Tips for buying used rims

[Vince320]

Hi Everyone

I am a new Bmw owner and would like to replace my rims. I have an E46 320d 2005. I'm thinking of getting 17" or 18". Brand new rims are quite pricy so I'm looking at used rims. I' am only interested in BMW or Schnitzer rims.

Can you guys give me some tips on what to look out for when buying the rims so that I don't end up with problems in handling, rubbing etc. I don't want to alter the suspension.

Basically, how will I know that the rims I'm buying don't have any inherent problems?

[wavewuver]

BMW alloy wheels can be bent if you hit a curb or good size pothole. The inside and outside lips are commonn areas. These can usually be straightened by a shop that does this type of repair. Cost will be $50-75 per wheel. I've had several wheels repaired like this and they are fine afterwards.

Watch out for curb rash. I guess some drivers drive too close to curbs and scrape the outer edge of the rims. If you are particular about the appearance of your wheels, a total refinish may be needed. Never had this done and I always avoid buying a wheel with extensive curb rash. I have refinished the lips using spray touch up paint and they came out great.

Ask for pic's front and back of each wheel and look for bends along the outer edge.

Ask for high resolution pic's of the fronts and you should be able to see all of the nicks and blemish's that are there. You won't be surprised if you are buying them online.

Plenty of pic's is the bottom line.

Shipping rims coast to coast should be less than $100. Don't let someone inflate the price by boosting their shipping.

New tires have around 10/32" of tread. The wear bars are set at about 8/32". If you are buying tires with the rims, ask the seller to measure remaining tread depth.

Certain rims are very popular. These days, 16" rims are the smallest most people want. The popular sizes are really 17-18". It's hard to give away 15' wheels.

I would stay away from wheels with cracks in them.......

For 3 series cars, popular rim style are the Contours, and Cross Spoke (style 42). Style 54's are not very popular. Style 32's are outstanding if you can find them. Style 30's used to be in heavy demand, but these days, not so much.

Good luck.

[Vince320]

Thanks wavewuver

appreciate the help.