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.