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[Zero.7]

Hey everyone. Just when you thought you knew everything about replica/fake wheels....here is something I've not seen yet. Just wanted to get your opinions on this one.

Situation: Looking for a set of OEM performance 313s (19s). Found a set for sale locally. The seller states 100% authentic OEM BMW 313 wheels. I used to own a set of OEM 269s but sold them with my e92, so I thought I can tell pretty well the finish of OEM versus fake/replicas. I also researched online for this similar topic to get advice from similar threads.

So I get to the meeting location and check out the wheels. Initial impressions were that they looked really good; finish on the wheels looked OEM AND they also felt like OEM wheels...hard to explain, but I've seen and felt replica wheels and they just look and feel different. Usually easy to spot.

Next, I turned the wheels around and looked on the insides. Each wheel had these inscriptions engraved on the insides:
1. BBS
2. BMW
3. Germany
4. Serial numbers
5. Size of the wheels

I remember to look for these inscriptions to differentiate replicas from the OEM ones. So, I thought, these seem pretty legit. Owner said they came off a 335is.

So, I did the deal. Feeling pretty happy driving home. BUT here is why I posted. Get home and start to wash and clean the wheels. And low and behold....NO "performance bmw" black inscription on the outside of the wheels. I remember my 269s had these inscription. I was so pissed that I forgot to look for those inscriptions!!! Felt like a dumbarse

I immediately called the guy and he assured me that they are 100% OEM and that he doesn't know why these didn't have the inscriptions. He even told me to bring it into a BMW dealership and run the serial numbers and if they are fake, that he would refund my money right away. I felt a little better that he stands behind them. It was already late so I didn't have a chance to call the parts department. I did call a friend of mine who used to work in the parts department at BMW for seven years. She really knows her stuff. She said that replicas almost never have "BMW" and/or "BBS" inscribed on the inside. Doesn't mean they can't, but she said it's unusual. I guess I have to wait until Monday to call the serial numbers in. I guess I can always return them if they are not real, but they look so damn good. I washed them and the surface is really smooth with and they just look OEM....right combination of sheen and matte to the color (if that makes any sense).

On a side note, I remember ordering OEM wheels for my e46 from a BMW dealership, and the insides didn't even say Germany....but said Italy. So not sure if the words Germany means authenticity or not.

Sorry for the long rant. Would love to get your feedback on this situation. Much appreciated.

[EDM92]

Who cares if they're replicas? lol. You like them and no one would ever tell the difference. Now replica CCWs or BBS LMs that are fake with real center caps and such, that's a problem.

[Zero.7]

Originally Posted by EDM92

Who cares if they're replicas? lol. You like them and no one would ever tell the difference. Now replica CCWs or BBS LMs that are fake with real center caps and such, that's a problem.

U r correct in that I don't really care about whether there is that BMW performance inscription. But, when u pay for OEM, u want OEM. Otherwise, u can get brand new replicas for the same or likely even less.

[stupordave]

The 313s that came on the IS don't have the performance lettering on the outside. Just an "m" emblem.

[Zero.7]

Originally Posted by stupordave

The 313s that came on the IS don't have the performance lettering on the outside. Just an "m" emblem.

Thank you!!! That is really what I was wondering. I just assumed they all did. They all have the m emblem. Again everything just looked OEM, just without the performance lettering. If what u said is true, and I am assuming u do know this for a fact, I really appreciate the info. Thanks again

[Zero.7]

Should've searched first....but after reading what stupordave wrote, I searched a bit more. Just in case others are wondering, from another forum:

"On the 335is, the optional 19" style 313 wheels come with a ///M badge on them, but the 18" wheels don't, and they also don't say "BMW Performance" on them either. Someone somewhere posted that the 19" style 313 with the ///M badge were lighter than the 18" style 313.

Note that the OP in that thread that supplied the picture of his new 18" 313s is from Norway. Europe gets different stuff than we do. The style 313 are available in the US only on the 335is, although you can buy them separately. In Europe, we saw a 335i in a dealer showroom that had optional 313s on it, although I don't remember them saying "BMW Performance" on them"

And from another 335is owner:

"They are the same wheesl. The ones on 335is does not have the BMW Performance lettering. Style 313 wheels from the BMW parts department are the only ones with the BMW Performance lettering".

[EDM92]

Glad it worked out for you!

[Zero.7]

Originally Posted by EDM92

Glad it worked out for you!

Thanx. Will post pics soon.