keeping a look out on the classifieds section.

Although I bought a set of F30 wheels with tyres for a previous E91 on Gumtree for £200 a few years ago as it had winters fitted when I got it!

At the end of the day it depends what you really want and how much you are willing to spend.

 

[firebobby]

Not a fan of aftermarket either, my Z had 103's when we got it, now sporting 107's...best wheel fr the classic Z4

 

[Bobskih]

[ref]M1k3yC[/ref], [ref]Jakg[/ref], [ref]firebobby[/ref], [ref]Mr Tidy[/ref],

Appreciate your opinions and the consensus seems to go down the OEM route, which I was leaning too in any case. I was wary about buying AM wheels and their quailty after a couple of years.

Lots of choice out there so a decision on design is the next big issue.

Cheers everyone!

 

[Zedebee]

Nothing to stop you customising OEM wheels

 

[Bmwz4ruby]

Had MV2’s on my E86 and they looked ok but need to be in good condition, mine were poor. I looked at refurb but decided money better spent in new aftermarket wheels, Bola FLC’s. They are light, well made and have great offsets for the E86 with no spacers needed. The MV2’s have horrible offsets for the E86.
Anyway I cannot fault the Bolas in any way.

 

[mr.tourette]

I've no preference..as long as its a good looking wheel aftermarket or oe is fine

 

[Bobskih]

[ref]Zedebee[/ref],
Look good in gold, what colour is the car?

[ref]Bmwz4ruby[/ref],
Those Bola's suit it well.

[ref]mr.tourette[/ref],
Thanks, I appreciate that some other forums are quite judgemental with AM choices.

 

[TheDan]

I don't have a huge problem with aftermarket wheels, in fact there are some I love... looking at you CMWheels style 763Ms https://cmwheels.com/product/18-763m-m4-cs-style-wheels-matt-black/.

However, I am a firm believer that the correct OE wheel and a fresh refurb (powder coat) in a suitable colour can make a massive difference whilst maintaining the OE look.

 

[Bobskih]

[ref]TheDan[/ref], Yes, like the black wheels against the grey/silver body. Your completed/wishlist has given my savings account a wakeup call

 

[Zedebee]

[ref]Zedebee[/ref],
Look good in gold, what colour is the car?

Matt Bronze on Monaco Blue

 

[Pabby1980]

I've no preference..as long as its a good looking wheel aftermarket or oe is fine

The zed is STILL at the mechanics waiting on a part which is getting extremely frustrating now (after 4 weeks) but I did manage to get the lowering springs and the Quantums you sold me on the back before she was sent off. Looking good so far.

I'll be sure to get some proper pictures when she finally gets home.

 

[mr.tourette]

I've no preference..as long as its a good looking wheel aftermarket or oe is fine

The zed is STILL at the mechanics waiting on a part which is getting extremely frustrating now (after 4 weeks) but I did manage to get the lowering springs and the Quantums you sold me on the back before she was sent off. Looking good so far.

I'll be sure to get some proper pictures when she finally gets home.

Screenshot_20210521-104701_Gallery.jpg

Ah mate, they look fantastic working really well with the silver paint

 

[Thrustyjust]

I never liked the MV2 wheels that mine came with and were not in the best of health. They were refurbishable as sold them here and the chap showed the end results . But I joined the CSL replica gang and for £500 for a brand new, not bent , scuffed wheels was a no brainer . Drove in , swopped the tyres as wanted to stay at 18 inch non runflat. Glad I did it , as 108's , which look fine have the corrosion issues over time. I can also get a new rim easily enough for a lot less than a second hand , then refurbished rim. As to people saying about the ' boring CSl wheels' , thats their problem, I am happy with mine. As to quality of aftermarket wheels, these have the same casting manufacturer as I had on my Lotus, Honda and Volvo , so not an issue. As for weight, never weighed them but they do feel lighter than the MV2's which seemed to be made from granite.
As bought


4 days later

 

[kis]

It’s a no from me.

Firstly because OEM will have had more rigorous R&D when making. So they will, IMO be better quality for price than aftermarket.

Secondly OEM e46/e85 wheels are plentiful. You can pick up a set of 4 for cheap.

Third, linked to the above, if you bust a wheel (or two like in your case) then replacements are also plentiful and you won’t have to change your full set up. So plenty of spares which isn’t the case for aftermarket.

Just my opinion tho