replica alloy wheels....any good?

[woolybear]

My comments are generic related to aftermarket rims and specifically the Ebay type of aftermarket (those sold at low prices and often packaged with Chinese or unknown tyres, not those in this thread, although personally I'd never fit the type of tyre shown on a sports car, regardless of driving style.

We're seeing more an more rims even OEM cracking with the trend to larger rims and lower profile tyres at the same time as a deterioration in road condition, so that is just something that clouds the issue.

Here's an interesting Ebay guide to aftermarket rims that seems to sum up many of the issues:
http://www.ebay.com/gds/The-truth-about-replica-wheels-and-why-OEM-is-better-/10000000007814191/g.html

I like the Ebay guide and many thanks for the link also, on aftermarket / replica rims..
With their underlying final comment, which says it all: "In summary: For many reasons, some of which are listed above, original factory wheels are more durable, stronger and perform better on your car. Please keep all these things in mind when making your purchasing decision".

Additionally, I know a chap who straightens and welds alloys for a living. He has told me on more than one occasion - that of the amount of Alloys that he is asked to repair each week, the % of OEM alloys that he repairs is far lesser, compared to far larger amount of aftermarket items..
Combined with the fact, that when he gets rims in, which have partial pieces missing (which are mostly aftermarket rims) - because they have fractured etc, which clients want to have re-built etc, he simply will not touch them, as the potential safety issues are not worth the risk.. :?

At the end of the day, it's down to personal choices.. If you value your life; those who travel in the car with you and other road users also: Why, would one put inferior quality wheels or budget tyres, onto - your supposed, pride and joy!? :thumbsdown:

I rest my case, on this one..
Happy and safe to all..

 

[Philly_Sweden]

Thumbs up for Mark Blunden.

I was one of his first Swedish customers and I saw his add in some BMW Magazine, never heard of him before.

Since I only cruise with my cars (no track or hard driving) I didn't feel like paying that much for OEM CSL's. Didn't care about the weight either.

I bought a set of CSL reps for my M3 E46 (at that time I actually owned 2 rear OEM CSL wheels that I got when I bought the car) Superb service from BMautosport. Wheels arrived quickly and well packaged.

The only think I could notice when I compared the OEM VS reps was the weight and paint. Other then that = perfect match.
I was only going for looks so I didn't care about reps or OEM.

Since then I have bought 3 sets of CSL's reps from Mark on another M3 and now on my Z4 and I am so happy. Never had any problems with cracked wheels.

 

[Mark-Z4]

I had the same dilema! I went for hyper silver in the end as shadow chrome is a little too much 'bling' for me and I wanted it to look standard. Also the silver grey paint doesn't go too well with shadow chrome imo.

The best thing about the Atomics is the offset. They fill the arches nicely compared to the stock 18's. I went for 265/30/19 on the rear and 225/35/19 on the front.

I am on standard springs, thinking about lowering but first on my list of things to do is the bushes as both mark and the Ebley garage round the corner from BM auto sport said they had a little bit of play. After this i'm looking at a custom stainless steel exhaust

Hyper silver it is then.... bmautosport suggested the same tyres sizes for me too , your coupe looks nice with em on

I also bought the Atomic reps in hyper silver, I went for the extra deep dish with Michelin Super Sports. I haven't fitted them yet, MOT in March so I'll put them on then. I can't wait as my RFTs on my winter wheels are going to kill me.

 

[ben g]

Doubt you'll have any problems with the nangkang ns2's terry, esecially in that size.

I have them on the front wheels of mine and they're fine. The rears are Avon zz3's and aren't too good.

 

[sars]

I don't believe there is anything wrong with aftermarket wheels, however I would recommend that you buy from a manufacturer that has the relevant TUV standard for alloy wheels.

 

[JasonZ4King]

very very nice Z4.. Great work!

 

[z4mroadster]

A barrage of info, you guys know your stuff. My limit is 1500. Im looking to purchase a 5 spoke design, projex uk look like they sell some amazing wheels. Saw some savini sv29's. Looked awesome but slightly out of the price range at 3500k!!

 

[z4mroadster]

 

[z4mroadster]

 

[z4mroadster]

 

[z4mroadster]

 

[srhutch]

Are they 20"?

 

[GP06Roadster]

Black wheels do go very well on the lighter silver cars. What springs do you have it looks pretty low?

 

[z4mroadster]

These wheels are 19 inch but the car came lowered on eibach springs.im currently looking to buy some new wheels but im seriously considering going back to 18's with the original tyer sizes.no particular reason as ive only ever driven one of these cars on 19's and it drives fine.I just figured that the car should be on the size rims and tyers it was designed to be on.i may be putting some oz racing alleggerita hlt wheels on as there supposed to be very light or maybe some vossen cv3 style wheels. Its what to go with, performance or style.do lighter alloys make that much of a difference to the cars performance?

 

[e86joel]

hi all. I have the atomic csl reps, not by coincidence as I am currently driving thmas's car! a couple of the roundels are starting to get tatty, and I've been looking online to find out the right size, I've seen people saying 68mm or 70mm depending on the brand of reps. Anyone have any idea on the size for the atomics? I'm away from my car, before anyone says go measure them.

 

[Wrs]

hi all. I have the atomic csl reps, not by coincidence as I am currently driving thmas's car! a couple of the roundels are starting to get tatty, and I've been looking online to find out the right size, I've seen people saying 68mm or 70mm depending on the brand of reps. Anyone have any idea on the size for the atomics? I'm away from my car, before anyone says go measure them.

68mm

 

[e86joel]

hi all. I have the atomic csl reps, not by coincidence as I am currently driving thmas's car! a couple of the roundels are starting to get tatty, and I've been looking online to find out the right size, I've seen people saying 68mm or 70mm depending on the brand of reps. Anyone have any idea on the size for the atomics? I'm away from my car, before anyone says go measure them.

68mm

cheers!

 

[*AL*]

I have CSL style reps with decent tyres and the car drives 100%, not a hint of wobble at any speed OEM are a joke with cracking issues and I've not heard a bad thing about reps.

 

[Molinites]

CM Wheels Riva DTM 18" CSL reps. Concave rear. Standard silver. They drive exactly the same as the genuine MV2's which were on before.
19's probably would have looked better but didn't want the extra weight and possibly upset the ride quality. Very pleased.

 

[GBZ4]

Hi,

I'm considerering a similar change. Currently running standard 17" rims. I would appreciate your input, should I replace current with 18" or 19" rims. My Z is Alpine White so would black replacement be acceptable.

Thanks in advance :drinkwine: :drinkwine: :drinkwine: