Z4 E89 326M rear 19” alloy STILL required
- Thread starter jenniferlouise
- Start date
Zforbes said:
That doesn’t make sense, if forged wheels were cheaper to mass produce than cast wheels then all cars would have them owing to the mass production nature of car manufacturing.
They don’t, most car wheels are cast as it’s a cheaper way of making them. Forged wheels are used but as someone posted earlier they tend to be on the more expensive models where cost isn’t such an issue.
Rob
I'm no expert in forging and casting like some of you, having never visited a wheel factory and being a simple minded hospitality worker... but what are the advantages to the consumer of forged wheels?
Lightweight and strong, right?
326m's are well known for being heavy and brittle.
I don't know (or care) if they are forged or not (pretty convinced they're not, though). However, they are objectively sh!t, and the 437m's for sale would be an excellent alternative.
If it's this much stress trying to find a single replacement to get through an MOT this time, how frustrating is it going to be when it happens again?!
Lightweight and strong, right?
326m's are well known for being heavy and brittle.
I don't know (or care) if they are forged or not (pretty convinced they're not, though). However, they are objectively sh!t, and the 437m's for sale would be an excellent alternative.
If it's this much stress trying to find a single replacement to get through an MOT this time, how frustrating is it going to be when it happens again?!
Back to the OP, you'd be better off with other wheels, if the outlay is currently too much then you'd have to consider welding if you can't find an non cracked 326M, they are rare but occasionally available.
The benefits of forging is from the strength given by the direction properties of the grain flow, this can allow a thinner wall section within the rim itself to benefit weight although your not looking at massive gains. Whether cast or forged the material is basically the same.
The benefits of forging is from the strength given by the direction properties of the grain flow, this can allow a thinner wall section within the rim itself to benefit weight although your not looking at massive gains. Whether cast or forged the material is basically the same.
Can’t quite believe some of what I’ve read in this thread,
Vast majority of BMW factory wheels are cast; cheapest to make, heavy and struggle to cope with the forces passed through the hard sidewalls of runflats = lots of cracking.
Forged, stronger and lighter, less prone to cracking. More expensive to manufacture than cast wheels.
If forged wheels were cheaper to make than cast wheels, why would any car manufacturer reduce profit margins by fitting cast wheels when you consider the relative properties of forged vs cast?
Generally forged wheels are stamped/engraved/laser? (I believe) Such as the 437M’s
Vast majority of BMW factory wheels are cast; cheapest to make, heavy and struggle to cope with the forces passed through the hard sidewalls of runflats = lots of cracking.
Forged, stronger and lighter, less prone to cracking. More expensive to manufacture than cast wheels.
If forged wheels were cheaper to make than cast wheels, why would any car manufacturer reduce profit margins by fitting cast wheels when you consider the relative properties of forged vs cast?
Generally forged wheels are stamped/engraved/laser? (I believe) Such as the 437M’s
In the meantime… still hunting a lone 326 rear alloy, should anyone have one. Not cracked, buckled or repaired. I appreciate I’m more likely to see Oasis reunited at Knebworth but it’s worth the ask…
Whilst there are some excellent non-OE wheels out there, and better BMW fayre, for now I’m sticking with the originals (and dodging potholes). Needless to say I won’t be going back down the welding route after this. Refurb booked for week commencing 23 May…
Whilst there are some excellent non-OE wheels out there, and better BMW fayre, for now I’m sticking with the originals (and dodging potholes). Needless to say I won’t be going back down the welding route after this. Refurb booked for week commencing 23 May…
Not mine but seen these on Ebay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175279970792?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
Bit too far for me I'm in Leeds but maybe worth a punt to someone nearer.
I've messaged the guy he says no cracks possibly a repair to a buckle ?? he was a bit vague oddly he says they are are all 9J so he's potentially got 4 rears !! again not sure.
Maybe a group buy for anyone wanting a spare rear !! for the money worth a punt if he has got 4 rears, 1 must be decent !!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175279970792?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
Bit too far for me I'm in Leeds but maybe worth a punt to someone nearer.
I've messaged the guy he says no cracks possibly a repair to a buckle ?? he was a bit vague oddly he says they are are all 9J so he's potentially got 4 rears !! again not sure.
Maybe a group buy for anyone wanting a spare rear !! for the money worth a punt if he has got 4 rears, 1 must be decent !!
Thanks for sharing! Hadn’t seen these TBH, was watching another (single) wheel: reference 115386146935
Does seem a bit odd they are all 9J… maybe they looked at one and assumed all the same? Altho, as you state, at least ONE must be good.
I’m collecting a wheel tomorrow (thanks to the power of this forum) so may close down this ask, but given the apparent susceptibility of 326s to cracks another wouldn’t hurt!
Let’s see how much they sell for… £250 (1 bid) so far…
Does seem a bit odd they are all 9J… maybe they looked at one and assumed all the same? Altho, as you state, at least ONE must be good.
I’m collecting a wheel tomorrow (thanks to the power of this forum) so may close down this ask, but given the apparent susceptibility of 326s to cracks another wouldn’t hurt!
Let’s see how much they sell for… £250 (1 bid) so far…
Scottish Borders
Always an option to become the forum supplier 
Thanks Jimbo for coming up trumps with a rear wheel. I may keep looking as there may be future need for a spare if I don’t end up swapping to a non BMW option later. Thanks as always Z forum for the advice and support 