OEM vs Aftermarket Wheels

[JDS]

OK, so there are lots of great looking wheels out there, both OEM and aftermarket. My personal preference is for OEM, but I would be interested to see what the differences are... hence this poll.

[m3z]

Te37sl for me

[JDS]

OK, good point. Let's keep this from the perspective of normal, non-track, use.

[GOLFFRR]

I have always seem to go aftermarket, however the OEM wheel selection has gotten really good over the past few gens

[JDS]

Looking forward to seeing how this poll works out.

I have to say I am surprised at the 80/20 split in favor of the aftermarkets, even given the early nature of the voting.

[Blindside_137]

I think the 19" wheels in black are a perfect look on the car. Would be hard pressed finding a more suitable replacement.

Maybe only the Vorsteiner VFF 103

[335iIrish]

The 19" Black wheels on the F80/F82 are the best OEM wheels BMW have ever released IMO. They look amazing on the car. Second would be the 20" M6 OEM 5 spokes a few years ago... they were sweet too.

[JDS]

Closer than I thought, but not in the direction I thought. My assumption was that OEMs would be a preference. Interesting.

[myzmak]

Poll is a bit general and I wanted a 'it depends' answer.

For this specific car, I love the OEM wheels, particularly the 19s. I've looked at many of the aftermarket options that folks have put on and while there are some good looking ones, overall, for summer driving I like the OEMs.

However, different car different story. On our benz wagon my winter tires are these black BE's which are totally killer. Much better than the OEMs. Frankly, I like it when it is winter with that car specifically so I can put on those wheels.

[NorCal f80]

There are very few cars that I like stock wheels on ---- car has to be lowered of course. The F8X is doable for sure. An example is an IS300 those look good on the stock wheels.

[JDS]

Originally Posted by myzmak

Poll is a bit general and I wanted a 'it depends' answer.

For this specific car, I love the OEM wheels, particularly the 19s. I've looked at many of the aftermarket options that folks have put on and while there are some good looking ones, overall, for summer driving I like the OEMs.

However, different car different story. On our benz wagon my winter tires are these black BE's which are totally killer. Much better than the OEMs. Frankly, I like it when it is winter with that car specifically so I can put on those wheels.

I figured to keep the poll options as simple and polarizing as possible. We have all this space to write the "it depends" stuff - as you just exemplified.

[CanAutM3]

The OEM wheels on the F8X are pretty darn good in either 18" or 19" size. Both are forged, fairly light and look very decent IMO.

Now, for those who want to personalize their cars, wheels are probably the most noticeable and easiest place to start.

[JDS]

Agreed. I think the thing for me is not so much that I don't like aftermarket wheels per se, it is more that I find the look "odd" if the BMW logo is not in the middle of the wheels. I have seen some really sharp aftermarkets, but the only look "right" to me when the BMW center cap is installed.

I even said the same thing to my CA this weekend at a BMW customer appreciation event. They had a great Alpina B7 in there - an absolutely fabulous car. However I remember saying, "Can you swap out those Alpina badges and put some "proper" ones on."

[VIBE Motorsports]

The OEM wheels look great, but there are so many good options out there its hard not to like something aftermarket. Not to mention from a performance standpoint, aftermarket usually makes sense.

I do have to admit the F8X wheels look great, especially when lowered and spaced out.

[gxman]

OEM $1.2K. Aftermarket $3.5K+

[JDS]

This has now been very close for a while...
I'm calling this a push

[Vectors2final]

I'm going CCWs, but methinks I'll keep my OEM wheels on the bench.

[MDIVISION]

The only wheels that look a lot better than OEM 19s are the ones that cost $8k for a set. The OEM 19s look very good on is car

[Powaup]

HRE P101>P104>OEM 19s

[Tempe Mendoan]

OEM is perfect but usually base on cost-wise... If money is not an issue, go for good quality and lighter after market. BBS FI for me.

[tom @ eas]

BMW has really set the bar high on the 18" wheels in terms of strength and weight, with little room for improvement.

Most would think it's an aftermarket wheel already.

[FSHNGRY]

IF anything. It would be black M3 GTS wheels. I already have the 19" Black option on my car. But in case I ever wanted to spice things up in the VERY distant future. I prefer "out of the box" look with a few subtle custom touches.