Genuine CSL Wheels - What's the big deal?

[Nuts]

Hi All,

I'm after some CSL's for my M roadster. Obviously reps like Atomic are three times cheaper and I get that they're not the genuine article. however, other than perhaps strength/durability, what discernible difference do genuine CSL wheels bring? e.g. lighter weight? Shallower concave/better aesthetics?

Cheers,

Nuts

 

[Micke]

If I remember correctly, the original rear wheels are et27 and the reps are usually et35 or higher.
I have seen a surge of prices on the original wheels as they’re NLA from BMW so people want crazy money for them. I guess worth it for someone.

I got a set of Avus reps. They’re made in Italy and apparently very popular in Germany as they come with the required certificates for tüv.

 

[Mr Tidy]

I'm not sure what the obsession with Genuine CSLs is. :?

My current car came with CSL Replicas that were exactly the same sizes and offsets as genuine ones. But they are such a predictable choice (and hard to clean) I went back to 224s to be different and to get a bit more sidewall in the hope of better ride comfort, although there wasn't much difference.

 

[Nuts]

I'm trying to recreate Z4m_CSL's masterpiece. For me it looks close to perfect with the CSLs making for a beefier look with the rear diffuser and aero skirts. Now I don;t know if his were genuine CSLs as they were refinished in grey anyway.

 

[Mr Tidy]

As far as I could tell the only visible difference between my Reps and OE CSLs was that they had raised BMW lettering on the hub, just inboard of where the M badge goes IIRC.

 

[buzyg]

Sounds like the CSL name/Logo matters to you. In which case that is why some people must have genuine CSL wheels. If that's you then surely only genuine. CSL wheels on your ///MR will do.

It will never be an MR CSL though. No such thing. :wink: Enjoy the project. 8)

 

[Nuts]

Sounds like the CSL name/Logo matters to you. In which case that is why some people must have genuine CSL wheels. If that's you then surely only genuine. CSL wheels on your ///MR will do.

It will never be an MR CSL though. No such thing. :wink: Enjoy the project. 8)

No its all the aesthetic I'm after. I will never be labelling mine a CSL.

 

[InterlagosMC]

Not sure on the reps but the rear wheels on genuine csls are prone to cracking with bad roads and the front 8.5j wheels are NLA, most have the m3 CS fronts which are 8j.

The money people ask for these is crazy but they do look great on a zed

 

[R60BBA]

Hi All,

I'm after some CSL's for my M roadster. Obviously reps like Atomic are three times cheaper and I get that they're not the genuine article. however, other than perhaps strength/durability, what discernible difference do genuine CSL wheels bring? e.g. lighter weight? Shallower concave/better aesthetics?

Cheers,

Nuts

Genuine CSLs are manufactured by BBS.

The wheels are flow-formed cast, which means that they maintain the strength of a fully forged wheel, but are much lighter.

Genuine CSLs are one of the lightest 19" wheels ever made for a production car. Having run both replicas and genuine, I can confirm that the difference is noticeable.

Another thing, although genuine CSL wheels are more expensive, they will hold their money much better than reps - therefore more cost effective in the long term.

On an M car I would only run genuine wheels.

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[BMWZ4MC]

Which will you feel more, the greater weight of replica wheels or the markedly greater expense of genuine wheels? Therein lies the solution to your conundrum

 

[R60BBA]

Which will you feel more, the greater weight of replica wheels or the markedly greater expense of genuine wheels? Therein lies the solution to your conundrum

As mentioned, Genuine CSL wheels hold their money much better than replicas.

Although the initial up front cost is more, when the time comes to move the car on you will most certainly be able to sell the wheels for what you paid for them (or you may even make some change).

Replicas are practically worthless once you buy them.

It really isn’t a conundrum.

 

[BMWZ4MC]

Which will you feel more, the greater weight of replica wheels or the markedly greater expense of genuine wheels? Therein lies the solution to your conundrum

As mentioned, Genuine CSL wheels hold their money much better than replicas.

Although the initial up front cost is more, when the time comes to move the car on you will most certainly be able to sell the wheels for what you paid for them (or you may even make some change).

Replicas are practically worthless once you buy them.

It really isn’t a conundrum.

On that basis, the absence of a conundrum only holds true if you plan to sell the car or change to different wheels in the future. With a finite budget for modifications, at the present moment in time (and indeed always if the car is a ‘keeper’ and any mods with it) the question as asked remains apposite
As a point of reference, I’ve had my Zed for more than 15 years and I’m keeping the car and all of the 16 wheels I have for it :lol:

 

[R60BBA]

Which will you feel more, the greater weight of replica wheels or the markedly greater expense of genuine wheels? Therein lies the solution to your conundrum

As mentioned, Genuine CSL wheels hold their money much better than replicas.

Although the initial up front cost is more, when the time comes to move the car on you will most certainly be able to sell the wheels for what you paid for them (or you may even make some change).

Replicas are practically worthless once you buy them.

It really isn’t a conundrum.

On that basis, the absence of a conundrum only holds true if you plan to sell the car or change to different wheels in the future. With a finite budget for modifications and at the present moment in time (and indeed always if the car is a ‘keeper’ and any mods with it), the question as asked remains apposite
As a point of reference, I’ve had mine for more than 15 years and I’m keeping the car and all of the 16 wheels I have for it.

Not everyone wants to own these things for eternity.

I also fall into the keeper camp (although as a result do not have a ‘finite budget’). Nevertheless it doesn’t hurt to have options.

