Replica M-Par Wheels

Anyone have them on their fives? Observations?

Looking to go this route instead of the pricey OEM route.

Thanks in advance.

It's quite common, but there's good and bad replicas.

If they`re certified "JIS/TUV Approved", they`re OK....(just make sure you`re getting the correct offset & centerbore size)

Originally Posted by Fast Bob

If they`re certified "JIS/TUV Approved", they`re OK....(just make sure you`re getting the correct offset & centerbore size)

How does one go about figuring that out...the offsets and bore sizes?

Originally Posted by Al's540i

Anyone have them on their fives? Observations?

Looking to go this route instead of the pricey OEM route.

Thanks in advance.

Al...someone posted this site over on the e38 forum at BimmerBoard...and I found it kind of interesting. I've never purchased anything from this site...but they appear to sell BMW oe wheels. Im not sure if they are refurbished, used or cast offs...but you can take a look see (or even call or email them to verify): http://www.wheelsandcaps.com/catalog...RIES&year=2003

They have both the 8x18 & 9x18 MPars listed...which is somewhat promising since most replicas are in the 8x18 & 9.5x18 E38 sizes:

Originally Posted by Al's540i

How does one go about figuring that out...the offsets and bore sizes?

Offsets should be between 12 and 24mm (or so), depending on rim width....E39s have a unique centerbore (74.1mm), not shared by other BMW models. If you`re not absolutely certain about something, post all the particulars here, and we`ll try to figure it out for you.
If the sellers of the wheels cannot provide that information, they`re idiots, and don`t deserve your business....look elsewhere.

Originally Posted by QSilver7

Al...someone posted this site over on the e38 forum at BimmerBoard...and I found it kind of interesting. I've never purchased anything from this site...but they appear to sell BMW oe wheels. Im not sure if they are refurbished, used or cast offs...but you can take a look see (or even call or email them to verify): http://www.wheelsandcaps.com/catalog...RIES&year=2003

They have both the 8x18 & 9x18 MPars listed...which is somewhat promising since most replicas are in the 8x18 & 9.5x18 E38 sizes:

Thanks Q. That site offer them in 17's for my year and model. So if I do that, then everything should match no?

Isn't there a disadvantage to ride quality if I go with bigger rims?

Edit: Nevermind. they look like 17 M-Pars but they are slightly different.

Originally Posted by Fast Bob

Offsets should be between 12 and 24mm (or so), depending on rim width....E39s have a unique centerbore (74.1mm), not shared by other BMW models. If you`re not absolutely certain about something, post all the particulars here, and we`ll try to figure it out for you.
If the sellers of the wheels cannot provide that information, they`re idiots, and don`t deserve your business....look elsewhere.

Thanks Bob! I found these but the site says nothing of offsets and bore sizes. What do you think? http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...w=8&vid=009404

Originally Posted by Al's540i

Thanks Q. That site offer them in 17's for my year and model. So if I do that, then everything should match no?

Isn't there a disadvantage to ride quality if I go with bigger rims?

Edit: Nevermind. they look like 17 M-Pars but they are slightly different.

Al..keep scrolling down the page to the Style 37 Mpars...I think you stopped to far up. They sell 8x18 & 9x18 Mpars for $134.25 ea. If you were looking at a 17" wheel...I think you stopped on the Style 71 wheel that they also sell. And since all 16"-up e39 wheels will fit any e39...it doesn't matter what year they have listed. I noticed that they offered the Mpar for years 2001-2003...but again..any 18" wheel for a 2001-2003 e39 will fit a 1997-2003 e39.

These are 8x17 wheels:


These are the 8x18/8x19 wheels:

Yep. Got MPar Reps. I think they came from Lakeshore Wheel and Tire. They look good from a distance but are showing signs of wear.

Originally Posted by jstover

Yep. Got MPar Reps. I think they came from Lakeshore Wheel and Tire. They look good from a distance but are showing signs of wear.

You mean like curb rash? After how long of time are the signs of wear showing up? I saw the Lakeshore site and they were at a good price too especially with a tire package.

Some rash from the wheel guides at the local car wash. The wheel lips are starting to look cloudy. I'm sure it's just the clear coat. Thought about having them stripped, center and spokes powder coated and lips polished but figure it may be easier and cheaper to buy new wheels.

I have had the privilege of using both the reps (lakeshore) and the OEMs at one time or another. IMO there is a definite difference in price and performance.

I am comparing the staggered reps I had w/Eagle F1s and the OEMs I now have w/Yokohama advan s4s.

1. Finish not as good with reps.
Reps had shiny finish which was cool, but the clearcoat started to come off after a few car washes. (The Carwash used some kind of strong spray cleaner) However, their cleaner was not able to peal the coat off of my previous OEM style 42s. I now use only soap and water on my rims after that experience. Live and learn.

2. Ride much better with OEMs
I have the original sport suspension and switched from rep to OEM at about 60k miles. My reps w/F1s felt like sledgehammers in potholes while the OEMs take the bumps much smoother.

3. OEMs stronger?
OEMs are forged? reps cast?


The above is based on my experience and is only my opinion.

Originally Posted by Gian

2. Ride much better with OEMs
I have the original sport suspension and switched from rep to OEM at about 60k miles. My reps w/F1s felt like sledgehammers in potholes while the OEMs take the bumps much smoother.

Bulldinky, my boy....ride quality is PURELY a function of **tires**, not wheels....

Originally Posted by Fast Bob

Bulldinky, my boy....ride quality is PURELY a function of **tires**, not wheels....

HaHa. Yes. Therefore, IMO AdvanS4 > F1.

I have reps from Lakeshore on one car and OE on the other, and in my view the reps look as good as the OE. yes, they look a bit different concerning the clear coat finish but it has not peeled, there's no rush or anything. Overall I think they look very good. I've bent a couple of the reps and had to replace them, and I had to take two to the wheel doctor but we all know that they are not as sturdy as the OE. Mind that my reps were purchased more than 4 years ago, I don't know whether Lakeshore quality is the same now.

Excellent feedback fellas. Looks like I'll try the reps from either Lakeshore, Discounttiredirect, or wheelsandcaps.

But first, I need to replace my shock/struts. then I'll post pics with my new Mpars.

Originally Posted by Al's540i

Excellent feedback fellas. Looks like I'll try the reps from either Lakeshore, Discounttiredirect, or wheelsandcaps.

But first, I need to replace my shock/struts. then I'll post pics with my new Mpars.

Also, take a look at this site if you want OEM wheels: http://www.detroitwheelandtire.com/s...2003&model=869

I have reps and I like them a lot. I have had absolutely no problems with them and they still look fantastic!

With 15mm spacer on all 4 corners

Originally Posted by ttgxc

I have reps and I like them a lot. I have had absolutely no problems with them and they still look fantastic!

Where did you get yours?

SiverE39: Sweet pics and your rims look pimp. Did you have to roll your fenders at all? Did you lower yours also?

No rolling of fenders. Look at my sig for mods.

Originally Posted by Al's540i

Where did you get yours?

Two years ago, I got them from OE Wheels, but I am not sure if they sell them anymore. I saw people pay a little more for them from Lakeshore Wheel and Tire, but they came in the same OE Wheels box.




Pics from the day I installed them:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=273865

Originally Posted by SilverE39

With 15mm spacer on all 4 corners

Stunning.