Replica Wheels - 2 buy or not 2 buy?
Replica Wheels - 2 buy or not 2 buy?
I'll need to replace tyres soon and thought about an upgrade including wheels.
I went into the local wheel shop and looked at Alpina replicas - quality looked not too bad
Prices for a set of 4 including a set of Pirelli Rosso's was about £1000 ( he did say that he could get originals but we would be looking at £2500). The Pirelli were only an example and tyre choice could be mine at a price.
Question - has anyone any experience of replica wheels and are they as good/bad as originals i.e. are you just paying for the label on originals?
I've photoshop'd a set of ACS and Alpina wheels just to get an idea what they would look like
I went into the local wheel shop and looked at Alpina replicas - quality looked not too bad
Prices for a set of 4 including a set of Pirelli Rosso's was about £1000 ( he did say that he could get originals but we would be looking at £2500). The Pirelli were only an example and tyre choice could be mine at a price.
Question - has anyone any experience of replica wheels and are they as good/bad as originals i.e. are you just paying for the label on originals?
I've photoshop'd a set of ACS and Alpina wheels just to get an idea what they would look like
- Attachments
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- NeRo with Alpina replicas
- nero Alp.jpg (23.01 KiB) Viewed 9003 times
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- NeRo with ACS replicas
- nero ACS.jpg (21.81 KiB) Viewed 9003 times
I like the...
Top ones, although I had the BMW multispokes on My Z which looked nice.
Anymore choices?
cheers
Scott
Anymore choices?
cheers
Scott
http://www.rochfordtyres.co.uk
have a set of 4, 17" AC Schnitzer Type III without tyres for
£580 inc vat and delivery and the price also includes bolts and caps
Is this a good deal as i am thinking of getting a set?
Anyone help me finding a decent number plate for my 3.0 Z3 i can spend about £1000 but i just dont know what to get (i want something that relates to the car rather than me)
any ideas please Pm me
have a set of 4, 17" AC Schnitzer Type III without tyres for
£580 inc vat and delivery and the price also includes bolts and caps
Is this a good deal as i am thinking of getting a set?
Anyone help me finding a decent number plate for my 3.0 Z3 i can spend about £1000 but i just dont know what to get (i want something that relates to the car rather than me)
any ideas please Pm me
My Hamman Replicas on the 1.9 came from Style Alloys complete with F1 Goodyears, bolts caps etc for £730.
Personnally Nero I would go for the ACS, the Alpinas dont look right on the Z. Style Alloys do the replicas in the ACS as well. They come out around the same price as the Hamman's.
Last Z3, my plate came from national numbers, I went for my initials and Z3 +3 random numbers, on an irish plate. £220 including transfer fees. For creative spacing on number plates go to www.fancyplates.com you can design your own plate and have various borders etc. I did go with the legal font, so it attracts less attention.
Personnally Nero I would go for the ACS, the Alpinas dont look right on the Z. Style Alloys do the replicas in the ACS as well. They come out around the same price as the Hamman's.
Last Z3, my plate came from national numbers, I went for my initials and Z3 +3 random numbers, on an irish plate. £220 including transfer fees. For creative spacing on number plates go to www.fancyplates.com you can design your own plate and have various borders etc. I did go with the legal font, so it attracts less attention.
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- Joined: Wed 11 Feb, 2004 10:36
- Posts: 415
- Location: Harlow
- Contact:
Careful with reps
A friend of mine fitted replica M5 alloys to his E34, despite my protests. I had suggested he locate a genuine second-hand set, and budget for a refurb if needed. After 9 months the lacquer started to peel. 2 years since buying and they look very tatty indeed. There does appear to be a considerable variation in quality of replicas (Tony was quite happy with his), but if you can get 2nd-hand originals for only a few ££ more, why risk it?
In addition, original BMW alloys are CAST alloy rather than FORGED, making them far stronger (not sure if I've got that the right way round, somebody more technically minded than I may be able to explain further). Many of the 'proper' brands, ACS, Alpina et al, are also made this way.
Finally, the replicas are usually quite heavy, creating additional unsprung weight. This has a detrimental effect on the handling. Again, my friend's 17" E34 M5 reps were considerably heavier than his original 16" BMW Cross-spokes.
I bought a set of genuine 17" Alpinas for my wife's 323i last year. I paid £450 for the set of four, which were in immaculate condition. Add £450 for a decent set of tyres (incl fit+balance) and £900 all-in isn't bad, especially as the four original tyres were due replacement soon anyway. They are A LOT lighter than the original 16" BMW (which I have kept), and look quite nice too.
