Replica Wheels so far not a good experience....Long

mahoganyX5 · #1 03-12-2006, 10:36 AM

This is my first time posting as well as I am new to the forum. I have read many threads about purchasing replica wheels and what to look for before mounting and I am very happy I did! I purchased a set of replica style #87 wheels from ebay, retailer OE wheels. Each wheel was shipped in 2 boxes, the original and another box for shipping. The first thing that look weird was that the original box was opened previously but I thought maybe they inspect their wheels before shipping.....no biggie. The other thing I thought was weird was that the styrofoam was just 2 thin rings, one around the bottom of the wheel and the other on top.

So I went to a place where they mount and balance tires (not a major chain). I talked to the installer to first check the wheels before mounting so he did while I was observing. The first wheel look good, second deformed at the bead, third wheel good and the fourth bent on the inside part near the bead of the rim. I was disappointed and angry, not so much that the wheels were bent but that I paid extra to get them shipped 2day. Luckily, I paid insurance for shipping!!! So, I called the company and told them what had happen but of course they said you need to make sure that they are looking at the wheel correctly and not worry about the outer edge of the wheel because the wheel may not be the correct thickness all the way around and you should look at the wheel like "if they are going to run you over". They did agree to ship out 2 new ones and get UPS to pick up the "bent" wheels but if they see that they are not "truly" bent that I will get charged for I guess shipping. So, the next day I went to a wheel shop that repairs bent wheels and are known throughout the US for fixing bent wheels. I had them look at the wheels without telling them my findings and they pointed it out as well. The owner who does all the fixing said "I can fix the wheel for $150 if you want them installed today" so I guess the damage is not to bad for him to fix them rather quickly but he said I should get new rims. I was happy to get a second opinion to further confirm my problem. So this Monday I will call the company and hopefully get 2 new wheels by next weekend. I am not bashing the company becasue they were very nice and willing to make everything right but I did not like that fact that they said "We sell tens of thousands of wheels a year and we rarely get any returned for being bent.....maybe 3 or 4 a year" I thought that was complete BS! I was like well maybe you should add two more to your list. I will keep you posted, and again I am happy that I read previous threads on what to do before getting your tires mounted from JMDXX5 http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x3/w...mw-wheels.html !

Thanks everyone!

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UCrewX5 · #2 03-12-2006, 10:40 AM

Keep us posted, and I'm glad that the tips you found here kept you from putting on some rims that aren't up to spec.

and :xoutpost:

jpm4.8is · #3 03-12-2006, 12:55 PM

:xoutpost:
Sorry to hear about your mishap... Hope everything works out for you

JV · #4 03-12-2006, 01:11 PM

Did you take them to Wheel Worx in Millersville?

JV

m31ab · #5 03-12-2006, 04:24 PM

Wow, that sucks. Even though the OE wheels are overpriced, the piece of mind is there. Till you hit a pothole.

mahoganyX5 · #6 03-12-2006, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JV

Did you take them to Wheel Worx in Millersville?

JV

No, I went to Ye Ole Wheels in Ellicott City. I wanted to go to Wheel Worx but they were not open.

AA

mahoganyX5 · #7 03-21-2006, 10:31 PM

I finally received my two wheels to replace the bent ones shipped to me. I took all 4 wheels and tires to Radial Tire in MD (great place to purchase tires with Tire Rack prices). Just my luck one of the two wheels was bent but not as bad. They were able to balance it and they said I will not feel the problem but they cautioned me to avoid at all costs pot holes! They have seen this with many replicas and I can not expect much after paying for a fraction of the price. So I do not recommend purchasing Replica wheels from the company OE Wheels they are a ebay retailer. Make sure you talk to someone who will personally examine the wheels before they ship it.....and always purchase insurance.

JV · #8 03-21-2006, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mahoganyX5

I finally received my two wheels to replace the bent ones shipped to me. I took all 4 wheels and tires to Radial Tire in MD (great place to purchase tires with Tire Rack prices). Just my luck one of the two wheels was bent but not as bad. They were able to balance it and they said I will not feel the problem but they cautioned me to avoid at all costs pot holes! They have seen this with many replicas and I can not expect much after paying for a fraction of the price. So I do not recommend purchasing Replica wheels from the company OE Wheels they are a ebay retailer. Make sure you talk to someone who will personally examine the wheels before they ship it.....and always purchase insurance.

Good info. is it the lip of the rim or the whole rim that is bent?

I've always had good experiences with Radial Tire. BTW- Ye Olde Wheels is an awesome shop- Wheel Worx deals mostly with dealerships, so they aren't even set up to take Credit Cards as payment- only $$ or cashier's checks.

You oughta try and make it to the DC Meet on May 13th. if you're free that Saturday, you're only an hour north of here!

JV