Help identifying wheels

[dknight526]

Hi all, I have a friend who is selling a set of BMW rims and low profile tires, and was wondering if anyone could identify what model they came off of? Here's a picture, I'm trying to get more info on them, and will likely go look at them tomorrow. Thanks!

[shogun]

the pic does not work

[dknight526]

Let me try again.
bmwwheels.PNG

[dknight526]

Well I went ahead and bought the wheels, and now I have another question. Around the outer part of the rim there are white "spider marks". What do I need to do to get rid of them? Can they be polished out? These rims were off of a 2004 330i M3 according to the owner. I didn't see the M3 tag on the inner rim, but I do see the spot where it would have gone. Thanks!

[DennisCooper]

Hi,

Those look like Unbranded replica's of the E46 M3 18 inch wheel. If they are indeed that, then they're low quality in every aspect - alloy material, finishing lacquers, made using the cheapest method of gravity casting.

The seller clearly doesn't know BMW's at all as the 330i is a totally separate model to the M3. There's many owners of BMW's out there who haven't really got much of an idea and will buy cheap, low quality replica/fake wheels.

I just hope you didn't pay much more than perhaps $250-300 tops for these.

If they are indeed genuine wheels, then it's best to send them to a reputable wheel refinishing specialist. The lacquer can be removed and the bare metal polished for a fantastic look, but it's plenty of upkeep and due to the design of these spokes, it'd be fiddly to polish really well. Alternatives are to powder coat the whole wheel for durability. Lastly, if they are replica's, I'd suggest not to spend money on them and instead put the cash you would have spent on refinishing into find a set of genuine wheels.

Cheers, Dennis!

[dknight526]

I did some more digging, and confirmed these did not come off of an M3. They are OEM from a 2004 330Ci (I was able to confirm this by actually seeing the original car with the wheels on it via Google Street view, of all things!). Judging by your estimate on cost, I still got a great deal. I did find a local rim shop, I'll be getting an estimate from them for a refurb. You mentioned the lacquer can be removed. What would that entail? The spokes are in excellent condition, it's just the outside edge of the rims. What would these be worth if they were refurbished? They are just slightly taller than what's on my wife's car right now (R225 vs. R205), and I have a lowering kit installed, which is why I'll probably wind up rehabing the wheels and reselling them.

[DennisCooper]

Hi,

Those wheels were not OEM on the non M E46's, they were an option for M3's only. Looking to see an image of a car on Google streetview with wheels on DOES NOT confirm if those wheels are OEM!!!

Check the back of each wheel, the BMW part number and indentations should be visible and if so, then they're genuine wheels. If they're missing then they're imitation wheels and in my opinion, not really worth spending any money on.

Determine for sure if they're genuine, then look to refinishing them at a quality and reputable specialist if they are is my advice.

Cheers, Dennis!