Are OEM wheels stronger than aftermarket?

kamek · 06-07-2011, 11:41 AM

UPDATE Here's a more specific question: Let's say we're comparing 19" cast wheels: OEM style 230's (manufactured by BBS) and BBS CH's. Would durability be comparable with both wheels running identical tire profiles?

NOTE: I am NOT asking for a lecture on cast vs. forged wheels. I am simply comparing OEM cast to aftermarket cast, etc.

Is it just me, or are OEM wheels stronger than aftermarket? I've never seen anything about bent or cracked OEM wheels, even if they're cast, but I see plenty of bent or cracked aftermarket wheels.

I'm asking because I'm currently on the market for a new set of 19's. As much as I'd like to get a set of aftermarket wheels, something has me leaning towards going OEM.

Anyone know?

MassBimmer · 06-07-2011, 11:43 AM

That's an increadibly vague question that can't be answered unless put into context. OEM wheels are low-pressure cast. There are many aftermarket wheels that are forged or semi-forged and thus stronger than any OEM cast wheel. In a nutshell, some aftermarkets are stronger and others are not.

flip4335 · 06-07-2011, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MassBimmer

That's an increadibly vague question that can't be answered unless put into context. OEM wheels are low-pressure cast. There are many aftermarket wheels that are forged or semi-forged and thus stronger than any OEM cast wheel. In a nutshell, some aftermarkets are stronger and others are not.

Nice....vague answer to a vague question.

OP, do your research on what makes a strong wheel, then go online to find that particular type of wheel that suits your taste and fits your vehicle.

'Nuff said...

Oh, yeah...then buy it.

MassBimmer · 06-07-2011, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flip4335

Nice....vague answer to a vague question.

OP, do your research on what makes a strong wheel, then go online to find that particular type of wheel that suits your taste and fits your vehicle.

'Nuff said...

Oh, yeah...then buy it.

lol, tough question to answer any other way

Tee212 · 06-07-2011, 01:18 PM

We "normally" dont see bent/crack OEM wheels mainly because:

-they are smaller in diameter so the norm is to use a larger tire profile
-sometimes ppl opt to run a larger profile due to comfort
-majority of the cracked wheels are reps
-we dont normally buy a equal or smaller sized diameter after market wheel, meaning the chances of a lower profile tire will be used...more stress.
-ppl normally dont track with OEM wheels

MazdaFan · 06-07-2011, 01:35 PM

I believe OEM wheels are stronger because they are designed for runflat tires, so they absorb larger loads comparing to regular rims. Runflats do not provide the same cusion as a regular tire.

flip4335 · 06-07-2011, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MassBimmer

lol, tough question to answer any other way

MassBimmer,

You answered him correctly.

I was just trying to amplify what you said, brudda.

Javier · 06-07-2011, 05:05 PM

I went aftermarket because i bent/cracked my OEM wheels on two different occasions...
Oem where 18 aftermarket are 19
The aftermarket are currently bent/cracked but i know the oems wouldnt have survived that pothole either...

mike-y · 06-07-2011, 05:49 PM

Typically, oem wheels are stronger than most aftermarket wheels, but they are also much heavier, as they get a lot of their strength from having more mass.

but you can still get a strong aftermarket wheel. Sometimes you can get paperwork on aftermarket wheels that shows how they were tested for strength, and what forces they were tested to.

D335NUTZ · 06-07-2011, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MazdaFan

I believe OEM wheels are stronger because they are designed for runflat tires, so they absorb larger loads comparing to regular rims. Runflats do not provide the same cusion as a regular tire.

Lawls

kamek · 06-07-2011, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MassBimmer

That's an increadibly vague question that can't be answered unless put into context. OEM wheels are low-pressure cast. There are many aftermarket wheels that are forged or semi-forged and thus stronger than any OEM cast wheel. In a nutshell, some aftermarkets are stronger and others are not.

You're right -- it was vague. Let me try to clarify:

Let's say we're comparing 19" cast wheels: OEM style 230's (manufactured by BBS) and BBS CH's. Would durability be comparable with both wheels running identical tire profiles?

Quote:

Originally Posted by flip4335

Nice....vague answer to a vague question.

