Alloys?

TitanTim · Post by **TitanTim** » Tue 17 Mar, 2009 16:37

Hi all,

I think I'm going too take the plunge and replace the alloys on my Zed soon which are these...............

I love these wheels on the Zed so the plan is to get them off the car and sent off to be properly refurbished and will keep them as a second set. I had thought of buying a new set which Maurice off here kindly got me a price off his BMW dealer at £214 inc VAT each.

I had pretty much decided to go for the 19 inch Cruize alloys from DP Motorsport but after alot of thought I'm thinking they just look a tad too large. I still can't decide between 17" which I currently have or go upto 18", I'm erring on keeping to 17"

Anyways I have seen these Team Dynamics in keeping roughly in the same style thats already on the Zed £444 for 4 plus the tyres which if I went for Michelins are £108 each so looking not far off £900. It would cost me near enough that for just the alloys if I went for replacement BMW wheels.

http://www.alloywheels.com/product.asp? ... rchSize=17"

I don't know alot about Team Dynamic alloys so any feedback as to whether they are any good would be appreciated, I remember when I had my Cooper S , Team Dynamics seem to be all the rage with owners so can't be that bad lol.

Cheers,

Tim.

Z3_TJK · Post by **Z3_TJK** » Tue 17 Mar, 2009 17:22

I had team dynamics wheels on my MR2 Roadster. They were incredibly light, so much so, the larger 17" Dynamics wheels weighed the same as the stock 15" wheels they replaced.

AW8 · Post by **AW8** » Tue 17 Mar, 2009 17:57

Personally I like the style 78's on yours but I am a bit of an OE saddo with my current bmw.

If being without car is the issue these guys come to you with oven in back of van http://www.wickedwheels.co.uk/mobile_refurbishment.html

Failing that spit and polish in kent will do them in a day if you leave car with them early and collect late.

Obviously if you want bigger then ignore me, (after all I'm just the annoying newb without a Z3 yet

), I just think your car looks stunning as it is.

Gazza · Post by **Gazza** » Tue 17 Mar, 2009 18:01

I think those are the same as Justintime has.

skinny · Post by **skinny** » Tue 17 Mar, 2009 18:46

18" with standard suspension, 19" if lowered otherwise it looks like a 4X4

Mouldy · Post by **Mouldy** » Tue 17 Mar, 2009 18:58

Just a suggestion, but have you considerd having your current wheels powder coated, say graphite grey and having the faces of the spokes and rims diamond cut before a final clear powder coat?

They would definately look good, suit the car and save a shedload of cash, too.

pangster · Post by **pangster** » Tue 17 Mar, 2009 19:16

I prefer the stock rims TBH! - suits your car very well!

TitanTim · Post by **TitanTim** » Tue 17 Mar, 2009 20:07

Thanks for the replies everyone

much appreciated. I have looked at so many wheels the past few days the old eyes are going square

AW8 thanks alot for the link for Wicked Wheels

Has anyone used these people? I have looked at a local firm who do wheel refurbishment and they acid bath the wheels etc and powdercoat them and oven bake them etc, surely these mobile services can't be as good? I'm starting too think I might give Wicked Wheels a try, nothing too lose and if they don't come out 100% I can still change them further down the line. Don't feel confident leaving the Zed with someone for a couple of days.

The alloys aren't terrible and still look respectible, however the both rears has been kerbed and repaired in the past sometime which is only noticeable if you look hard and close. One of the front wheels is starting to bubble on the inside edge of the spoke so I would rather get them done than leave them too fester.

Anyone reckon its worth a shot with these people, £65 per wheel if I have all four done or do you think I would be wasting my money?

Cheers,

Tim.

AW8 · Post by **AW8** » Tue 17 Mar, 2009 20:57

I've never used them but considered doing so on our old MX-5. I spoke to them and they talked me trough the process they dont acid strip iirc ands when I said I had lifting primer they said in worst case scenario they could put car on stands, remove wheels and sens them off - when I queried where too they mentioned lepsons - probably best reputation in trade as they do lexus and mercedes warranty rim repairs apprently.

Ultimatelty I think the quality may depend on the experience of the technician on the day but I would book them on understanding you agree thet they will asses the likelihood of an acdeptable repair. I have heard one or 2 pesimistic repsonses on forums when folk in your osition have sought opinions yet never seen or heard anything to suggest anyone has been unhappy

The spit and polish kent option may be of use but you would have to maybe tie it into a day trip to London or local activity unless resigned to a local library/coffee shop with laptop blah blah.

Anyway in meantime I have also found this link to pristine wheels offering an exchange service. Even if they dont I am sure someone on here who has 2 sets or maybe who doesnt use their car everyday could loan you a set whilst yours are sent off (dont forget to factor any hidden carraige costs, vat or premiums for specific wheel designs with intricate spokes like on yours).

Enought waffle - here's the link ( & yes they have a good reputation afaik) http://www.pristinealloywheels.co.uk/ex ... ramme.html

MaxZ3 · Post by **MaxZ3** » Tue 17 Mar, 2009 21:07

I changed from 18" mv2 OEMs down to 17" mv2 replicas....best move I've ever made, car rides a lot smoother and I no longer feel pain for the car as it doesn't crash over bumpy corners etc anymore... There is also a lot less tramlining, not that it was too bad with the 18"s but still it noticibly chances the handling characteristics of the car,
for the worse if you drive on imperfect roads regularly.
Keep 17"s would be my suggestion.

AW8 · Post by **AW8** » Tue 17 Mar, 2009 21:08

Additional post in case you have read the above and miss this - I wasn't sure where stafford was as I am a poxy southerner

So I found a national company who refer to same day service leaving car with them & based in newcastle which according to google maps is 17 and a bit miles from stafford. (I photo &/or phone video my car briefly before leaving it anywhere for work to be done now- so sad ! )

Info on this link but links to side of that have testimonials and faq also reference to mobile service compared to theirs which to be fair make some sense as an argument at least.

http://www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk/Fil ... etails.php

I believe they are a franchise spin off from lab tab who have a good reputation. I would want to know how long the local franchsie has been open & if recent what the franchsie training and quality control is like,
(needs to be worded carefully I guess ).

If it was my car and I wanted a same day service I would seriously consider this option

Hope this helps

TitanTim · Post by **TitanTim** » Tue 17 Mar, 2009 21:36

AW8 wrote:Additional post in case you have read the above and miss this - I wasn't sure where stafford was as I am a poxy southerner So I found a national company who refer to same day service leaving car with them & based in newcastle which according to google maps is 17 and a bit miles from stafford. (I photo &/or phone video my car briefly before leaving it anywhere for work to be done now- so sad ! )

Info on this link but links to side of that have testimonials and faq also reference to mobile service compared to theirs which to be fair make some sense as an argument at least.

http://www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk/Fil ... etails.php

I believe they are a franchise spin off from lab tab who have a good reputation. I would want to know how long the local franchsie has been open & if recent what the franchsie training and quality control is like,
(needs to be worded carefully I guess ).

If it was my car and I wanted a same day service I would seriously consider this option

Hope this helps

Hi AW8,

Wow, thanks for all the info

thats really helpful. I have just been doing a little Googling for Wicked Wheels just too see what other people on car forums have been saying about them. Seems like the refurbishment is only as good as the guy doing it lol as they are a franchise like Chips Away. It seems they don't remove the tyre entirely but just push it back which would mean they only do the face of the wheel by the sounds of it, so it's more cosmestic than anything where I would want the entire wheel doing. The place up at Newcastle might be an idea but I think really to do the job really well they would need the wheels for a few days too be honest to strip it right down with the tyre off.

I know alloywheels direct who specialise in genuine BMW alloys can do the alloys on my Zed with 10% off the dealer price at £193 each so another option I'm thinking is just for now buying 2 new rears and keeping the fronts as they are as they are OK cosmetically apart from a little bubbling which luckily is on the inside of the one wheel.

Tim.

