Replica Wheels versus OEM's??
04-04-2007, 07:24 PM
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I have a 2004 530i with the stock 17 inch wheels. I really want to get the M5 wheels (166's I think). I have found replica's for roughly 170/wheel (Ebay and Tirerack). Tirerack even has some 17 inch that look similar to the M5 wheel. Are there quality replica's out there or do I need to stick with oem's?? Any recommendation on quality replica dealers?? 
I am looking at these 17 inch's from tirerack.
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseU...ht+Silver+Paint
I live in Dallas and my dealer (BMW of Dallas) said to stay away from chrome wheels as they tend to vibrate.
Any input greatly appreciated.
I am looking at these 17 inch's from tirerack.http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseU...ht+Silver+Paint
I live in Dallas and my dealer (BMW of Dallas) said to stay away from chrome wheels as they tend to vibrate.
Any input greatly appreciated.
04-04-2007, 07:35 PM
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Originally Posted by kpatter' post='410384' date='Apr 4 2007, 10:24 PM
I have a 2004 530i with the stock 17 inch wheels. I really want to get the M5 wheels (166's I think). I have found replica's for roughly 170/wheel (Ebay and Tirerack). Tirerack even has some 17 inch that look similar to the M5 wheel. Are there quality replica's out there or do I need to stick with oem's?? Any recommendation on quality replica dealers?? I am looking at these 17 inch's from tirerack.
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseU...ht+Silver+Paint
I live in Dallas and my dealer (BMW of Dallas) said to stay away from chrome wheels as they tend to vibrate.
Any input greatly appreciated.
I am looking at these 17 inch's from tirerack.http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseU...ht+Silver+Paint
I live in Dallas and my dealer (BMW of Dallas) said to stay away from chrome wheels as they tend to vibrate.
Any input greatly appreciated.
04-04-2007, 07:59 PM
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I have been there and have to say that you get what you pay for. And I have not yet been able to find a replica that has the fit and feel and quality of OEM. They made the car and no place better to go to then the source. Replica is just that, does not have the quality or perfect fitted mold. plus the strenght of the rim is not as strong as OEM. I suggest saving it is what i have had to do but after many poor replicas, I could of had my OEM M rims alot sooner...Just my .02
04-04-2007, 08:39 PM
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Originally Posted by kpatter' post='410384' date='Apr 4 2007, 10:24 PM
I have a 2004 530i with the stock 17 inch wheels. I really want to get the M5 wheels (166's I think). I have found replica's for roughly 170/wheel (Ebay and Tirerack). Tirerack even has some 17 inch that look similar to the M5 wheel. Are there quality replica's out there or do I need to stick with oem's?? Any recommendation on quality replica dealers?? I am looking at these 17 inch's from tirerack.
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseU...ht+Silver+Paint
I live in Dallas and my dealer (BMW of Dallas) said to stay away from chrome wheels as they tend to vibrate.
Any input greatly appreciated.
I am looking at these 17 inch's from tirerack.http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseU...ht+Silver+Paint
I live in Dallas and my dealer (BMW of Dallas) said to stay away from chrome wheels as they tend to vibrate.
Any input greatly appreciated.
04-05-2007, 07:50 AM
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Do not, I repeat, do not the replica's. I got some and the depth is no where close to the OEM's. Also they have a tendency to have the clear coat flake off. Pony up the money for OEM's I wish I had.
04-05-2007, 08:01 AM
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Originally Posted by gpt' post='410506' date='Apr 5 2007, 08:50 AM
Do not, I repeat, do not the replica's. I got some and the depth is no where close to the OEM's. Also they have a tendency to have the clear coat flake off. Pony up the money for OEM's I wish I had.
04-05-2007, 08:01 AM
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Go with OEM 166's. There's always someone replacing theirs with aftermarket wheels. You can get them for the same price you'd pay for replicas. If they're slightly blemished, you can have them refinished...and you'll be much happier with 19 inch rims!!!
04-05-2007, 11:11 AM
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I have found some that I like at tirerack. I talked with them today at lunch for a while. They guarantee no vibration. I am looking at the 17" Borbet Type TS.
Anyone know where I can go to get a good used set of oem 166's??? I have looked all over. Nothing on ebay or the forum here for sale..
What would be a good price to sell my stock wheels and hew continental tires with 2000 miles on them?
Anyone know where I can go to get a good used set of oem 166's??? I have looked all over. Nothing on ebay or the forum here for sale..
What would be a good price to sell my stock wheels and hew continental tires with 2000 miles on them?
04-05-2007, 11:49 AM
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m5board.com is always having 166s for sale.
04-05-2007, 01:15 PM
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First, I would be happy to sell you my replica M5s if you want them (real cheap). They are sitting in my garage after I bought the OEMs to get rid of vibration.
Second, the OEMs are not that expensive. They costs $1600 (with shipping) if you get them from the right places (www.bmwwheels.com or M_Quad who is a very reputable seller on this site). There is also another issue to think about: Tires. You may save a few hundred dollars on the wheels and then spend $300 per tire if you get 19" wheels. If you get General Exclaims ($150/tire), you can more than make up for the wheel cost. Most of us like these tires and think they are very nice for quiet driving.
I too wanted to save a few dollars, but after spending $50k+ to get ultimate comfort, your real contact with the road is your wheels and tires.
If you get replicas, please ensure that they are 72.56mm inside diameter. If you end up with Chinese 74.1mm wheels, the vibration issue may be apparent.
Second, the OEMs are not that expensive. They costs $1600 (with shipping) if you get them from the right places (www.bmwwheels.com or M_Quad who is a very reputable seller on this site). There is also another issue to think about: Tires. You may save a few hundred dollars on the wheels and then spend $300 per tire if you get 19" wheels. If you get General Exclaims ($150/tire), you can more than make up for the wheel cost. Most of us like these tires and think they are very nice for quiet driving.
I too wanted to save a few dollars, but after spending $50k+ to get ultimate comfort, your real contact with the road is your wheels and tires.
If you get replicas, please ensure that they are 72.56mm inside diameter. If you end up with Chinese 74.1mm wheels, the vibration issue may be apparent.