Replica Rims Genuine?

bdardashti · 07-02-2008, 05:16 PM

I went to a local tire/wheel shop today, and I was looking around at their wheels (I don't know anything about tires/wheels). The guy came asking if I needed any help, and he showed me the M5 and M6 replica rims (available) that would work with the 1er. I asked him who makes the rims, and he said it's the same company (exact same rim) as the ones you'd find at the BMW dealership. Is that true? I understand that there may be exceptions, but are replicas GENERALLY the exact same rim? (I thought I'd be made by a different company).

Thanks!

ModBargains.com · 07-02-2008, 05:56 PM

If they said it's made by the exact same company, then I guess it's just completely up to you to believe him or not. The m5 or m6 rims could work with the 1er, sure--we've got 19" m6 style wheels that will fit on your 1 series, but it will rub.

Just make sure what he offers you is at least JWL and VIA certified, and the fitment (offset and sizes) are right on. If the M6 wheel that he is offering is literally the same size and offset as the real M6 wheel, it will not fit.

bdardashti · 07-02-2008, 09:32 PM

Thanks for your reply!

Well he had the M5 rims in 17 and 18-inch size, and the M6 rims in 18-inch only. The fact that he had the different sizes compared to the actual M5/M6 rims is odd, no? If it IS the same, why is there a 17-inch variant? I just realized that right now.

Is that a good argument or can there be different sizes than what BMW offers yet be genuine? (Sorry if I'm asking a very very stupid question; I don't know anything about tires/wheels).

Artmasterx · 07-02-2008, 09:38 PM

I suppose it could be the same company, they just made new molds to cast similar wheels, just in a different size. However, they would definitely not be official OEM rims. I am not sure if there is any way to verify that. Maybe the company stamps the back of the rims, but without a replica and original to compare, I am not sure what you can do.

I am looking for some previous model M5 replica wheels, e46 M3 replicas, or new M3 replicas in 17" size as well. I don't have my 128i yet either though, so I am not in too much of a hurry (just need them before winter).

mikeo · 07-02-2008, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdardashti

... I asked him who makes the rims, and he said it's the same company (exact same rim) as the ones you'd find at the BMW dealership...

I'm doubtful of that claim.

itsthechuck · 07-03-2008, 08:43 AM

I think it could be possible, happens in the industry that I work in all the time. It tends to be cheaper to keep the machines running than making limited runs, than you just sell the overage without the name brand markings.

Boogie · 07-03-2008, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsthechuck

I think it could be possible, happens in the industry that I work in all the time. It tends to be cheaper to keep the machines running than making limited runs, than you just sell the overage without the name brand markings.

Wouldn't that cause a problem with copyright of the designs? I don't think that's possible... That's like saying AC Schnitzer copies are legal...and they constantly try to find manufacturers of 'copied' wheels to destroy their wheels, just because they lose a lot of money because of the replica's.

Why would BMW let anyone copy their wheels and sell them much cheaper. Also, if the sizes / offsets change, I don't think the mold will be the same either.

BMW/Alpina wheels are often made by BBS or similar big names in the industry. Replica's are not...

Motorsports_3 · 07-03-2008, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdardashti

I went to a local tire/wheel shop today, and I was looking around at their wheels (I don't know anything about tires/wheels). The guy came asking if I needed any help, and he showed me the M5 and M6 replica rims (available) that would work with the 1er. I asked him who makes the rims, and he said it's the same company (exact same rim) as the ones you'd find at the BMW dealership. Is that true? I understand that there may be exceptions, but are replicas GENERALLY the exact same rim? (I thought I'd be made by a different company).

Thanks!

I highly doubt that.

Qube · 07-03-2008, 12:58 PM

If they are saying it's the same, I would walk away.

At the very least, they would differ from being forged vs cast.

07-02-2008, 05:16 PM	#1
bdardashti Captain 47 Rep 998 Posts Drives: '12 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (3)	Replica Rims Genuine? I went to a local tire/wheel shop today, and I was looking around at their wheels (I don't know anything about tires/wheels). The guy came asking if I needed any help, and he showed me the M5 and M6 replica rims (available) that would work with the 1er. I asked him who makes the rims, and he said it's the same company (exact same rim) as the ones you'd find at the BMW dealership. Is that true? I understand that there may be exceptions, but are replicas GENERALLY the exact same rim? (I thought I'd be made by a different company). Thanks!
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07-02-2008, 05:56 PM	#2
ModBargains.com Banned 479 Rep 13,582 Posts Drives: JB E92 335i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: 1721 E. Lambert Rd #C, La Habra, CA 90631 iTrader: (51)	If they said it's made by the exact same company, then I guess it's just completely up to you to believe him or not. The m5 or m6 rims could work with the 1er, sure--we've got 19" m6 style wheels that will fit on your 1 series, but it will rub. Just make sure what he offers you is at least JWL and VIA certified, and the fitment (offset and sizes) are right on. If the M6 wheel that he is offering is literally the same size and offset as the real M6 wheel, it will not fit.
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07-02-2008, 09:32 PM	#3
bdardashti Captain 47 Rep 998 Posts Drives: '12 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (3)	Thanks for your reply! Well he had the M5 rims in 17 and 18-inch size, and the M6 rims in 18-inch only. The fact that he had the different sizes compared to the actual M5/M6 rims is odd, no? If it IS the same, why is there a 17-inch variant? I just realized that right now. Is that a good argument or can there be different sizes than what BMW offers yet be genuine? (Sorry if I'm asking a very very stupid question; I don't know anything about tires/wheels).
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07-02-2008, 09:38 PM	#4
Artmasterx Captain 46 Rep 886 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: MA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 Volvo V70R [10.00] 2007 BMW 335i [10.00]	I suppose it could be the same company, they just made new molds to cast similar wheels, just in a different size. However, they would definitely not be official OEM rims. I am not sure if there is any way to verify that. Maybe the company stamps the back of the rims, but without a replica and original to compare, I am not sure what you can do. I am looking for some previous model M5 replica wheels, e46 M3 replicas, or new M3 replicas in 17" size as well. I don't have my 128i yet either though, so I am not in too much of a hurry (just need them before winter). __________________ Current: 2007 335i sedan Alpine White \| Sports \| Premium \| Cold \| Comfort Access FORMERLY: 128i coupe Alpine White \| Sports Package \| Black Leather
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07-03-2008, 08:43 AM	#6
itsthechuck Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 244 Posts Drives: 135, E34M, E30rally,S6, E30 M3 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The Bucket, RI iTrader: (0)	I think it could be possible, happens in the industry that I work in all the time. It tends to be cheaper to keep the machines running than making limited runs, than you just sell the overage without the name brand markings.
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07-03-2008, 12:58 PM	#9
Qube Lieutenant 39 Rep 531 Posts Drives: E39 540 :: 09 STi Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Right here. iTrader: (0)	If they are saying it's the same, I would walk away. At the very least, they would differ from being forged vs cast. __________________ :: www.HIDCanada.com
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