Verdict on Replica Wheels?
 

I have been reading a lot over the past week, about the "replica" wheels that are on the market; some of the notable ones are on Ebay, like
- Eurotech
- Wheels and Caps
- Cleanin Out the Garage
- etc
also places like
- Lake Shore Wheels
etc

These seem to be getting very good ratings on Ebay, I mean 98/99%, but I see very mixed reviews around the net. The wheels look really nice, but "you get what you pay for" keeps popping up in my head. Why are these wheels only $700 when OEMs are over $2000. What am I missing here?

I also saw a link last week about Eurotech being sued...I don't want to buy from them if they are going to disappear a week later and help with any issues.

What's the bottom line with these replica folks? Real experiences with them? My X5 rides nice and smooth now on OEM 19's I don't want vibration, wheels that peel, warped rims, etc etc.

What's the best place to get OEMs?

I'm keeping an eye out for people selling wheels in my area, too.

Thanks,
TTM

OEM = go to the dealer
Replicas = there are plenty of fine ones on eBay.

Search this site, you will see a ton of reviews/comments on Replicas and where to buy and what to look for.

I picked up my replicas from Cleanin out the Garage aka AFS wheels, they let me do pick-up since they're about 3 miles away, installed the tpms mounted and balanced. They don't install thou:confused: kinda weird. I think the OEM are lighter not sure by how much also the replicas are polished on the center spoke and painted on the sides not sure on OEM. I have about 150 miles on them, if any problems come up I'll post it, over all I'm happy with them especially the price:thumbup:.

I bought my Replica 168s staggered from Eurotech wheels. I'm from LA and drove all the way down to San Diego to pick up the wheels. I just had bad experience with another Ebay seller from Florida I think, their name is OE Wheels or something like that. I got one wheel bent and they gave me the run around. I had to get the bent wheel fixed myself.

That is why the next time around, I opted for local sellers so I can pick up myself and I know that it hasn't been dropped.

Yes I agree, it seems like these places are mostly out west.
LakeShore Wheels is I think in Michigan, I'm in the Chicago area...

Lakeshore is over on the west side of Michigan and not a bad drive from Chicago. I've been to their facility a few times. I picked up a set of M3 replica wheels for my son's E36 from them and their service and post-sale support has been very good.

I purchased a set from AFS off of ebay and have been very happy. I have had them a little over a year and have had no problems. I bought the complete package, rims and tires. I had them on all last spring summer and fall and just put them back on last Thursday for the season. I couldn't wait any longer. If it snows I'll just take the wifes MDX to work.