OEM vs. Replica

MIMINO · #1 09-20-2009, 01:41 AM

Hi Comrades,

For about a month, I have been proud owner of my 09 x5d monster, and have been thinking to personalize since.

I have given some search around but it seems like e90 owners are the mod freaks. As I am also e90 owner, I have to be honest, I am transforming equal passion to my E70 Diesel, and I love the D.

To make the story short, I would like to get wheels, but can't find any known manufacturer that would take the pride in making replicas for e70. For example, AluFelgen makes outstanding set of wheels but unfortunately they are mostly for 1,and 3 series.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/AluFelgen-Company-Precision-Crafted-Wheels/100084589879?ref=nf

I have been quoted $2,500 for a set of replica style 215 wheels staggered with rubber(rft) at my local shop.

OEMs run a bit over $4,000 with run flats as well.

Do you know any known replica manufacturer that make quality product for e70??

Has anyone had bad experience with replicas ???? Can you share please ???
I want to see if this is really worth 4-5k for OEM.

Thanks

rh71 · #2 09-20-2009, 08:26 AM

wheelsandcaps.com is reputable - quality is a crapshoot but they back their product, though I've had trouble with 3 of their rims (bought 5 total). That sounds terrible, I know, but the thing is they'll make it right if you tell them. [First bought 4, 1 was out of round immediately and sent it back for replacement. Got it and all was well with it according to my installer. Vibration still existed (I didn't drive much so I left it for over a year)... I tried to call them to see what could be done and went to a handful of tire places to determine the problem... definite warped rim (witnessed) which the initial installer still says was fine - they did a sh!tty job from the beginning... so I had to buy a new one because too much time had passed. New one came in and it came scratched... returned it for yet another. This one appears ok, but there's still a vibration - it appears to be the other side tire that is out of round. I had a culmination of problems, the last of which I still haven't addressed because the Proxes ST in that size is no longer made - I'd have to swap all of them if I want to do it right and I'm not ready to do that yet.] Total paid with tires would've been $2k for 214s but I've spent more than that getting this all straightened out. OEM with tires would've been $3k+

At any rate, it's a crapshoot in every sense of the word so if you want a headache-free experience, go OEM... at least they will replace it on the spot.

Galion · #3 09-20-2009, 12:29 PM

I can only say positive things about WHEELSANDCAPS, They look exactly the same as OEM 214's (Size, finish, design) and my set rolls perfectly at any speed, no vibration at all with Michelin Latitude HP's.
I am totally satisfied.

rares · #4 09-20-2009, 10:10 AM

check the VMR WHEELS from 1010tires.com ,u might like those, the price is good and will find the right sizes for your car

TaMbALoLoNg · #5 09-20-2009, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIMINO

Hi Comrades,

For about a month, I have been proud owner of my 09 x5d monster, and have been thinking to personalize since.
I have been quoted $2,500 for a set of replica style 215 wheels staggered with rubber(rft) at my local shop.

OEMs run a bit over $4,000 with run flats as well.

Not a bad price for wheels and tires.