Replica Wheels

[Kennan]

Has anyone had any bad experiences? I know they're not supposed to be as strong, but for regular driving does it make a difference.

And what suspension upgrades should I do first?

[David Chen]

For 17" and smaller, replica wheels are probably fine. For 18"+, either get factory originals or name-brand aftermarket wheels like BBS, AC Schnitzer, etc. At least one 18" M-Parallel replica wheel owner now drives over railroad tracks at snail speeds because he bent three of them at 30mph.

Also, keep the tires inflated to the higher end of the range, like 38F & 41R. The ride harshness may be slightly increased but it will protect the rims better.

Cheers,

David - driving on 17 & 18" BMW factory wheels for almost nine years without any bends; can't say the same for various aftermarket wheels.




Has anyone had any bad experiences? I know they're not supposed to be as strong, but for regular driving does it make a difference.

And what suspension upgrades should I do first?

[shragon]

i had 17" replicas at one time. i hit some nasty pot holes and they were fine. i hear mixed reviews about 18" replicas.

[Unregistered]

i have 18 replicas and for the most part they will bend on large bumps. you have to get larger tires. im looking for a new m5 parllel rim now. any one got one.

[David Chen]

E34 painted
E38 polished
E39 polished

18x8 20mm offset
18x8 13mm
18x9 22mm
18x9 24mm
18x9.5 25mm

So many choices....

[Kennan]

E34 painted
E38 polished
E39 polished

18x8 20mm offset
18x8 13mm
18x9 22mm
18x9 24mm
18x9.5 25mm

So many choices....

I heard the e34s are hard to come by, is this true? And what is the difference between the e38 and e39 wheels.

Out of the sizes listed, what would be the best choice for a e34, 525 to be exact.

[G Feller]

Rare as a hen's tooth used, since they were stock only on the Euro 3.8L M5.

They're not hard at all to come by NEW (except financially). You can get them from any dealer or BMA. From my file:

BMW part munbers for M Parallels from E34 M5 (will fit!)

Style 37, double branch

Front: 36 11 2 227 931 (8x18) 20mm offset, use 235- or 245-40-18
Stealer: $592 per / BMA $503

Rear: 36 11 2 227 933 (9x18) 22mm offset, use 255- or 265-35-18
Stealer: $617 per / BMA $524

[David Chen]

The best combination of M-Parallel wheels is E38 18x8 fronts and E39 18x9 rears (with adapter rings). The 13mm offset of the fronts lets the wheel sit out farther for slightly better looks and handling. The 18x9 in the rear means a 5mm spacer is not required to prevent the strut rubbing that may occur with the 18x9.5 wheel.

[Julius]

I have the m5 replicas off the e39 and they are 18"s. Now i've hit some dam big pot holes in my time with these sweet things and they still ride smooth :) and i couldnt consider getting the real ones for 4 extra grand.

[pmulry]

I have the m5 replicas off the e39 and they are 18"s. Now i've hit some dam big pot holes in my time with these sweet things and they still ride smooth :) and i couldnt consider getting the real ones for 4 extra grand.

Where'd you get them Julius? I'd really like a set of those, but the price for the real ones is way, way too steep. Thx.

[Kennan]

ebay
17s
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43957&item=2456733923

18s
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43957&item=2456750648

Also check out www.aaarims.com
www.thewheelexhange.com
www.highlinewheels.com

[Unregistered]

E39 polished 18x9.5 25mm i think the one s i have are from aaarims for a e39. but aaarims want to much for just one.

[Julius]

Where'd you get them Julius? I'd really like a set of those, but the price for the real ones is way, way too steep. Thx.

Mate i'm sure you can just ask any place that sells mags and tell them to find u a pair. I got mine from cc tyres lol.

[svens525]

kennan, im looking into buying some replica 18" wheels myself and im looking into the AC Schnitzer replicas from highlinewheels.com. anyone have any real evidence that replicas will bend?

[Kennan]

I have been asking the same questions myself and it seems that some or even many have had good results with them.

[Phil M]

I've never heard any 'horror' stories about them. But no news is good news. Any wheel will bend if you hit a pothole hard enough, so theyre a good reason to drive a little slower and avoid the potholes. I know I cringe every time I go over them and Ive almost memorized where every pothole is in my area.

Has anyone ever tested these replica wheels to see how they compare to oem strength?

[Joe6Pack]

.... I have a couple of questions for the gurus.

1) when you're talking replicas does this category include Rondells or are Rondells considered higher-quality and more bullet-proof (like Hamann, AC Schnizer, Breyton, BBS....)?

2) many guys here seem to believe that 17" is the way to go over 18". what advantages do 18" rims have to offer other than slightly "sexier" aesthetics?

3) are there any conceivable problems with running a Rondell #72, 17"x8.5" front and 17"x10" rear configuration on an e34? 10" seems pretty friggin wide and I'm wondering whether the benefits would be purely aesthetic and non-functional ...... any ideas ... comments about looks vs. performance/handling ..
thx

[David Chen]

Rondell is a known brand and not lumped in with the replica wheels that regularly show up on eBay after they've bent.

Looks aside, the only advantage of 18" wheels is slightly more grip which can mostly be realized at the track.

The widest 17" tire that fits in the rear is the 275/40 and this works with the 8.5" rim. The 10" rim is for wider tires like 285 or 295 but that also adds fender rolling and/or spacers and longer wheel bolts to the mix.

Cheers,

David



.... I have a couple of questions for the gurus.

1) when you're talking replicas does this category include Rondells or are Rondells considered higher-quality and more bullet-proof (like Hamann, AC Schnizer, Breyton, BBS....)?

2) many guys here seem to believe that 17" is the way to go over 18". what advantages do 18" rims have to offer other than slightly "sexier" aesthetics?

3) are there any conceivable problems with running a Rondell #72, 17"x8.5" front and 17"x10" rear configuration on an e34? 10" seems pretty friggin wide and I'm wondering whether the benefits would be purely aesthetic and non-functional ...... any ideas ... comments about looks vs. performance/handling ..
thx