OP, do your research on what makes a strong wheel, then go online to find that particular type of wheel that suits your taste and fits your vehicle.

'Nuff said...

Oh, yeah...then buy it.

I know what makes a "strong wheel" strong. I was running a set of Work VS-XX last year because they have forged barrels and cast centers, which most other companies (DPE, HRE, etc) have the opposite. I would think forged barrels (to take the hits) and cast centers (to absorb the shock) would make more sense, no?

What I'm looking for is a durable cast 19" wheel because I can't afford forged wheels in that size. I was toying with the idea of stepping it down to 18's and running 40 and 35 profile tires for more protection, but I don't feel the car looks right with 18's unless slammed -- which I can't do with my daily!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Javier

I went aftermarket because i bent/cracked my OEM wheels on two different occasions...
Oem where 18 aftermarket are 19
The aftermarket are currently bent/cracked but i know the oems wouldnt have survived that pothole either...

lol damn!

kamek · 06-07-2011, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike-y

Typically, oem wheels are stronger than most aftermarket wheels, but they are also much heavier, as they get a lot of their strength from having more mass.

but you can still get a strong aftermarket wheel. Sometimes you can get paperwork on aftermarket wheels that shows how they were tested for strength, and what forces they were tested to.

This makes sense. More mass = more durability.

fdriller9 · 06-07-2011, 09:06 PM

I've bent a 159...I wish I had a picture. I was on oem runflats and the wheels couldn't hold air it was bent so badly.

Yupp, it was a massive pothole....

kamek · 06-07-2011, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *********

I've bent a 159...I wish I had a picture. I was on oem runflats and the wheels couldn't hold air it was bent so badly.

Yupp, it was a massive pothole....

A massive pothole would bend a forged wheel too. I'm talking about a daily driving routine. The reason I'm concerned is because I live in Queens, NY, and if you drove on these roads then you'd understand!! lol

Rafstar · 06-07-2011, 09:31 PM

ive bent oem 18 inch wheels

Rafstar · 06-07-2011, 09:31 PM

and got a bubble on my front tire on my new car with 900km

ShowTime12 · 06-07-2011, 09:54 PM

I hit about 50 huge potholes with my 162 style OEM wheels. Held up like champs. Now I have OEM 19" 359M. Hopefully they hold up just as good.

tibra1 · 06-07-2011, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamek

Is it just me, or are OEM wheels stronger than aftermarket? I've never seen anything about bent or cracked OEM wheels, even if they're cast, but I see plenty of bent or cracked aftermarket wheels.

I'm asking because I'm currently on the market for a new set of 19's. As much as I'd like to get a set of aftermarket wheels, something has me leaning towards going OEM.

Anyone know?

I would think the casting alone of OEM wheels would be superior to say a made in china wheel.

kamek · 06-08-2011, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShowTime12

I hit about 50 huge potholes with my 162 style OEM wheels. Held up like champs. Now I have OEM 19" 359M. Hopefully they hold up just as good.

See, this is what I'm talking about!

Quote:

Originally Posted by tibra1

I would think the casting alone of OEM wheels would be superior to say a made in china wheel.

Please refer to what I stated above in my clarification post.

remmib · 06-08-2011, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike-y

Typically, oem wheels are stronger than most aftermarket wheels, but they are also much heavier, as they get a lot of their strength from having more mass.

but you can still get a strong aftermarket wheel. Sometimes you can get paperwork on aftermarket wheels that shows how they were tested for strength, and what forces they were tested to.

I think there's some truth to this.

Gary@TireRack · 06-08-2011, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MazdaFan

...because they are designed for runflat tires, so they absorb larger loads comparing to regular rims....

This isn't true.

tolkino · 06-08-2011, 07:46 AM

bent all 4 of the 18" oem rims.. you will find many style 225m, 230, and some other oem 19" crack after usage with runflat tires.

