Wheels that will last

brocken · 08-02-2009, 11:05 AM

I'm really disappointed with the finish on the stock rims. I have the e92 335 sport package rims on my E90 and after a year they have plenty of chips in the finish. The wheels themselves don't seem to be damaged, but the crappy paint BMW used isn't holding up well.

I'm trying to decide if I should powdercoat them or pick up a new set of rims.
For powdercoating, does anybody know if the material used on the BMW rims is safe for the baking process? I know with certain materials used in wheels they lose integrity when reheated.

If we're talking rims, what are some good brands/finishes I should look at. Do I really need to look at powdercoated rims? Or are there other finishes available that will last?

Thanks in advance!

longtran · 08-02-2009, 12:24 PM

its not bmw's fault. its the company that bmw contract to make the wheels. actually its not their fault either. you're bound to get rock chip regardless. the only way to protect your wheels is to clear bra them. not sure if thats even possible. you can buy the most expensive wheels out there and the wheels will still chip.

Flea7 · 08-02-2009, 12:52 PM

Paint chips and dings on the finish of your wheels are inevitable, especially here in Seattle. You can have the best, quality finish available......you can't prevent them.

Seattle = shitty roads

Huge pot holes, uneven pavement, rock and debri on the highways, contruction/gravel trucks on the left lane. ETC.

Just plan to refinish your wheels every few years.

Flea7 · 08-02-2009, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longtran

its not bmw's fault. its the company that bmw contract to make the wheels. actually its not their fault either. you're bound to get rock chip regardless. the only way to protect your wheels is to clear bra them. not sure if thats even possible. you can buy the most expensive wheels out there and the wheels will still chip.

clearbra........hmmmm....never though of that. Maybe on my chrome 4" lip? has it ever been done?

JDLM · 08-02-2009, 12:55 PM

Wheels are going to take some road abuse

brocken · 08-02-2009, 07:23 PM

Even though BMW doesn't make the wheels it's ultimately their responsibility to ensure the quality of the product that's sold on their car. I'm not trying to knock BMW, I really want to find a way to have nice looking rims that last.

Not all finishes are created equally. My wife's Murano is 3 plus years old and has aluminum wheels that are painted. This car sees all the abuse, winter driving, gravel roads. Basically all the places I won't drive my nice car. And you know what? Not a chip or ding in the finish on the wheels (the hood is a different story though).
I know it's possible to have a nice finish that will last. That was why I'm asking fellow enthusiasts if they've had experience with a good quality finish. If I can't be pointed towards an aftermarket wheel manufacturer that makes a good wheel at a reasonable price that will hold up then I'll investigate powdercoating.

My concern with powdercoating is the material used in the stock rims and their casting process. I know certain wheels can be weakened by the baking process and I don't want to take that risk.

RevC · 08-02-2009, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brocken

Even though BMW doesn't make the wheels it's ultimately their responsibility to ensure the quality of the product that's sold on their car. I'm not trying to knock BMW, I really want to find a way to have nice looking rims that last.

Not all finishes are created equally. My wife's Murano is 3 plus years old and has aluminum wheels that are painted. This car sees all the abuse, winter driving, gravel roads. Basically all the places I won't drive my nice car. And you know what? Not a chip or ding in the finish on the wheels (the hood is a different story though).
I know it's possible to have a nice finish that will last. That was why I'm asking fellow enthusiasts if they've had experience with a good quality finish. If I can't be pointed towards an aftermarket wheel manufacturer that makes a good wheel at a reasonable price that will hold up then I'll investigate powdercoating.

My concern with powdercoating is the material used in the stock rims and their casting process. I know certain wheels can be weakened by the baking process and I don't want to take that risk.

..i think you'll be fine going with a powdercoat, pc'd my stocks..they held up better than my old vmr's..

modbargains · 08-05-2009, 02:15 PM

You're title is a little misleading

I thought you were asking about the quality of different manufacturing processes of wheels.

Anyways, as aleady mentioned above chips and nicks in your wheels finish are inevitable no matter the quality wheel finish.

If you're looking for a great quality wheel over all, I suggest you take a look at ForgeStar wheels; flow form casted, lightweight, and high strength

08-02-2009, 11:05 AM	#1
brocken Captain 34 Rep 616 Posts Drives: X3MC Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (5)	Wheels that will last I'm really disappointed with the finish on the stock rims. I have the e92 335 sport package rims on my E90 and after a year they have plenty of chips in the finish. The wheels themselves don't seem to be damaged, but the crappy paint BMW used isn't holding up well. I'm trying to decide if I should powdercoat them or pick up a new set of rims. For powdercoating, does anybody know if the material used on the BMW rims is safe for the baking process? I know with certain materials used in wheels they lose integrity when reheated. If we're talking rims, what are some good brands/finishes I should look at. Do I really need to look at powdercoated rims? Or are there other finishes available that will last? Thanks in advance!
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08-02-2009, 12:24 PM	#2
longtran Lieutenant General 1434 Rep 16,628 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (105) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	its not bmw's fault. its the company that bmw contract to make the wheels. actually its not their fault either. you're bound to get rock chip regardless. the only way to protect your wheels is to clear bra them. not sure if thats even possible. you can buy the most expensive wheels out there and the wheels will still chip.
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08-02-2009, 12:52 PM	#3
Flea7 Major 112 Rep 1,260 Posts Drives: E92 M3 6MT/F48 X1/F430/F12 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: PNW iTrader: (6) Garage List 2016 X1 [0.00] 2008 E92 M3 [0.00] 2005 Ferrari F430 [0.00] 2014 Ferrari F12 Be ... [10.00]	Paint chips and dings on the finish of your wheels are inevitable, especially here in Seattle. You can have the best, quality finish available......you can't prevent them. Seattle = shitty roads Huge pot holes, uneven pavement, rock and debri on the highways, contruction/gravel trucks on the left lane. ETC. Just plan to refinish your wheels every few years. __________________
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08-02-2009, 12:55 PM	#5
JDLM Banned 73 Rep 3,277 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Sedan Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Kansas iTrader: (4)	Wheels are going to take some road abuse
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08-02-2009, 07:23 PM	#6
brocken Captain 34 Rep 616 Posts Drives: X3MC Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (5)	Even though BMW doesn't make the wheels it's ultimately their responsibility to ensure the quality of the product that's sold on their car. I'm not trying to knock BMW, I really want to find a way to have nice looking rims that last. Not all finishes are created equally. My wife's Murano is 3 plus years old and has aluminum wheels that are painted. This car sees all the abuse, winter driving, gravel roads. Basically all the places I won't drive my nice car. And you know what? Not a chip or ding in the finish on the wheels (the hood is a different story though). I know it's possible to have a nice finish that will last. That was why I'm asking fellow enthusiasts if they've had experience with a good quality finish. If I can't be pointed towards an aftermarket wheel manufacturer that makes a good wheel at a reasonable price that will hold up then I'll investigate powdercoating. My concern with powdercoating is the material used in the stock rims and their casting process. I know certain wheels can be weakened by the baking process and I don't want to take that risk.
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08-05-2009, 02:15 PM	#8
modbargains Brigadier General 171 Rep 3,160 Posts Drives: 08 E90 335i & 01 Toyota Avalon Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: La Habra, CA iTrader: (5)	You're title is a little misleading I thought you were asking about the quality of different manufacturing processes of wheels. Anyways, as aleady mentioned above chips and nicks in your wheels finish are inevitable no matter the quality wheel finish. If you're looking for a great quality wheel over all, I suggest you take a look at ForgeStar wheels; flow form casted, lightweight, and high strength
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