How to tell if wheels are legit OEM?

Redshift · 13th January 2004, 21:39

Found a local guy selling a full set of four OEM M5 wheels (or so he thinks) with tires. When I go to check them out, how can I tell if they are legit or some knock-off wheels? Don't want to pay for them if they are not OEM.

Thanks.

DrewT · 13th January 2004, 21:50

sounds suspicious, where did he get the wheels? who makes oem bmw wheels? it used to be bbs but I am not sure anymore, call tirerack and ask.

Redshift · 13th January 2004, 21:52

From a friend who owned an M5 and bought aftermarket wheels, then was involved in an accident. That's what he said anyway. What makes me suspicious is that he's asking $1000 for all four wheels with tires that have "less than 10,000 miles on them".

GreekM5 · 13th January 2004, 22:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redshift

From a friend who owned an M5 and bought aftermarket wheels, then was involved in an accident. That's what he said anyway. What makes me suspicious is that he's asking $1000 for all four wheels with tires that have "less than 10,000 miles on them".

Compared to photos that I have seen, the OEMs have the little "///M" emblem on the rim, whereas the knock offs usually don't. That is not a fool-proof method, but just one to add to the list.

There must be a part number listed somewhere. Call BMW and find out.

-Keith

mottati · 13th January 2004, 23:30

i think the better 'replica' m5 wheels also have the little indentation for the "//M" emblem. I do not think they are the same width however. I thought the replicas were non-staggered..., maybe compare the finish to your wheels, i'd bet it's slightly different than bmw's method of painting the wheels.

tsaros · 13th January 2004, 23:49

Im guessing that the weight of the rims would differ as well.
Most likley the OEM rims would be the lighter ones.

LSU1981 · 13th January 2004, 23:50

I'd guess that the knockoffs are significantly heavier so in addition to the other suggestions - I guess you could weigh one of your cars's front and rear wheels with tire; then weigh the suspect wheel/tire combos. If the weight is significantly different .....

Redshift · 13th January 2004, 23:52

All good suggestions, however I don't really have a way to bring a scale with me to the inspection point (a parking lot at a mall).

I was hoping for some markings that I could look for on the back of the wheel perhaps.

If these end up being legit and I buy them, I'll put the fronts (and my fronts) up for sale as a full set or as two sets of two.

Jim Dolan · 14th January 2004, 00:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsaros

Im guessing that the weight of the rims would differ as well.
Most likley the OEM rims would be the lighter ones.

Checked out your touring. We owned the same car until a year ago. Great photos of a great car.

RRoberts · 14th January 2004, 01:18

OEM Wheels have numbers cast/stamped into the inside of the center section. These may be the same as the BMW part numbers, which you can get from the dealer or possibly online (you may want the German part numbers, usually different from the U.S. part numbers). A 3 year old Bekkers catalog shows 368018 as the part number for the original 8 x 18 front wheel, and 369518 as the part number for the original 9.5 x 18 rear wheel. At best, these are partial BMW part numbers. Bekkers might be able to give you the full part numbers, and/or the identifying marks on the inside of the wheel if they are in a good mood. I'd offer to pull off the wheels and check, but it's really cold outside.

Note that some of the "Chinese copies" of the OEM wheels are made in different dimensions - such as 8.5 in. width or even different diameter - so make sure that you check the dimensions. The presence of OEM tires (Dunlop 8080E or Michelin Pilot Sport) in the correct sizes would be a positive indication.

Beware that you are not dealing with the Midnight Auto Supply boys.

Regards, Dick Roberts