87 style rim question. People with OEM help :)

[WolfX5]

Jim, I agree with Phil. Your picture looks EXACTLY like the version of replicas I got from THE WHEEL GROUP - including the ZRCHROME inspection sticker, rough finish on the inside of the rim, and the "Designed by Germany" imprint. I think you've already answered your question with the research you've done so far - I think you're just having a hard time accepting it.

If I may - just a word of caution though. If you do elect to keep your replicas, make sure that they spin true BEFORE coming to agreement with the person that sold them to you over the specific amount of a refund. That's the problem I'm having with mine - they LOOK good until you get them in a balancer and then out-of-round problems become apparent. Not only do you have replicas, but you could have UNUSABLE replicas at that. You won't know until you spin them.

Beware that this could actually create a catch-22 scenario for you, because if you attempt to mount and balance them and then have problems the vendor may stick it to you and tell you that once you've mounted them they're yours to keep.

My personal opinion...I would avoid the potential hassles, return them for a refund and then order a set of OEM 20's from your local BMW dealer (or Crevier). It's only an additional $1000 above and beyond what you've already paid and you would have avoided a lot of potential problems by getting a quality wheel that will last.

Again, sorry for the troubles...I hope that helps.

[Intel55]

Thanks for the words of advice Phil and WolfX5.

I totally agree with you both. Also, now that I know Wolf's replica say "Design By Germany" as well, coupled with the BMW dealers opinion, I am going to either return these rims or ask for a partial refund. I do plan on taking Wolf's excellent advice and spin them prior to making a decision on keeping them or not.

I plan to contact the vendor (who is a member and supporting vendor here) and work something out.

Thanks for all informative posts!!!!!!

Jim

[elm3c]

Not sure if this will help, but my 2002 4.6 Style 87's have raised lettering on the face of the wheels. They show on each spoke, by the lug bolt area around the center cap.

Front:
BMW
6 7535 16
E91/2J (the 1/2 shows as a fraction)
X20EH2
IS45

Rear:
BMW
6 7535 17
E101/2J (the 1/2 shows as a fraction)
X20EH2
IS30

[Intel55]

THanks Elm

I was told that many times the marking on the front side of the are sanded off before chromnig, which does sound right.

Is it possible to check one of the rims' backside for a "BMW" stamping? That would be great. If not that is cool, just checking . I doubt you will find "Design By Germany" on the back though.
Jim

[4.6is Ryder]

Jim, the OEM rim doesn't have those markings on them.
If you look at any factory wheel, the insides are the same. As far as sanding the outside markings, I've never had mine sanded off. I've had two sets of BMW wheels chromed and the markings are still there when I get them back. A reputable chrome shop will try to maintain the integrity of the rim by leaving the markings there.......Phil

[Intel55]

Originally Posted by 4.6is Ryder

Jim, the OEM rim doesn't have those markings on them.
If you look at any factory wheel, the insides are the same. As far as sanding the outside markings, I've never had mine sanded off. I've had two sets of BMW wheels chromed and the markings are still there when I get them back. A reputable chrome shop will try to maintain the integrity of the rim by leaving the markings there.......Phil

I totally agree Though if I was going to have some rims chromed, I would have the outer marking sanded down, but that is more likey just an individual request. I think a standard chrome process would just leave the rim as is and chrome away, leaving all factory stamping.

I am going to have these rims spun soon, so if I decide to keep them I will ask for a partial refund.

I think on Ebay the AFS 87 chrome rims go for about $1000.

edit... hmmmm actaully the AFS are not staggered...these rims are:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/20x9-...91481271QQrdZ1

so if I keep them I should ask for $950 back, otherwise return these rims to the seller.

[Intel55]

8/10/05 UPDATE!!!! The supprting vendor who sold me the rims is taking care of me!!! I am going to get the partial refund that I requested. I know this experience has been frustrating for him as well, but he has handled this matter with GREAT professionalism. This is a vendor that you want to do business with.

[SuperGreg]

Originally Posted by Intel55

8/10/05 UPDATE!!!! The supprting vendor who sold me the rims is taking care of me!!! I am going to get the partial refund that I requested. I know this experience has been frustrating for him as well, but he has handled this matter with GREAT professionalism. This is a vendor that you want to do business with.

I personally would still think twice about doing business with someone who misrepresented their product as being OEM when it was not. The fact is that "this time" he got caught. How many sets of his rims do you think are puttering around with owners that think they are OEM wheels? Plenty I'll bet.

I'm glad you are being taken care of. Hopefully, it's not the old "the check is in the mail" reply.

[Intel55]

Originally Posted by SuperGreg

I personally would still think twice about doing business with someone who misrepresented their product as being OEM when it was not. The fact is that "this time" he got caught. How many sets of his rims do you think are puttering around with owners that think they are OEM wheels? Plenty I'll bet.

I'm glad you are being taken care of. Hopefully, it's not the old "the check is in the mail" reply.

With the info I have presented in this thread, that would be my reaction as well.

However, the guy I purchased these 87 style wheels from does not sell rims. He got two sets from someone else, used one and put this set up for sale. My own belief is that the guy who originally sold him these rims may have misrepresented them. The individual who I bought these rims from has had them for sale for about 10 months, so he just has been sitting on them for awhile and not really actively trying to sell them. The communication (phone, email) was prompt, which is unlike other deals that go bad.

I believe the check will arrive in the mail shortly.

[godeacs06]

I'm looking into purchasing chrome 87s, can you provide me with a seller so I know to avoid him/her....please PM me