TitanTim · Post by **TitanTim** » Tue 17 Mar, 2009 21:44

MaxZ3 wrote:I changed from 18" mv2 OEMs down to 17" mv2 replicas....best move I've ever made, car rides a lot smoother and I no longer feel pain for the car as it doesn't crash over bumpy corners etc anymore... There is also a lot less tramlining, not that it was too bad with the 18"s but still it noticibly chances the handling characteristics of the car,
for the worse if you drive on imperfect roads regularly.
Keep 17"s would be my suggestion.

Thanks Max, so does going upto 18" affect the ride quality that much? To be honest it was on the other thread regarding the 19 inch Cruize alloys when 321bhp mentioned the ride can be a little jittery with that size wheel kinda put me off. I really like the ride on my Zed as it is and don't wish to make it worse lol. A guy on BabyBMW has just fitted 19" on his 1 Series and I just think it looks way OTT, I know its personal choice but it starts too look disproportioned and I can't think what it does for ride quality.

Tim.

Zed Carer · Post by **Zed Carer** » Tue 17 Mar, 2009 21:54

TitanTim wrote

does going upto 18" affect the ride quality that much?

It does on my wife's Z4 with the sports pack including 18" wheels with RFT's - really shakes your fillings but is superglued to the road. It should be better when the RFT's need changing and we can put normal tyres on but even with close on 14k on the clock there appears to be very little wear on the RFT's. The difference between the Z4 and the Z3 normal suspension and 16" wheels is absolute chalk and cheese.

I've just agreed to buy MarkOliver's staggered 17" wheels for the Z3 as I like them and they were an optional extra when the car was built so it will keep it "original". I was also hesitant about going from 16" to 18" so I'll see how I get on with the 17" first - hopefully it will be a happy compromise.

AW8 · Post by **AW8** » Tue 17 Mar, 2009 22:02

Tim,

Glad info of use.

You'd be suprised how fast these folk can work and bear in mind for same day they may divide work between staff members to do a set. Less time for 2 of course.

Maybe worth poping dowen the road to discuss your requirements & with the car available to be seen.

Anyway - too much internet tonight so thats my lot for now at least.

Cheers & Good Luck

TitanTim · Post by **TitanTim** » Tue 17 Mar, 2009 22:05

Zed Carer wrote:TitanTim wrote
does going upto 18" affect the ride quality that much?
It does on my wife's Z4 with the sports pack including 18" wheels with RFT's - really shakes your fillings but is superglued to the road. It should be better when the RFT's need changing and we can put normal tyres on but even with close on 14k on the clock there appears to be very little wear on the RFT's. The difference between the Z4 and the Z3 normal suspension and 16" wheels is absolute chalk and cheese.

I've just agreed to buy MarkOliver's staggered 17" wheels for the Z3 as I like them and they were an optional extra when the car was built so it will keep it "original". I was also hesitant about going from 16" to 18" so I'll see how I get on with the 17" first - hopefully it will be a happy compromise.

Thanks Zed Carer, when I was looking to buy my 1 Series the decision factor was whether to go for the M Sport or SE ,due to the runflats and harder suspension of the M I opted for the SE which has 16" runflats and I find the ride is very good, glad I did go for the SE. You should be fine with the 17's on your Zed, even with the M-tec suspension on mine I find the ride more than comfortable, not sure if you went upto 18s but I would imagine would still be OK, its just if you went to 19s I think then it would deteriorate a little.

Tim.

Tim.

TitanTim · Post by **TitanTim** » Tue 17 Mar, 2009 22:08

AW8 wrote:Tim,

Glad info of use.

You'd be suprised how fast these folk can work and bear in mind for same day they may divide work between staff members to do a set. Less time for 2 of course.

Maybe worth poping dowen the road to discuss your requirements & with the car available to be seen.

Anyway - too much internet tonight so thats my lot for now at least.

Cheers & Good Luck

Cheers AW8 and thanks for your help, much appreciated

Tim.

