Need Advice on Wheel Upgrade

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SexInTheBMW

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#1
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#1
I bought a 2004 325Ci in April and I love this car. However, I am thinking about upgrading my wheels to the BMW 17" M68. I've seen these BMW wheels on sale via Ebay and some non-BMW M68 wheels. Is there a big difference in the alloy material between BMW and the non-BMWs? Will the ride feel the same? Thanks!!

Henry
 
Section_8

Section_8

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#3
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#3
'style' or 'replica' rims are not good, for many reasons (not just BMW, but any sort of wheel that labels itself so):

1. they generally weigh much more than the real wheels they are copying.
2. generally they are not 'quite' the same look as the one they are mocking.
3. not durable as OEM's - not made of same material or in the same fashion.

The 1st and 3rd points are really important if you are ever going to do autox/tracking in your car. That said, decent replicas can be gotten that will be fine and last you probably as long as OEM ones.

That said, other brands other than BMW are very much fine, and even preferred (especially for lightweight wheels). Just make sure their wheels fit your car - know your offset.

Personally I wish I could afford a wheel set like what Nick runs on his car. Nick is a local BMW fan here in Atlanta, and an award winner from various car events.

Check this out: (oh and hey that's VANCE behind the trunk!) [wave]




The first point is the most important IMHO. If you go with heavier wheels then your car is spec'ed for, then that's unsprung weight you're having to turn, which really will only impact your launches, but if you're in the know, you would notice the 'lurch' on launch. 17's are usually fine, weight problems (imho) with wheels generally start when you look at 18's, and bigger. But, heavy 17" replicas that weight more than good (and lighter) OEM 18's are an option.. [;)]
 
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epj3

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Section_8 said:
'style' or 'replica' rims are not good, for many reasons (not just BMW, but any sort of wheel that labels itself so):

1. they generally weigh much more than the real wheels they are copying.
2. generally they are not 'quite' the same look as the one they are mocking.
3. not durable as OEM's - not made of same material or in the same fashion.

The 1st and 3rd points are really important if you are ever going to do autox/tracking in your car. That said, decent replicas can be gotten that will be fine and last you probably as long as OEM ones.

That said, other brands other than BMW are very much fine, and even preferred (especially for lightweight wheels). Just make sure their wheels fit your car - know your offset.

Personally I wish I could afford a wheel set like what Nick runs on his car. Nick is a local BMW fan here in Atlanta, and an award winner from various car events.

Check this out: (oh and hey that's VANCE behind the trunk!) [wave]




The first point is the most important IMHO. If you go with heavier wheels then your car is spec'ed for, then that's unsprung weight you're having to turn, which really will only impact your launches, but if you're in the know, you would notice the 'lurch' on launch. 17's are usually fine, weight problems (imho) with wheels generally start when you look at 18's, and bigger. But, heavy 17" replicas that weight more than good (and lighter) OEM 18's are an option.. [;)]
Click to expand...

HEY VANCE!!!
[cheers] [cheers] [cheers] [cheers] [cheers] [cheers]
 
Section_8

Section_8

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#6
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It was! [:)]

I wanted to slip in and park next to ya so we could get the alpine row going (specially once xLibelle got there), but there was too big a crowd around Nick's car. (and rightfully so, what a ride, SC and all..)
 
codex57

codex57

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#10
SF has some REALLY rough roads. My biggest concern with replica wheels would be durability. All those construction areas, potholes, heaves, etc. may do a number on your wheel. I'd be afraid of the replica one cracking from the abuse. I have to drive across town (usually down Fell St.) going from my g/f's house to the 80 and damn, is that one bumpy ride. Now I know why Toyota has a stranglehold on the Bay Area.
 
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jrahn

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#11
epj3 said:
HEY VANCE!!!
[cheers] [cheers] [cheers] [cheers] [cheers] [cheers]
Click to expand...

Would you mind giving me some specs on that supercharger kit? I assume that there is an E46 in that platinum 4 Dr? That looks like exactly the setup I'd like to equip my 03 325 Ci (E46) with.
Thanks!
 
Section_8

Section_8

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#13
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#13
jrahn said:
Would you mind giving me some specs on that supercharger kit? I assume that there is an E46 in that platinum 4 Dr? That looks like exactly the setup I'd like to equip my 03 325 Ci (E46) with.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Yup Nick has a AA Supercharger in that pic (Charcoal Gray). Notice the unit on the right where the normal airbox is, and the nifty intercooler by the grills. [:)]

Not being a SC'er yet, (one day down the road when this car goes from DD to track only) I don't know exact specs, but these links should help you out:

Forced Induction Forum on bimmerforums (one of the best places to talk with people that have SC's, and have installed them.)

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=150

Active Autowerkes homepage - Considered the safest SC you can put in a BMW (I didn't say only one..).

http://www.activeautowerke.com/main.cfm

The AA SC will put a 323/325 in the 250-270 HP range. Of course once you do that, the fun begins.. Bigger injecters, bigger/better Cams, exhaust, oil cooler, intercooler - it never stops once the FI bug bites you.
 
theBMWenthusiast

theBMWenthusiast

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#14
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#14
VANCE said:
We have a pretty good turn out at our events [bmwdance]
Click to expand...
i need to start organizing soem events down here in South Orange County, i've made a big impression on the dealerhsip i go to (they think im the brightest BMW enthusiast in the area" and have met a lot of people in the area that have really nice BMW's and are enthusiasts who like to make their car look sweet, maybe i should try to organize a German Car night like the one that was once in the regional forums
 
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