Replicas vs. OEM 20" 214's

[C's Bimmer]

Originally Posted by hangten808

How do I tell if my style 168's are replica or OEM? is there any stamp or part number on the wheel to ID an OEM? Thanks in advance!

Yep, on the inside of the wheels, near the center.

[MPowerFarmer]

Originally Posted by C's Bimmer

Yep, on the inside of the wheels, near the center.

Where? Are there any other ways to tell?

[Penguin]

I would be worried about safety if I found replicas that weighted less than the OE rims in the same style.

It is highly unlikely that the replica rims are cast or forged better than the OE rims, and also unlikely that their basic alloy is as strong or carefully cast as the OE. So if they weight less than OE, I would question their strength -- usually replicas weigh more to compensate for lower quality materials and/or processes and provide similar strength to OE wheels.

[TYMSMNY]

Replica rims aren't any where close to the density or integrity of the originals. They were made to offer the same style but at a more affordable price. They've got to cut corners some where and make money!

[mavic1010]

OEM 214's weigh 38 lbs. Stock 19's (3.0si sport) weigh 28 lbs. Excluding tires of course.

[atlas]

I was told that OEM wheels are heavier and stronger to compensate for the stiff sidewalls of the RFT.

[C's Bimmer]

Originally Posted by atlas

I was told that OEM wheels are heavier and stronger to compensate for the stiff sidewalls of the RFT.

Except for Style 124's that come stock on the Pre-LCI 545/550 Sports and LCI 535 Sports. These wheels are notorious for being weak and bending/cracking constantly.

[LI-X5]

my 0.02 cents

bmw rims i don't know why are the softest pieces of junk ever ! ive had 5+ new bmw's and have bent many a rim on simple everyday driving ! these bitches are expensive to replace
i'd much rather to replace a rep esp with the huge 20'-21'rims these days that retail for well over $800 per wheel !! you can almost buy a whole set of rep's for that !!

NEIL

[z2g]

Originally Posted by LI-X5

my 0.02 cents

bmw rims i don't know why are the softest pieces of junk ever ! ive had 5+ new bmw's and have bent many a rim on simple everyday driving ! these bitches are expensive to replace
i'd much rather to replace a rep esp with the huge 20'-21'rims these days that retail for well over $800 per wheel !! you can almost buy a whole set of rep's for that !!

NEIL

I'm assuming you live in NYC or in the vicinity. And, I'm assuming that you have A LOT of potholes in your streets. With any rims, if you hit a pothole, there's the potential of bending the rim. It really doesn't matter whether it's the absolute best forged rims out there. If you hit a pothole hard enough, it's going to do some damage.

[darstar301]

Can anyone tell me a online site to purchase 20" replica 214s.