Mouldy · Post by **Mouldy** » Tue 17 Mar, 2009 22:14

Tim

I recently had my wheels refurbished by a company in Northampton called The Wheel Clinic. They did a really good job and only charged £50 per wheel for powder coating, including chemical strip, prep etc. See the following thread; http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... ht=#187278

Unfortunately, they took a week to complete the work, but within the thread, Titan posted a link to the following site http://www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk/

They have franchises in various locations and are quite competitive on price. They also offer a same day service for powder coating. You can get a quote on line and they may be worth a shot.

As for wheel size, I went from 16" to 17". My own opinion is that if the car was designed to run on 18s or 19's, BMW would have made it that way. Bear in mind that the suspension, as far as I know, is from an E36 3 series.

I don't expect the ride qualty to be like a limo, but on the other hand, I don't want to lose my fillings when driving around on our decaying road network.

Good luck!!!

MaxZ3 · Post by **MaxZ3** » Wed 18 Mar, 2009 08:25

TitanTim wrote:
MaxZ3 wrote:I changed from 18" mv2 OEMs down to 17" mv2 replicas....best move I've ever made, car rides a lot smoother and I no longer feel pain for the car as it doesn't crash over bumpy corners etc anymore... There is also a lot less tramlining, not that it was too bad with the 18"s but still it noticibly chances the handling characteristics of the car,
for the worse if you drive on imperfect roads regularly.
Keep 17"s would be my suggestion.
Thanks Max, so does going upto 18" affect the ride quality that much? To be honest it was on the other thread regarding the 19 inch Cruize alloys when 321bhp mentioned the ride can be a little jittery with that size wheel kinda put me off. I really like the ride on my Zed as it is and don't wish to make it worse lol. A guy on BabyBMW has just fitted 19" on his 1 Series and I just think it looks way OTT, I know its personal choice but it starts too look disproportioned and I can't think what it does for ride quality.

Tim.

Perhaps it was the tyres I was running on the 18"s that compounded the jittery ride in my Z. Kumho ECSTAs. The car also looked a little high even on 18"s. But then again you have sport suspension on your facelift Z which is lower than my car, from what I can see and I have also had comments from other non enthusiasts the car seems to sit better and look more proportioned on the 17"s.

TitanTim · Post by **TitanTim** » Wed 18 Mar, 2009 20:25

Mouldy wrote:Tim

I recently had my wheels refurbished by a company in Northampton called The Wheel Clinic. They did a really good job and only charged £50 per wheel for powder coating, including chemical strip, prep etc. See the following thread; http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... ht=#187278

Unfortunately, they took a week to complete the work, but within the thread, Titan posted a link to the following site http://www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk/

They have franchises in various locations and are quite competitive on price. They also offer a same day service for powder coating. You can get a quote on line and they may be worth a shot.

As for wheel size, I went from 16" to 17". My own opinion is that if the car was designed to run on 18s or 19's, BMW would have made it that way. Bear in mind that the suspension, as far as I know, is from an E36 3 series.

I don't expect the ride qualty to be like a limo, but on the other hand, I don't want to lose my fillings when driving around on our decaying road network.

Good luck!!!

Thanks Mouldy.

Have decided to go for 2 new rears with Michelin Pilots and will get the old alloys properly refurbed. Having thought about I'm not sure I'd be happy with aftermarket alloys over the originals.

Tim.

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Wed 18 Mar, 2009 20:39

Mouldy wrote: Titan posted a link to the following site http://www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk/
They have franchises in various locations and are quite competitive on price. They also offer a same day service for powder coating. You can get a quote on line and they may be worth a shot

Tim

Don't just accept the web quote - ring the nearest branch and ask what special offers thay have on.
At Christmas you could get a full set of 17" wheels done in standard colour for £200.

It's worth a 'phone call!

Regards
Titan

TitanTim · Post by **TitanTim** » Wed 18 Mar, 2009 21:16

Titan wrote:
Mouldy wrote: Titan posted a link to the following site http://www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk/
They have franchises in various locations and are quite competitive on price. They also offer a same day service for powder coating. You can get a quote on line and they may be worth a shot
Tim

Don't just accept the web quote - ring the nearest branch and ask what special offers thay have on.
At Christmas you could get a full set of 17" wheels done in standard colour for £200.

It's worth a 'phone call!

