How to spot fake M5 wheels? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

yankcrime · 5th June 2008, 19:58

So I've been offered a set of 'like new' E39 M5 alloys which the seller claims are genuine from someone he knows at BMW.

Finish-wise they look great, they feel about the same in terms of weight as my current M5 rims, and they're a good price so they're very tempting indeed. However, there is no BMW stamp inside but I'm told by a couple of other people that they aren't always stamped as BMW use various manufacturers.

The seller is a decent chap who seems honest and he says he's no reason to believe they aren't the real thing. He sells quite a few sets of wheels and everyone who he's sold to has been happy.

Any thoughts on this?

badboypolar · 5th June 2008, 20:41

There are two "colors" for the factory M5 wheels. They are Shadow crome paint and crome. Shadow crome is a dark shiny. when you look closely it is a paint. Crome is just that. I've seen knock offs but the crome is not that great or the paint is too shiny. Also I've seen a knock off for the rear. I've only seen the front. So if the rear wheels are the same size as the front then it a knock off.

jclyman · 5th June 2008, 21:51

I don't believe that chrome wheels were ever a FACTORY option. Maybe a dealer installed option.

SeeSure · 5th June 2008, 21:55

I have two full sets and all of them are stamped with BMW on the inside with a serial number.

Check them closely as some of the replicas I've seen have not quite mastered the curve of the OEM on the "tuning fork" look from the centre towards the rim.

stevie sam · 5th June 2008, 22:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeeSure

I have two full sets and all of them are stamped with BMW on the inside with a serial number.

Check them closely as some of the replicas I've seen have not quite mastered the curve of the OEM on the "tuning fork" look from the centre towards the rim.

See sure@ , OT sorry to hijack but how have you found your Dunlop Sp Sport 9000 tyres.will need tyres soon and considering these....?

yankcrime · 5th June 2008, 23:46

SeeSure: In terms of finish and appearance they look spot on. I can't really compare with mine as they've been refurb'd in the past and are now in a sorry state.

I've had one other M5 owner check them out in person and he can't fault them either. I'm sorely tempted, it's just the lack of that stamp that puts me off...

badboypolar · 5th June 2008, 23:53

post a pic of the ones you are looking to buy for us to look.

yankcrime · 5th June 2008, 23:59

Here's a few pics then:

Programmer · 6th June 2008, 00:00

I have never seen fake rims in the original sizes:
8x18" ET20
9,5" ET22
so if the ones offered to You are in those sizes it's good start...

Most fakes are not available with wider rear rims.

As far as I know there should be stamped BMW and an article number on the inside.

Many but not all fakes have the valves (?) placed differently compared to the original. Here is a picture with fake rims that proves just that.

yankcrime · 6th June 2008, 00:12

Those fake ones look totally wrong, like SeeSure says some of the spokes don't have that 'tuning fork' appearance. Again, these look right and have the valve placement where they should be. They're also the right size. Hmmmm!