Rims - How to identify original and spot fakes?

[taariq_ensal]

Hi all,

I'm looking to get the M Performance 20" Style 405M rims for my F32. I'll most likely have to get them second hand, what would I need to look for when going to inspect a set?

Do all OG BMW rims have like the part number stamped into them? And could the reps also just have them stamped anyways...

Any assistance or info on this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[TurboLlew]

Ask Deago for pricing on a set new. It may surprise you.

BMW originals will have a host of markings on them. Reps will generally not (at least not the same factory ones). Unfortunately reps of higher value rims (Splitting hairs perhaps, but these are counterfeit really rather than 'replicas' as we know them) have become quite sophisticated.

Find pics of the rear/barrel and 'inner' barrel (covered by the tyre) of these rims online and familiarise yourself with the locations, fonts and positions of any stamps/numbers/markings. Alot of counterfeit items in general fail badly on the font and spacing as well as where exactly on the wheel it is found. They also don't have the 'inside' print/markings (sometimes it is the manufacturer such as Ronal/Cromodora etc or their 'internal' part number that wouldn't be visible on the rep).

Try your best to meet and test at a tyre shop where you can check the wheels for signs of damage/repair.

 

[///M Individual]

@Salt has original 405Ms and will probably have some knowledge on these wheels specifically as he searched for a while.

 

[msm]

These might be fake, not 100% sure...

 

[NBN]

My 2c: if you’re looking at second-hand mags, first check if they’ve had any repairs done. I’d also ask the seller if they’re cool with you paying to have the wheels checked without tyres on a balancing machine—just to make sure they’re straight and not buckled. If the seller isn't willing to entertain you doing that test, it's usually a sign to walk away.
Do it at your own cost, whether you buy them or not. And honestly, if the price looks way too good, chances are they’re replicas

 

[TBP88]

These might be fake, not 100% sure...

This is what we call OEM+.

 

[msm]

Hi all,

I'm looking to get the M Performance 20" Style 405M rims for my F32. I'll most likely have to get them second hand, what would I need to look for when going to inspect a set?

Do all OG BMW rims have like the part number stamped into them? And could the reps also just have them stamped anyways...

Any assistance or info on this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

Just me R0.02...

Don't categorise all aftermarket wheels as "fake". There are some good quality new alternatives (E.g. Rennzport), if you buy from a reputable place/person.

In my experience, a poorly repaired 2nd hand OEM wheel (covered up nicely in a good paint job to hide the seriousness of major repairs) might not be worth it. If you really want 2nd hand OEM wheels, just make sure it came off a car where you can trust the owner.

 

[Salt]

From my experience...the most likely way to spot rep 405's is the offset. The reps have a more negative offset (the rim sits further out). I had reps on my F30 and there was no need for spacers for example. I've got OEM 405's on the 140...and I could do with some spacers. And then you can also check part numbers inside the rim. The reps cracked in half from a pothole...

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