PS those Type IIIs look , IMO hunt down a 2nd hand set and pay the extra (w8 for the no. plate praps?)
In addition, original BMW alloys are CAST alloy rather than FORGED, making them far stronger (not sure if I've got that the right way round, somebody more technically minded than I may be able to explain further). Many of the 'proper' brands, ACS, Alpina et al, are also made this way.
Finally, the replicas are usually quite heavy, creating additional unsprung weight. This has a detrimental effect on the handling. Again, my friend's 17" E34 M5 reps were considerably heavier than his original 16" BMW Cross-spokes.
I bought a set of genuine 17" Alpinas for my wife's 323i last year. I paid £450 for the set of four, which were in immaculate condition. Add £450 for a decent set of tyres (incl fit+balance) and £900 all-in isn't bad, especially as the four original tyres were due replacement soon anyway. They are A LOT lighter than the original 16" BMW (which I have kept), and look quite nice too.
PS those Type IIIs look , IMO hunt down a 2nd hand set and pay the extra (w8 for the no. plate praps?)
ACS susp., exhaust, wheels, short-shift +decat (Supersprint)+CF intake with K&N, remapped ECU, Strong-strutt. Piranha carbon-metallic clutch, EBC Grooved & Dimpled+Redstuff Ceramics. ACS pedals, gearknob & handbrake, stick-on plates.
I would be very careful with replicas especially if you have not actually seen them in the flesh.
There are far too many really cheap wheels around and the finish is really very poor and just does not last.
There seems to be a whole host of companies selling sets (£500 for 4 17" with tyres) - I guess you get what you pay for...
With regards aftermarket wheels, I have avoided the cheapies and gone for the slightly less cheap Rondell, Breyton or similar... I have been very, very happy with Rondell wheels as they are as near OEM quality as I have seen. The finish of mine are still A1 after several years.
...just my 10p worth!
There are far too many really cheap wheels around and the finish is really very poor and just does not last.
There seems to be a whole host of companies selling sets (£500 for 4 17" with tyres) - I guess you get what you pay for...
With regards aftermarket wheels, I have avoided the cheapies and gone for the slightly less cheap Rondell, Breyton or similar... I have been very, very happy with Rondell wheels as they are as near OEM quality as I have seen. The finish of mine are still A1 after several years.
...just my 10p worth!
- Neal(2.8Roadster)
- Joined: Tue 18 May, 2004 09:55
- Posts: 255
- Location: York
I also bought from http://www.rochfordtyres.co.uk.
I went for the 18" ACS Type III Racing with Goodyear Eagle F1's
and paid just over £1000 with a bit of haggling.
<------ not updated this picture yet though
They look great in my opinion, quality is spot on and they certainly
look like real ones to me, and nobody else has commented on them
being replicas. (come with embossed ACS centre caps aswell)
I went for the 18" ACS Type III Racing with Goodyear Eagle F1's
and paid just over £1000 with a bit of haggling.
<------ not updated this picture yet though
They look great in my opinion, quality is spot on and they certainly
look like real ones to me, and nobody else has commented on them
being replicas. (come with embossed ACS centre caps aswell)
Re: Careful with reps
hehe, yep that's the wrong way round - forged is bettermbmwx wrote:In addition, original BMW alloys are CAST alloy rather than FORGED, making them far stronger (not sure if I've got that the right way round, somebody more technically minded than I may be able to explain further). Many of the 'proper' brands, ACS, Alpina et al, are also made this way.
basically, cast wheels you have a mould, let gravity pull the molten alloy in and fill the mould, so it can lead to variations in density and stuff like that i believe.
forged is "pushed" in to the mould - their are also levels of forging, depending on the press. i believe 8000 ton is the highest i have heard of. also means that the density overall is higher (ignoring variation in density) supposedly making it stronger.
you can also get spun forged rims, where the rim only (2/3-piece wheels then!) is created by putting it in to a mould and spinning it round very quickly to push it all outwards.
hope this explains it, people may want to correct any mistakes i have made!
RIP '98 Arctic Silver 2.8!
Supersprint exhaust * UUC SSK * Clear rears/fronts/sides * Aluminium bee sting aerial * KW coilovers
should be M52B28TU i believe - only question is over the TU (dual vanos or single)
with the "E" code - that's per model. the z3 convertible is E36/7 i believe, and the coupe E36/8.
with the "E" code - that's per model. the z3 convertible is E36/7 i believe, and the coupe E36/8.
