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Re: The main difference is weight... (archive)
[ Follow Ups ] [ 8-series (E31) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]
Posted by Phil S. on May 25, 2000 at 10:50:24:

In Reply to: The main difference is weight... posted by Bob on May 25, 2000 at 09:06:14:

: : : Summer is finally here and it's time for new tires and wheels for my 850.
: : : I really like the look of the M Parallel spoes from BMW but have recently seen some replica wheels that look the same, but cost less than half the price.
: : : Does anyone have any experience or comments on replica wheels vs genuine BMW wheels?
: : : Sometimes you get what you pay for, and sometimes you are just paying for a brand name.
: : : Regards,
: : : James

: : Your comment "you get what you pay for" is on the mark. The factory parallels are FORGED which makes them much stronger-and something that is very important in a wheel that is this open with regard to design. Forged wheels are more expensive by definition. If you want to trust your car and your butt to the low priced spread at potentially triple digit speeds--go ahead.


: The forged wheels are lighter and yes, stronger. But if you have any kind of incident at "triple digit speeds" that's bad enough to bend or break a cast wheel, anything having to do with wheels will be the least of your problems, and cast or forged won't make a bit of difference. In real life the main advantages of forged wheels are lighter weight, and better resistance to damage from potholes, etc. when using super low-profile tires. Just my $.02, HTH.

I beg to differ in this respect--forged wheels are lighter BECAUSE they are stronger and can be made with less material or more open for design or engineering (such as brake cooling) reasons. The exact same wheel made by casting or forging would virtually weigh the same (density/specific gravity of the aluminum alloy). If you check, most of BBS and BMW better/high performance wheel designs are either forged, or in some cases pressure cast. It has to do with the "grain" of the metal providing the extra margin of strength. For myself, I prefer that margin.

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