How can I tell if OEM or replica wheel??
05-27-2007, 11:46 AM
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My Ride: 07' 530d - M-Sport - Titanium Silver / Black Dakota leather
08' 120i - M-Sport - Alpine White III / Black Sensatec
The part numbers you've posted are matching BMW's part numbers for the wheels... Don't know if they are real, but at least something...
05-27-2007, 06:03 PM
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My understanding is that all BMW rims have the 5 small holes surrounding the lug nuts. This is for hooking up a special alignment tool I believe?? Anyway, my understanding is that all OEM BMW rims have these and replicas do not...anyone know for sure?
05-28-2007, 03:19 AM
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My Ride: 535d Sport, carbon black, media pack, visibility pack, grey leather, heated seats, sun protection glass, voice control, Eibach ProKit, 19" 166 style wheels, e-maps ECU remap to 325hp and 640NM, top speed limiter removed
Originally Posted by GSXR_Drew' post='428942' date='May 28 2007, 03:03 AM
My understanding is that all BMW rims have the 5 small holes surrounding the lug nuts. This is for hooking up a special alignment tool I believe?? Anyway, my understanding is that all OEM BMW rims have these and replicas do not...anyone know for sure?
05-29-2007, 11:10 AM
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Follow up: I got soooo lucky this morning!! I decided to go for the wheels after some hard thinking. Was driving to the meeting point when I saw a 200?? 330i coupe w/ the m6 wheels. Pulled right next to him and started a conversation and ended it by asking if he can follow me a few more blocks to starbucks so I can compare his "replica" wheels to the seller's. He happily obliged and when we got there, the seller had a frown on his face. I wonder why..... 
Anyways, it didn't take long to realize that the wheels are indeed replicas. I thank the 330i driver and offered him coffee, he politely declined and went his way. Needless to say, the seller wasn't happy, but it is what it is. Moral of the story is: They can make anything look legit nowadays. (i.e., etched stock #, etc) Not until you put them side-by-side can you tell if it's real or not. I was very fortunate today. Thanks everyone for your feedback.
Anyways, it didn't take long to realize that the wheels are indeed replicas. I thank the 330i driver and offered him coffee, he politely declined and went his way. Needless to say, the seller wasn't happy, but it is what it is. Moral of the story is: They can make anything look legit nowadays. (i.e., etched stock #, etc) Not until you put them side-by-side can you tell if it's real or not. I was very fortunate today. Thanks everyone for your feedback.
05-29-2007, 11:51 AM
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My Ride: 2004 545i - 6 speed manual (July 04 build), silver-grey/black, sports package std equipment (18", active roll, active steering, adaptive headlights), premium sound, bluetooth enabled, folding rear seat, lumbar, 3m hood/bumper protective film, rear tint, euro reflectors.
I have been told that BMW OEM rims are usually manufactured by BBS - the 166M rims are.
If you look on the inside of the rim, the manufacture name should be stamped on it. If BBS is stamped on them, this should be a good indication that they are OEM. Unless the replicas also copy the name, which I would think would be a big infringement.
If you look on the inside of the rim, the manufacture name should be stamped on it. If BBS is stamped on them, this should be a good indication that they are OEM. Unless the replicas also copy the name, which I would think would be a big infringement.
05-29-2007, 06:26 PM
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My Ride: Mini Cooper
Originally Posted by kryptogo' post='429483' date='May 30 2007, 03:10 AM
put them side-by-side can you tell if it's real or not.
my ACS look the same until you put it next to a real 1 the outer rim on my is less shiny than the real 1s.
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