M-Parallel replicas

[KOTULCN]

I have searched the forum, and read the reviews for AAA rims or FM rims, I want a set of 17" rims, but havent had any luck finding any replica M- Parallels, so 18's it will be.I just want to get some newer feedback on places to look for these rims. I plan on getting 18x8's and hoping they fit. Any feedback will be appreciated!

[toolfan]

wheelexchange.com

[KOTULCN]

they only list the parallels for 7 and 5 series ?!

[supark]

hmm - I believe AAA rims may be your only choice for 3-series. Unfortunately I recall that another forum member "Beamin" had some very bad experiences with them.

[ElSupremo]

I'd like to find out, also. Umnitza had an ad in the GB awhile back for some 19" M-Par reps, but they don't list them on their website.

[Poke2120]

Do NOT buy the M-Parallel replicas from Ebay. The best place for them is Rim Pro.

[pelos]

i would recommend that you make sure they are made in italy.

[Poke2120]

i would recommend that you make sure they are made in italy.

I heard the total opposite from RimPro when my friend ordered his replicas from them. Most of the replica Parallels on Ebay are made in Italy and are none to shatter instead of bending. That is totally unsafe. Go Chinese or American.

[pelos]

that doesn't sound right to me. I heard the opposite, get the ones made in italy, not china. I don't have any experience, with the chinese or american ones myself, and my car came with the italian made ones already on the car, so i only have experience with the ones i have that are made in italy and they certainly do not shatter. they are a very well made wheel and I've had the car over a year and a half with no problems.

[KOTULCN]

that doesn't sound right to me. I heard the opposite, get the ones made in italy, not china. I don't have any experience, with the chinese or american ones myself, and my car came with the italian made ones already on the car, so i only have experience with the ones i have that are made in italy and they certainly do not shatter. they are a very well made wheel and I've had the car over a year and a half with no problems.


where did the wheels on your car come from, like where where they purchased?

[pelos]

not sure, they were on the car when i bought them, take a look at this thread. someone recommends fm alloys for italian made replicas.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5544119#post5544119


where did the wheels on your car come from, like where where they purchased?[/QUOTE]

[twhlax3]

i was told to go with chinese replicas, as italian rims were said to be more prone to bending and breaking, although another concern with the replicas is deterioration of the finish on the wheel, which happens often. i have enjoyed mine and they look awesome, definitely fit the lines of the e36.

[pelos]

did the company that you bought them from tell you to get the chinese ones? my italian ones have none of the things you mentioned. the finish is excellent. maybe there are more manufactures than one. maybe some are good and some are bad.

[NLR]

I would highly recommend Lakeshore (AAA) M Parallel replicas. I am extremely pleased with mine and can attest to the structural integrity of these wheels.

Check out this thread that I posted not too long ago after smacking a median...

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=469514

[EEEEeeee36]

I would highly recommend Lakeshore (AAA) M Parallel replicas. I am extremely pleased with mine and can attest to the structural integrity of these wheels.

Check out this thread that I posted not too long ago after smacking a median...

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=469514
From one of Lakeshore Wheels recent auctions:

"CASTED IN ITALY BY ONE OF THE TOP WHEEL MANUFACTURERS IN THE WORLD TO EXACTING BMW SPECIFICATIONS. "

A lot of the wheel factories in Europe do sublet manufacturing for off-brands and even major brands. BBS manufactures for a very large amount of major brands of wheels. Mille Miglia also. If the wheels meet TUV specifications (which are stricter than SAE) than they should be good for anything you'd dish out on the street. When I contacted Lakeshore about their M5 replicas they said all of their rims are TUV rated.

[EEEEeeee36]

From one of Lakeshore Wheels recent auctions:

"CASTED IN ITALY BY ONE OF THE TOP WHEEL MANUFACTURERS IN THE WORLD TO EXACTING BMW SPECIFICATIONS. "

A lot of the wheel factories in Europe do sublet manufacturing for off-brands and even major brands. BBS manufactures for a very large amount of major brands of wheels. Mille Miglia also. If the wheels meet TUV specifications (which are stricter than SAE) than they should be good for anything you'd dish out on the street. When I contacted Lakeshore about their M5 replicas they said all of their rims are TUV rated.
That being said, I don't think I would buy rims from them. I personally like the quality of the wheelexchange rims and would go there instead. Also, they have a HUGE gallery of BMW rides with their rims so you can tell that they have a nice large fan base! :D

EDIT: I like thewheelexchange over LTW because the brand of replica they use is FM and I recognize them as a quality brand that is carried by several nationwide wheel and tire retailers. I have had no personal experience with LTW or thewheelexchange. Just wanted to clarify that because it came under question in a 'sister' thread. :D

[twhlax3]

the company i bought my rims from is based in cali, and they advertise in a few bmw magazines, but i dont recall their name. they advised me to go with chinese reps as italians are noted to crack and bend easily.

[pelos]

I don't have any experience with the chinese ones, so i couldn't say. I for one would rather buy something made in italy over china anyday. Anyone else have either the chinese or italian made ones, that can chime in?