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They do a similar process for the M5, only they paint the silver over a black base, which is absolutely not repairable in any fashion!
Bottom line is... no wheel refinisher, anywhere, will be able to match the finish, unless they do some R&D to duplicate the factory finish. So far, I haven't found that magical shop!
Here's another killer. The stock 17x9 rear wheels cost, get this, $650.00 each! Fronts are a bit less.
So, got a scratched wheel? You'll need to replace it with a used one ($450+ in "A" condition), or a new one.
Chrome sets from BMW dealers run around $700, or about the cost of one rear rim. But, chrome isn't perfect. Some instances of tire-fixer crap being caustic enough to strip the finish, making the chrome peel have been reported. As this is the only tire fix available to the M car owners, this could be problematic....
So, no good news has come from several hours work, interviewing finishers, body shops, etc....
Options in review to resolve a screwed up wheel(s):
1. Buy a new wheel - way expensive, may not match existing wheels if they have faded at all - $650 to $2100 depending on how many need replacement.
2. Find a good used wheel - rare to find a perfect wheel, may not match if it or your wheels have faded at diffent rates or through different care - $450 to $1200.
3. Have ALL 4 wheel refinished in a more standard silver - not as pretty as tock, but practical - $400 to $600
4. Go chrome - may have problems later, may be damaged by mobility kit filler - $ 700 to $800
5. Have all 4 wheels finished in another color altogether - $ 400 to $600 - cool custom look?
6. Live with the imperfections - free but painful!
7. Buy a set of aftermarket rims - may have same problem down the road if an installer/tire repair damages a rim, and the custom wheel uses a non-standard color. Best bet is simple polished aluminum with clear coat, but these are tough to keep looking nice - $1200 to $5000 depending on taste.
Tried to get a wheel center to work out the two-tone finish idea. So far they're thinking about it, but are balking a little. I guess the cost is going to jump to the $250 a wheel range, before they'll do it. Polished edges and a painted center still may be an option.
So, since all the options are risky, none offer a perfect solution, I ordered a set of "chromes" from the dealer (previous posts). Today I went to inspect them. Crap! All 4 had small pimples on them at various points. Polishing on the rears at the rim between the spokes was only fair. On spoke looked as though it got hit a bit too hard by the buffer. I rejected them, the dealer ordered another set. No joy yet. we'll see Monday what they come up with.
Total pain in the ass!
The tire dealer, Firestone, is up for paying for a used replacement, or will pay that amount toward whatever I decide to do, so at least he isn't being a total jerk. Of course I don't have a check yet, so we'll see.
More as it transpires.
Mike, I sympathize man. Good luck getting the problem resolved. The radial wheels though, use a more conventional finish, having them repaired should not be nearly as problematic! Damn Z3 owners! (just kidding guys).
What the hell is going on here anyway? Used to be people at the service centers looked out for the cool gear that came their way. Now, seems everyone has become useless!
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