[rourkem]

Just over 100 miles after getting my new 330Ci I was backing into a (parallel parking) space and crunched the rear passenger rim. I felt horrible. I didn't realize how much more exposed the rims are with these low profile tires.

The rim is pushed in a bit at the outside, maybe 1/4 of an inch and the silver paint is chipped badly further down from the outside.

Does this compromised the wheels in anyway, or is it just cosmetic damage? I've checked the archives and I can see some ways I might go about touching it up for now.

Also, the roads in Boston are horrendous. I never noticed how many potholes and bumps there are. How careful do I need to be to avoid denting my rims? What can I do to avoid damage?

Thanks,
Rourke

 

[Dan]

You need to be very careful about avoiding all potholes in the roadway. I have bent 2 rims before, and I am very careful now to avoid potholes. Best advice other than being diligent is to inflate your tires a few extra pounds - that will help protect your rims.

 

[rourkem]

How do you know when a rim is bent?

How do you know when a rim is bent?

I've managed to avoid all potholes, but some of the bumps and recessed manholes and such are completely unavoidable around Boston. I cringe when driving on roads like route 16...

 

[alee]

Re: How do you know when a rim is bent?

How do you know when a rim is bent?

If a wheel is bent, you will feel the car shake or a strong vibration in the steering wheel. Since the wheel is no longer "true" (round), you will find the wobble more pronounced as you get faster.

Always put more air into the tires, but not too much. You basically want to inflate enough that the tire has sufficient pressure to absorb an impact, but not too much pressure that you risk compromising your tire and have a blowout.

Take it slow if you can. Obviously in Boston, that's like asking someone politely to let you merge. But, take the potholes and bad roads slow and while the ride will be rough, your wheels will keep their shape.

I run 34F/35R. Seems good enough to handle moderately bad roads.

 

[Guest84]

I'm running 36F/40R since the roads are worse in the winter months. And ditto what Alee said, go slow when you know....

 

[alee]

I'm running 36F/40R since the roads are worse in the winter months. And ditto what Alee said, go slow when you know....

The ride must get pretty choppy for you.

 

[geomax]

I find 32F/35R to be ideal...

As for Boston roads in the winter...thats why I went with steel wheels. And if I still bent a wheel, the cost to replace a steel rim is far less than an alloy.

 

[ff]

I asked a design "engineer" at Ford, and he said that I should be running 18 PSI at every corner.

 

[alee]

I asked a design "engineer" at Ford, and he said that I should be running 18 PSI at every corner.

LMAO! :lmao: :lmao:

 

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

I recommend 40F/35R.

No bent rims, no pothole avoidance, either.

Nick

 

[AF]

Don't worry, it's most likely just cosmetic damage.

Don't feel bad, I scraped my left rear wheel twice (it looks terrible) and the tire shop managed to scratch my right rear wheel.

The clear coat on these wheels are very soft so they are easily damaged cosmetically.

To actually bend one, you would have to hit a major pothole very hard.

 

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

Just repaired a nasty curbing. From four feet away, it looks like it never happened. :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

Tit silver touchup paint has a use.