Moopai

Okay guys I am really tempted to get the M166's on my 545i especially since I've seen the great pics from IceyTys and others but I need your advise before making the move. I found a good deal at Finish Line Wheels for the 166 please see the attached link: http://www.finishlinewheels.com/specials/1...taggered+19%22/. I'm not sure if they are replica or OEM but again not sure if I really can notice the difference.

Your advise Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee.

siu0410

Hey there , if you read carefully, it saids brand new M5 STYLE =D
so, therefore, leads to the conclusion = replica.

stavros

I would say they are replicas. I had a set of E60 replicas on a previous E39 and they had developed slight scuff marks but it may have been due to the harsh detergents used at the car washes I used to take it to. Good Luck.

Moopai

But the same company sells the OEM for $100 more, now the question; is the OEM they sell, a BMW Original?

stavros

They claim that their OEM's are "refinished to brand new original condition" so I would ask the question if they are purchased as second hand and then refinished to brand new. There is no way that genuine brand new OEM's would only cost $100 more than replicas.

IceyTys

Moopai,

These are replicas, of course I can tell just by looking at them, as per our PM's Ive done extensive research on the 166 wheel. As mentioned I havent seen a good set of 166 reps yet I would buy, again for reasonings in my PM. However as mentioned I am not Pro-OEM either, you have to got what works best for you.

The 2 tell tale signs these are replicas (aside from the price) first off, if you look around the outter edge of the wheel you see a raised lip all the way around the wheel. OEM 166 dont have this feature, the spoke is carried all the way to the edge of OEM wheel. Secondly the spoke on the OEM wheel starts off somehwhat straight then bends inward towards the middle, which is what gives the OEM wheel that votex look. The replicas you see here actually bend outward slighlty off the rim, then bends back inwards, so the angle towards the center becomes not at great. IE it doest look as cool. :thumbsdown:

Anyhow again I am not pro-OEM like some folks, as mentioned the Miro 346's (167 reps) are pretty good alternatives. All I can say is just becareful of what you buy, if you are going to go with replicas, make sure you research it some.

The 1 thing I dont like about this add, is only the 1 picture of the wheel is what you are buying. The 3 other pictures are M5 models with real OEM rims, it really sux that company's can do that when advertizing.

Good Luck!!

IceyTys

The other wheels they sell are OEM reconditioned wheels, so they repaired and refinished, not that thats necessarily a bad thing, just as long as you know in advance. As long as they have a good return policy I would buy them before I bought the reps. However for the same price they charge for the OEM reconditioned wheel you could buy a brand new set from Garry for $50 more

ITNurse

OEM 166's are made by BBS. Spend a few $ more to get GREAT quality.

delje08

For about $600 more you can get OEM from Gary at Newport BMW of Rhode Island.

It cost me $1650 shipped.

You will regret the replicas.

Lizard1

Those look great but I'm feeling partial to the double spoke 167's. Problem is even my dealer out here in the boonies doesn't even know if they are a direct swap. Any ideas? or Any ideas on where to get them?

TIA