Anyone ever buy replica wheels?

[LouNYC]

The few wheels I am looking to purchase (40mm offset) are on back order until January 2025. Very frustrating. I was looing at Alibaba and they have TE37 reps. Some say forged.

Does anyone have experience buying these wheels or should I stay clear?

TIA

 

[navindralr]

no way.. that's such a safety issue...

 

[Altitude]

I bought some replicas for a BMW E60 I used to have. They were $650 on eBay and would have been around $2400 if I’d been able to find OEM wheels on resale, from Detroit Wheel & Tire or something.

They never balanced entirely, I always had a highway speed vibration I could not get rid of. I kept them for the duration because they were only for my winter tires. But I did promise myself I’d avoid replicas again.

 

[LouNYC]

Thanks guys. I read the same thing about balancing issues.

 

[Altitude]

I mentioned Detroit Wheel & Tire above, so I’ll link them here. They are a very good source for reconditioned OEM wheels. Prices are higher than you might find on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, but a) they always seem to have what I’m looking for and b) they have a good track record for quality.

www.DetroitWheelandTire.com

 

[D-mac]

You might want to check multiple sources for the TE37s or other JDM wheels you want, some will buy them for stock and already have a place in line with the factory.

 

[bobs619]

I dunno bro. $70k car with rep wheels?

 

[LouNYC]

I dunno bro. $70k car with rep wheels?

Totally agree. After some research, there are more fakes on pricey vehicles than you think. I’m not willing to take a chance since they all have common issues.

 

[Siblue]

Purchased one set of Rota’s many decades ago. Never bothered with replicas since.