Are Those Replica Wheels Any Good ?

[RichardMH]

My wife and I purchased a 2009 X5 35d September last year and we are very happy with it so far. The original Bridgestone all seasons coped ok last/first winter but we live in Toronto so we really need proper winter tires for the one coming up. A set of dedicated BMW 18" winter wheels/tires package is just over $4,000 at our dealer so I have been looking at alternatives - especially wheels since more than likely I will buy tires from Tirerack.

I have heard good things about Wheel and Caps at Clayton, NC. I checked out their site and they sell a set of replica X5 18" wheels at around $120 each - which is seriously attractive to a poor guy like me.

I understand that you only get what you pay for, but I am not really a performance driver - especially in winter. Has anyone had any good/bad experience relating to these and other replica wheels. Are they ok - as in structurally safe ? or should I starting saving up

Thanks in advance