Thanks Titan, they have a branch in Brum which is not far from me, I'm going to order the new rear wheels end of the month and will get the old alloys done then. I need to get the front wheels off the Zed and have a good look on the inside of the rims, there pretty much A OK, just a small patch of bubbling on the inside of one wheel so I might do this littke repair myself as it won't be seen

Tim.

Tim

Regards
Titan

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Wed 18 Mar, 2009 22:33

No problem Tim - it's what the forum is all about

We're just waiting for tyres for my son's mini before getting the Leeds Wheel Specialist to refurb his rims and swap the rubber at the same time.

No chrome gills on your 1 yet then?

Titan

PORTMYSTER · Post by **PORTMYSTER** » Wed 18 Mar, 2009 23:25

Hi TitanTim I put my 19" cruize alloys on my car at the weekend after all that problem with DP motor sport. I was so looking forward to the wheels and once I put them on the car they def needed to be lowered or the car was too high and the ride quality was very harsh. With this disapoinment I have taken mine off and put the originals back on.
Puting my cruizes up for sale

MaxZ3 · Post by **MaxZ3** » Thu 19 Mar, 2009 11:16

PORTMYSTER wrote:Hi TitanTim I put my 19" cruize alloys on my car at the weekend after all that problem with DP motor sport. I was so looking forward to the wheels and once I put them on the car they def needed to be lowered or the car was too high and the ride quality was very harsh. With this disapoinment I have taken mine off and put the originals back on.
Puting my cruizes up for sale

I'd believe that, 19"s on a non m would be like a Z3 monster truck in terms of ride height if my car on 18"s was anything to go by!

I think really the best compromise as said above is probably 17"s or 18"s at a push with careful tire choice...

I got a replica set of Mv2 that usually only come in 18"s so it almost tricks the eye as people are used to seeing that style of wheel in 18"s so my 17"s pretty much pass for 18"s in terms of looks........

But I keep the added benefit of the sexy smooth ride on 17"s.......

Fear not car, its only a pot hole on 17"s versus osteopath bill after a pebble on 18"s (tire choice probably had a lot to do with that too.)

like day and Night.

Althulas · Post by **Althulas** » Thu 19 Mar, 2009 12:17

I do like the look of the flash chrome or the polished wheels.

yalden · Post by **yalden** » Thu 19 Mar, 2009 13:18

check out http://www.bmautosport.co.uk

He normally has some nice wheels fresh out of refurb...!

spurs fan in a coupe · Post by **spurs fan in a coupe** » Thu 19 Mar, 2009 19:36

My new 19" wheels rub the plastic cover within the wheel arch and the inside of the bonnet so need to get slightly higher springs!

but only slightly!

this was before

no difference in ride quality for me.... if I wanted smooth I wouldn't have bought this thing!

any way of finding out the best springs to get without taking the old ones out? no idea what springs are in there at the moment!

TitanTim · Post by **TitanTim** » Thu 19 Mar, 2009 19:57

PORTMYSTER wrote:Hi TitanTim I put my 19" cruize alloys on my car at the weekend after all that problem with DP motor sport. I was so looking forward to the wheels and once I put them on the car they def needed to be lowered or the car was too high and the ride quality was very harsh. With this disapoinment I have taken mine off and put the originals back on.
Puting my cruizes up for sale

Hi PORTMYSTER, really sorry too hear that, must be dissapointing, I guess there is no chance the supplier would swap them for something else?

It was an issue I was thinking of re ride height on the standard suspension, I guess depends if you want too lower the Zed as well. Decided I'm going too stick with the 17's now as they are a good all round compromise and the Zed still looks the biz without having massive wheels that spoil ride quality. I don't agree that ride quality is not compromised, I like to be comfortable in my zed

Tim.

TitanTim · Post by **TitanTim** » Thu 19 Mar, 2009 19:58

Titan wrote:No problem Tim - it's what the forum is all about

We're just waiting for tyres for my son's mini before getting the Leeds Wheel Specialist to refurb his rims and swap the rubber at the same time.

No chrome gills on your 1 yet then?

