I am looking into replacing the wheels in my 530I with sports wheels for the M 172. I have seen replicas for about less than half the price of the OEM. I would appreciate if any of you have any advice as to whether I should not get the replicas because of quality or anything else. Additionally I am located in Germany and winter is around the corner. I am thinking of getting all season tires for the M 172 wheels thus I can use them during the winter season. Here we have had some winters where we had a lot of snow. My question is, does it makes sense to use my car with the M 172 with all season tires in the snow or is it not even worth trying or recommendable. The other thing I can do is try to get all season tires for the sports wheels (123s) that came with the car. I would really appreciate any advice. Cheers!

 

Welcome to our Forum Juancho,

In wintertime 17" 225/50 are the best choice.

Replicas... other's may say a good word about them, I will not.

See these guys.

Please update whereabouts and car details.

 

I would recommend keeping your wheels OEM due to several member complaining about non OEMs, research this in the forums search feature, as for a winter set up I suggest that you keep your stock wheels mounted with snowies and get a true performance tire for the 172s , all seasons are only average in snow and the same for summer. To get the maximum enjoyment and safety I think you need to invest in 2 sets, IMHO . Good luck

Cheers and Welcome !

 

Personally I would stay away from replicas.

Have you asked quadM from this forum for a quote on the OEM M172's?

info@mtechnicparts.com
or check out the mods forum.

I'm sure he'll get you a good price.

 

there are some reall terrible replicas, trash, then there are very well made ones. Ive had the miro ones on my e90 and the finish was flawless and strong through the winter. They required no rings, adapters, etc; bolted on just like oem. Balanced out fine.

Its hard to determine where replicas are being manufactured, but if they meet various stsandards, they should be ok. Just dont expect 100% oem quality, as the replicas vary.

 

Good info from all of you. I was trying to keep expenses low but it might make sense to get a set for winter and then the M 172 with good performance tires. I was really hoping to get to a happy medium and not have to get both sets of tires. I will continue listening, this helps. Thanks.

 

Welcome to the forum.
I had replicas (#166), and now I have OEMs.
I had bad ones, but there are some good ones out there. Mine were made in China.

The biggest problem is that replicas can cause vibration throughout the vehicle if they are not perfectly balanced. Due to manufacturing problems with either the weight distribution or the hubcentric fit, many replicas will cause you a lot of misery. Only OEMs will give you assurance of a good purchase.

It is very easy to ruin a $50,000 (US) car with a cheap set of wheels.

Best regards,
Richard

 

+1

Over here easily a ?70,000 car ($100,000).

And + for you Juancho for updating your facts.

 

I'd NEVER EVER buy any replicas!

I work on a towtruck and see wrecks every day.
There is a HUGE difference in quality!!

 

+1

Always avoid replicas if the style of wheel is available as an OEM. If you want a different wheel that isnt OEM,then go for as reputable a manufacturer as possible.

As well as the problems mentioned above,cheaper replica wheels are often more porous,leading to a gradual loss of air from the tire. NOT very safe.