12-29-2011, 11:50 AM | #1 |
Lieutenant Colonel
104
Rep 1,511
Posts |
How durable are OEM rims in winter
I used steel wheels on my current car for winter duty for 6 years then decided to install Nokian WR on the aluminum wheels.
One winter completely ruined the aluminum wheels... How do the BMW aluminum wheels hold up with winter salt/snow if I choose to install winter rubber on the OEM wheels? tx |
12-29-2011, 12:55 PM | #2 |
Captain Unsensible
99
Rep 737
Posts
Drives: 2016 M240i Coupe - Estoril
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: United Kingdom
|
They are fine.. as long as you keep them clean and look after them, like anything.
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-29-2011, 02:15 PM | #3 |
Second Lieutenant
18
Rep 274
Posts |
I have the 309's and I had a front wheel crack. I'm not sure how it happened but my low tire pressure alarm went off and I brought the car to the tire shop to patch the tire. Turned out the wheel was cracked! I can't recall any rough driving / running anything over... There were marks on the inside of the wheel that looked like I rubbed a curb.
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-29-2011, 02:47 PM | #4 |
Lieutenant Colonel
104
Rep 1,511
Posts |
paul386,
I was wondering about how the OEM rims held up from an aesthetic perspective not structural . It sounds like you have a dud wheel. Do OEM rims have a clear coat that'll survive winter sand and salt? |
Appreciate
0
|
12-29-2011, 03:13 PM | #5 | |
Second Lieutenant
18
Rep 274
Posts |
Quote:
However, without knowing definitely, I would be fairly certain they are anodize or have some other robust surface coating. Anodizing is a chemical process compared to simply a surface coating like paint / clear coat would be. Aluminum rims are fairly soft / fragile and would eventually develop corrosion without a surface coating. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-29-2011, 07:53 PM | #6 |
Colonel
2001
Rep 2,148
Posts
Drives: i5 eDr40, G80 and F80
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Chicago
|
I had zero finish issues when I had blizaaks mounted on my stock 2007 328i wheels during three tough Iowa winters. I have not put snows on my X3 to date as I picked up all wheel drive with this vehicle. I will likely add snows when the treads deteriorate a bit. No issues with stock BMW wheels during harsh Midwestern winters.
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-29-2011, 08:11 PM | #7 | |
Lieutenant Colonel
104
Rep 1,511
Posts |
Thanks ando, that's the feedback I was looking for.
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-30-2011, 10:58 AM | #8 |
Lieutenant General
417
Rep 12,276
Posts |
Wow, what a thread of misinformation.
BMW wheels are alloy construction (but NOT aluminum). They are painted with the metallic silver, topped with a durable clear coat. They will survive the winter just fine if you CLEAN them regularly. It is best to seal them pre-winter with at least two coats of good wax or sealant, and then keep them clean as much as possible.
__________________
I think it is bad luck to be superstitious |
Appreciate
0
|
12-30-2011, 06:07 PM | #10 | |
Second Lieutenant
18
Rep 274
Posts |
Quote:
I don't have much experience with cast aluminum but I work with wrought aluminum a lot... I have actually made wheels out of 6061 and 7075. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|