BMW rims fragile?

[Andy328is]

I have the Style 157 5-spoke stock 17" rims on my Coupe. I've been getting a vibration in the wheel at most speeds. I had the tires balanced, a wheel alignment (my local wrench), but I still feel the vibrations (not Good vibrations)!

I took the car to the dealer, to see what's going on (maybe the tires needed high speed balancing, a dealer alignment, etc). They called me and said not one, but ALL 4 rims are bent, and need straightening.

Are these rims super fragile? I've never bent 4 rims before!? :eek:

[David2000]

I'm going through the same thing. Last year I purchased a 650 and felt a shake start. I needed tires so replaced them, shake still there. I was told the rims are bent. I had a hipressure balancing and the vibration went away but is coming back. What did you end up doing? Straighten or purchase new rims? Any help would be appreciated! Thanks.

[Andy328is]

I just bought refurb rims. BMW wanted over $600 to straighten my wheels, and the finish on them isn't great (thanks previous owner).

So, I scored some nice refurb wheels - and will have the dealer do the swap.

If your original rims are in mint shape looks-wise, it may pay to have them straightened by someone. Otherwise, get different rims.

[mickeylex]

I'm going through the same thing. Last year I purchased a 650 and felt a shake start. I needed tires so replaced them, shake still there. I was told the rims are bent. I had a hipressure balancing and the vibration went away but is coming back. What did you end up doing? Straighten or purchase new rims? Any help would be appreciated! Thanks.

Try another shop for balancing. Not all balancing is the same and if their balancing machine isn't kept maintained, it may show your wheel balanced, but it may actually not be. With BMW cars, if it's off by even 0.5oz on the balancing, you'll feel it. It's cheaper to get a second balancing ($40-$60 for the set of wheels) vs. going forward with wheel replacement right away.

[bcain79]

With the dealer saying they're bent, maybe they are. Have you owned the car for awhile and it just started doing it?

I'm assuming your ball joints and strut bars are fine...

Lastly, no BMW rims are not fragile but wear and tear makes them acceptable to damage more easily.

[ddsski]

Blame it on the ultra low profile rubber we all demand (or some of us, not me). Anything less than a 40 series tire is COMPLETELY unnecessary for street use IMHO.