Believe me, I didn't come to my own opinion about replicas based on this one thread either...there's plenty on that same forum and other bmw forums about replicas that can/should be researched. If you are considering running replicas, you should take the time to understand the purchase you are going to make, especially with something as vital as wheels.

Additionally, not all replicas are created equally. I usually err on the side of paranoia, so I am going to stay away from them all together.

05 3 series wheel fitment hre's, needed 1 inch spacer to get them to sit out enough



http://i34.tinypic.com/2u54xl0.jpg

nonsense... its a cast alloy wheel... and it will not fail on you. period..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/18-ST...mZ290263175527

any post from a bmw board should be taken with a grain of salt . period. lol

I'm certainly not knocking all aftermarket wheels...what I'm referring to when I say "replica" is not just any aftermarket wheel that will fit a BMW, but wheels that are actually listed as "BMW Replica" or "BMW Style" wheels that are intended to clone the OEMs

Here is an example:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/pts/853657849.html

These wheels are copies of the OEMs, but do not carry the mfr numbering on the back of the spokes and rim. Some are fine I'm sure but the quality will vary.