RIP '98 Arctic Silver 2.8!
Supersprint exhaust * UUC SSK * Clear rears/fronts/sides * Aluminium bee sting aerial * KW coilovers
Chaps - one more thought...
Many replica wheels are only available in one rim width size - eg some are 7.5" or 8" only.... which is a bit limiting in many fitments....
Check my favourite Rondells - http://www.autobahn.uk.com/pages/wheelpages/rondell.htm
A fair choice of rim widths...
D
Many replica wheels are only available in one rim width size - eg some are 7.5" or 8" only.... which is a bit limiting in many fitments....
Check my favourite Rondells - http://www.autobahn.uk.com/pages/wheelpages/rondell.htm
A fair choice of rim widths...
D
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- Joined: Sun 18 Jan, 2004 20:49
- Posts: 149
Stir the pot...
Okay I don't want to offend anyone and I agree that opinions will vary on this but....
Change the word 'replica' to 'fake' and it becomes another issue. If you are going for non OE / Alpina / Schnitzer wheels, get some that don't try to be something they are not!!
How many of you would buy a fake Tag / Omega or even drive a fake BMW??!?!?
I think a set of (real) BBS or OZ is the way to go or save-up for the (real) wheels from the manufacturer that designs them!
I'll get my coat and wait for the flying cakes....!
Change the word 'replica' to 'fake' and it becomes another issue. If you are going for non OE / Alpina / Schnitzer wheels, get some that don't try to be something they are not!!
How many of you would buy a fake Tag / Omega or even drive a fake BMW??!?!?
I think a set of (real) BBS or OZ is the way to go or save-up for the (real) wheels from the manufacturer that designs them!
I'll get my coat and wait for the flying cakes....!
yeah very true, it's probably a lot less risky (with regard to quality of wheel) to get originals! i think the only time it's ok is if it's a style of wheel you want but not available to fit your car/in your size - mainly thinking of 17" alpina "replicas" for E30's, as many many people have them. they aren't really frowned upon, except for the bad quality of some of the wheels.
RIP '98 Arctic Silver 2.8!
Supersprint exhaust * UUC SSK * Clear rears/fronts/sides * Aluminium bee sting aerial * KW coilovers
- Neal(2.8Roadster)
- Joined: Tue 18 May, 2004 09:55
- Posts: 255
- Location: York
- Neal(2.8Roadster)
- Joined: Tue 18 May, 2004 09:55
- Posts: 255
- Location: York
I got the 8.5x18" ones from rochfordtyres.co.uk with the 225/40/18 Goodyear Eagle F1's
Very happy with them, they look great and they were delivered quickly and cheaply. I would certainly recommend Rochford to anyone.
I have some pics online but will be updating with the new wheels pics over the weekend some time.
http://www.nealglover.photosite.com/album1/
Very happy with them, they look great and they were delivered quickly and cheaply. I would certainly recommend Rochford to anyone.
I have some pics online but will be updating with the new wheels pics over the weekend some time.
http://www.nealglover.photosite.com/album1/
Re: Careful with reps
On a similar theme I came across this recently, M3 wheels on a Z4...personally I'm don't like this at all. I think whether replicas or originals, the key is that the wheel has to compliment the car.mbmwx wrote:A friend of mine fitted replica M5 alloys to his E34, despite my protests.
For example if you look at the latest ACS Type IV alloy, there's no doubt it has has been designed to compliment Bangles angles (!) as such it would perhaps look out of place on a Z3 or old 5 series for example. However put it onto a Z4 or 6 series and it looks wonderful
what do you think of those m3 wheels on a z3?
i didn't think they'd look that good, but on bimmerforums recently a pic of an m coupe with them was posted, and it actually looks ok - a lot of people felt the same and had the same "revelation". i'll see if i can't find it and put it up when i get home, see what you think.
i didn't think they'd look that good, but on bimmerforums recently a pic of an m coupe with them was posted, and it actually looks ok - a lot of people felt the same and had the same "revelation". i'll see if i can't find it and put it up when i get home, see what you think.
RIP '98 Arctic Silver 2.8!
Supersprint exhaust * UUC SSK * Clear rears/fronts/sides * Aluminium bee sting aerial * KW coilovers
here we go, in this thread: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh ... p?t=246440
RIP '98 Arctic Silver 2.8!
Supersprint exhaust * UUC SSK * Clear rears/fronts/sides * Aluminium bee sting aerial * KW coilovers