Titan

Hi Titan,

hehe I'm kinda wandering whether the 1 would look less ugly with gills lol hmmmmmmm job for the weekend

Tim.

MaxZ3 · Post by **MaxZ3** » Thu 19 Mar, 2009 21:16

spurs fan in a coupe wrote:My new 19" wheels rub the plastic cover within the wheel arch and the inside of the bonnet so need to get slightly higher springs!

but only slightly!

They look

soooooo good! the tire is so small! HOT!

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Thu 19 Mar, 2009 21:22

TitanTim wrote:....hehe I'm kinda wandering whether the 1 would look less ugly with gills

Don't waste too much time Tim.....but the bonnet could do with a bit of a s-t-r-e-t-c-h

Titan

TitanTim · Post by **TitanTim** » Thu 19 Mar, 2009 21:28

Titan wrote:
TitanTim wrote:....hehe I'm kinda wandering whether the 1 would look less ugly with gills
Don't waste too much time Tim.....but the bonnet could do with a bit of a s-t-r-e-t-c-h

Titan

you madman, haha that looks actually pretty cool lol hmmmmmmm Im going to dig out me dremmel and jigsaw this weekend

Tim.

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Thu 19 Mar, 2009 21:35

TitanTim wrote: you madman, haha that looks actually pretty cool lol hmmmmmmm Im going to dig out me dremmel and jigsaw this weekend Tim.

I slipped up really - should have given it some ///M ones

Titan

TitanTim · Post by **TitanTim** » Thu 19 Mar, 2009 21:39

Titan wrote:
TitanTim wrote: you madman, haha that looks actually pretty cool lol hmmmmmmm Im going to dig out me dremmel and jigsaw this weekend Tim.
I slipped up really - should have given it some ///M ones

Titan

ahhhhhh dont worry I will slap an M badge on the rear

I was following a 325CI or was it a 323CI? yesterday with an M badge on the bootlid

Tim.

Justin Time · Post by **Justin Time** » Fri 20 Mar, 2009 04:59

Up at the crack of dawn for work, and thought I'd post up about the mesh III's.

Pic 1 : Original alloys

Pic 2 : Mesh III

Pic 3 : Another view

They make quite a change from normal OEM rims, but still hold the V pattern spokes that look great on roadsters (IMHO

). Issues I have with them are the rougher ride than OEM rims, they rub slightly with the plastic trim just inside the front arch however this hasn't become a problem after a year of use, the rears could use a 10mm spacer, and they are a bit of a pain to clean sometimes. Other than that I love them.

An absolute necessity is a set of spigot rings with fitment size 72.6/74.1 mm. Without fitting the rings you will experience steering wheel wobble at speed and a definate vibration throughout. I would also recommend a good sealant and rim wax on the polished rims, these will scratch very easily if protection isn't applied. The fitment offset is within legal limits, as a last point.

Z3_TJK · Post by **Z3_TJK** » Fri 20 Mar, 2009 11:14

Tim wrote: I was following a 325CI or was it a 323CI? yesterday with an M badge on the bootlid

Tim.

Don't you have an ///M badge on your front grill?

TitanTim · Post by **TitanTim** » Fri 20 Mar, 2009 13:49

Z3_TJK wrote:
Tim wrote: I was following a 325CI or was it a 323CI? yesterday with an M badge on the bootlid

Tim.
Don't you have an ///M badge on your front grill?

Nope, I took if off after about a week as I felt a fraud, have a nice badge of one of the car clubs I'm a member of on the grill now.

Tim

PORTMYSTER · Post by **PORTMYSTER** » Fri 20 Mar, 2009 19:24

Hi TitanTim yep I was looking forward to having bigger wheels on the Zed but with the wait and trouble in fitting the wheels and then the ride quality was a bit hard for me. Put me on a downer from the start lol.

No chance in swapping the wheels as it was used and not new condition, never mind they will be going on ebay soon and get some of the money back.

I had on my MR2 mrk2 17" and they felt just right as the suspention on the Mr2 was harsh anyway. I realy didnt want to start droping as I will be looking for the M soon I hope.