 

[BMWZ4MC]

I didn't plan to keep mine for eternity, but three things transpired - I rather like it; I haven't needed to sell it to experience other things (at least not so far); eternity flies by far faster than anticipated!

I suspect that a great many people would be unable to tell the difference between good replicas and genuine CSL wheels, and that the vast majority of those who can differentiate are unable to do so from the driver's seat of the car!

However, the question remains for the OP, what's more important to him - the aesthetic alone and having more money for other things now vs owning the lightest ever wheel in the CSL style and, with it being the genuine article, having a greater future resale value?

 

[R60BBA]

I didn't plan to keep mine for eternity, but three things transpired - I rather like it; I haven't needed to sell it to experience other things (at least not so far); eternity flies by far faster than anticipated!

I suspect that a great many people would be unable to tell the difference between good replicas and genuine CSL wheels, and that the vast majority of those who can differentiate are unable to do so from the driver's seat of the car!

However, the question remains for the OP, what's more important to him - the aesthetic alone and having more money for other things now vs owning the lightest ever wheel in the CSL style and, with it being the genuine article, having a greater future resale value?

Not really, as mentioned (and speaking from experience) the weight difference is quite noticeable from behind the wheel - most people into their driving would notice this…and you could argue that most people who drive Z4Ms these days are into their driving.

The OP hasn’t indicated their budget either.

The original question was seeking the differences between genuine CSL wheels and replica wheels given the cost - which I’ve provided. Ultimately the decision is up to him.

 

[BMWZ4MC]

I didn't plan to keep mine for eternity, but three things transpired - I rather like it; I haven't needed to sell it to experience other things (at least not so far); eternity flies by far faster than anticipated!

I suspect that a great many people would be unable to tell the difference between good replicas and genuine CSL wheels, and that the vast majority of those who can differentiate are unable to do so from the driver's seat of the car!

However, the question remains for the OP, what's more important to him - the aesthetic alone and having more money for other things now vs owning the lightest ever wheel in the CSL style and, with it being the genuine article, having a greater future resale value?

Not really, as mentioned (and speaking from experience) the weight difference is quite noticeable from behind the wheel - most people into their driving would notice this…and you could argue that most people who drive Z4Ms these days are into their driving.

The OP hasn’t indicated their budget either.

The original question was seeking the differences between genuine CSL wheels and replica wheels given the cost - which I’ve provided. Ultimately the decision is up to him.

You’re fortunate enough to fall into the one percent of one percent who both have the genuine article and have the ability to appreciate every nuance that delivers. I think you forget sometimes that not everyone is so connected to their car, even those who are into their driving.
As we both have said, the choice lies with the OP - aesthetic alone and having more money for other things now vs owning the lightest ever wheel in the CSL style and, with it being the genuine article, having a greater future resale value.

 

[R60BBA]

I didn't plan to keep mine for eternity, but three things transpired - I rather like it; I haven't needed to sell it to experience other things (at least not so far); eternity flies by far faster than anticipated!

I suspect that a great many people would be unable to tell the difference between good replicas and genuine CSL wheels, and that the vast majority of those who can differentiate are unable to do so from the driver's seat of the car!

However, the question remains for the OP, what's more important to him - the aesthetic alone and having more money for other things now vs owning the lightest ever wheel in the CSL style and, with it being the genuine article, having a greater future resale value?

Not really, as mentioned (and speaking from experience) the weight difference is quite noticeable from behind the wheel - most people into their driving would notice this…and you could argue that most people who drive Z4Ms these days are into their driving.

The OP hasn’t indicated their budget either.

The original question was seeking the differences between genuine CSL wheels and replica wheels given the cost - which I’ve provided. Ultimately the decision is up to him.

You’re fortunate enough to fall into the one percent of one percent who have the genuine article and can appreciate every nuance that delivers. I think you forget sometimes that not everyone is so connect to their car, even those who are into their driving.
As we both have said, the choice lies with the OP - aesthetic alone and having more money for other things now vs owning the lightest ever wheel in the CSL style and, with it being the genuine article, having a greater future resale value.

I haven’t forgotten anything mate.

I’m speaking from experience. It sounds like you aren’t.

 

[BMWZ4MC]

Not really, as mentioned (and speaking from experience) the weight difference is quite noticeable from behind the wheel - most people into their driving would notice this…and you could argue that most people who drive Z4Ms these days are into their driving.

The OP hasn’t indicated their budget either.

The original question was seeking the differences between genuine CSL wheels and replica wheels given the cost - which I’ve provided. Ultimately the decision is up to him.

You’re fortunate enough to fall into the one percent of one percent who have the genuine article and can appreciate every nuance that delivers. I think you forget sometimes that not everyone is so connect to their car, even those who are into their driving.
As we both have said, the choice lies with the OP - aesthetic alone and having more money for other things now vs owning the lightest ever wheel in the CSL style and, with it being the genuine article, having a greater future resale value.

I haven’t forgotten anything mate.

I’m speaking from experience. It sounds like you aren’t.

Hahaha :roll:

 

[pvr]

Well, whoever buys genuine CSLs seem to not be able to avoid curbing them as every set I have seen either need a refurb or just had them done :lol:

 

[Scooba_Steve]

When I was looking to refurb my 108s I was getting silly money quotes so considered buying a new set (that would hopefully not have the same corrosion issues).

I like the look of CSLs and found Apex Wheels ARC-8 were very similar and high quality.

So if you're looking for the aesthetic but better quality than reps these should be worth pricing up. Really good value in the USA but import duties put the price up here.