06-07-2011, 11:41 AM	#1
kamek Brigadier General 358 Rep 3,447 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Queens, NY iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 BMW 328xi [8.20]	Are OEM wheels stronger than aftermarket? UPDATE Here's a more specific question: Let's say we're comparing 19" cast wheels: OEM style 230's (manufactured by BBS) and BBS CH's. Would durability be comparable with both wheels running identical tire profiles? NOTE: I am NOT asking for a lecture on cast vs. forged wheels. I am simply comparing OEM cast to aftermarket cast, etc. Is it just me, or are OEM wheels stronger than aftermarket? I've never seen anything about bent or cracked OEM wheels, even if they're cast, but I see plenty of bent or cracked aftermarket wheels. I'm asking because I'm currently on the market for a new set of 19's. As much as I'd like to get a set of aftermarket wheels, something has me leaning towards going OEM. Anyone know? Last edited by kamek; 06-08-2011 at 10:34 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

06-07-2011, 11:43 AM	#2
MassBimmer Major General 307 Rep 7,433 Posts Drives: 2023 i4 M50 Join Date: May 2009 Location: MA iTrader: (6) Garage List 2009 BMW [9.24]	That's an increadibly vague question that can't be answered unless put into context. OEM wheels are low-pressure cast. There are many aftermarket wheels that are forged or semi-forged and thus stronger than any OEM cast wheel. In a nutshell, some aftermarkets are stronger and others are not.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-07-2011, 01:18 PM	#5
Tee212 Banned 81 Rep 4,541 Posts Drives: yes Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Riverside iTrader: (9) Garage List 2010 335 [8.00]	We "normally" dont see bent/crack OEM wheels mainly because: -they are smaller in diameter so the norm is to use a larger tire profile -sometimes ppl opt to run a larger profile due to comfort -majority of the cracked wheels are reps -we dont normally buy a equal or smaller sized diameter after market wheel, meaning the chances of a lower profile tire will be used...more stress. -ppl normally dont track with OEM wheels
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-07-2011, 01:35 PM	#6
MazdaFan First Lieutenant 11 Rep 331 Posts Drives: 2014 X1 xDrive 28i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	I believe OEM wheels are stronger because they are designed for runflat tires, so they absorb larger loads comparing to regular rims. Runflats do not provide the same cusion as a regular tire.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-07-2011, 05:05 PM	#8
Javier Major 80 Rep 1,109 Posts Drives: 335i E92 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Puerto Rico iTrader: (0)	I went aftermarket because i bent/cracked my OEM wheels on two different occasions... Oem where 18 aftermarket are 19 The aftermarket are currently bent/cracked but i know the oems wouldnt have survived that pothole either... __________________ 2007 328i Crimson Red SOLD 2010 335i MSport AW E92
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-07-2011, 05:49 PM	#9
mike-y just another bmw douche bag 195 Rep 3,640 Posts Drives: 1.9L of fury Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (4)	Typically, oem wheels are stronger than most aftermarket wheels, but they are also much heavier, as they get a lot of their strength from having more mass. but you can still get a strong aftermarket wheel. Sometimes you can get paperwork on aftermarket wheels that shows how they were tested for strength, and what forces they were tested to.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-07-2011, 09:06 PM	#13
fdriller9 Banned 253 Rep 7,089 Posts Drives: '06 AW 330xi Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North Jersey/Philly/NYC iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330xi [6.44]	I've bent a 159...I wish I had a picture. I was on oem runflats and the wheels couldn't hold air it was bent so badly. Yupp, it was a massive pothole....
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-07-2011, 09:31 PM	#15
Rafstar Captain 91 Rep 776 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Montreal iTrader: (15)	ive bent oem 18 inch wheels __________________ E92 M3 Clubsport JRZ \| TE37SL \| AR1\| Stoptech BBK (ST60/40) \| Recaro SPG XL + Schroth 6 point \| Raven Roll Cage \| \| Alex Alpine Tune \| Turner Test Pipes \| AFE Carbon Intake \| Bimmerworld Solid Bushings and more...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-07-2011, 09:54 PM	#17
ShowTime12 First Lieutenant 31 Rep 313 Posts Drives: AW M4 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	I hit about 50 huge potholes with my 162 style OEM wheels. Held up like champs. Now I have OEM 19" 359M. Hopefully they hold up just as good.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-08-2011, 07:46 AM	#22
tolkino Captain 47 Rep 821 Posts Drives: '09 BSM E92 328i xDrive Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (1)	bent all 4 of the 18" oem rims.. you will find many style 225m, 230, and some other oem 19" crack after usage with runflat tires.
	Appreciate 0 Quote