Replica Wheels versus OEM's??

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Apr 5, 2007 | 05:32 PM

#11

JPJ

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From: Detroit

I considered the "higher quality" (for replicas) Italian manufactured 19" 166's from Wheels and Caps. They have the correct profile in the lip area and the right hub bore so rings are not needed. I think they probably would have worked out OK since most of the problems are with the ones from Asia.

I was able to find used OEM M5 takeoffs. In the end it is costing me $400 more than the better replicas (which are a couple hundred more than the cheapest ones), but I'm still saving about $300 over new OEM. I think for me it will be worth the difference.

If you go with 17" you will probably be sorry. Try to go for at least 18".

Apr 5, 2007 | 06:21 PM

#12

alpinewhite

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From: SoCal

My Ride: No mods

check bmwwheels.com or ebay. Replicas sound good, but in the long run :thumbsdown: . sometimes you get the good batch of reps, sometimes, you get bad wheels. good luck in your decision

Apr 6, 2007 | 01:11 AM

#13

Iceman

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From: FL

My Ride: F02 LCI Individual

Model Year: 2013

NEVER EVER use replicas.

They might be cheap and look like the OEM's, but you really don't want to be in any kind of accident when there are replica parts on one of the involved cars!

Trust me, I see it every day when I am on the tow truck.

Apr 6, 2007 | 02:54 AM

#14

xBMWx

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From: UK

My Ride: Jan 2006 E63 650i Sport . Options: Sport version (includes: sport-seats, sport-suspension, M-Sport steering wheel, Anthracite headliner, Shaddow Line), Saphire Black, Black Dakota Leather, Anthracite Maple Wood trim, Steptronic Auto, Xenons, NAV-Professional with Voice Control, TV, CD-Changer, Bluetooth, Logic7, Head-up Display, Comfort Access, Seat Heating front, Auto Dimming & Folding Mirrors, Extended Auto Air Conditioning, PDC. . Mods: Spacers 5mm front & 15mm rear . Wheels: 20" Alpina Softline (Classic) with Dunlop Sport Maxx non-RFT (255/35/20 & 285/30/20)

Quote:

Originally Posted by monacobmw' post='410623' date='Apr 5 2007, 11:15 PM

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.

Totally agree. That's why I went for OEM M166s. If (cheap) replica wing mirrors or carbon trim "fail" whilst travelling at high speed, its annoying. If your (cheap) replica wheels fail at high speed, well you just don't want to think about the consequences! This IMHO is definately not the part of the car to save money on.