437m Replica vs OEM Comparison

d_a_m · 05-17-2017, 02:58 PM

I'm brand new to site and just now getting started in mod'ing my F30. First big decision I'm trying to make is getting wheels. Of course, I fell in love with the 437m when I saw them on an M4 and gotta get some for my black F30.

After researching a bit, I came across a lot of posts and pics of Replica and OEM 437m wheels and noticed a small difference that is big to me (my OCD pickiness). So bear with me as I explain.

The black machined faced is what I'm looking for:
Replica Version: the outer spokes (the lighter part) is very light in color. (silver)
OEM Version: the outer spokes are much darker, which is the look I want. (edit 5/31/17 - This color is called Ferric Grey)

I'm sure some have noticed the difference, while others might not care. The question I now have is where can I get the replicas that look more like the OEM in the black machined color? If none have it, do I have to refinish them on my own?

Check the attached pic for comparisons.

aps · 05-17-2017, 03:46 PM

I might be mistaken, but the OEM ones are the same color. The picture of the OEMs on the car look like they are just covered in brake dust. The one's I've seen in person look like normal machined silver to me....

EDIT: Ignore this post lol...they are indeed different colors

d_a_m · 05-17-2017, 04:34 PM

Anshu, I forgot to mention that on my post, but it's not brake dust. I've already seen them in person as well, especially at the dealership. It's not the lighting either. I have inspected them very closely lol.

alohasurftoad · 05-17-2017, 04:53 PM

instead of refinishing replicas, i'd go ahead and get genuine oem 437m.

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1020367

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1380974

N33D4SP33D · 05-17-2017, 05:06 PM

I'm not a fan of either but there is a third option that I personally like and you might as well

d_a_m · 05-17-2017, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N33D4SP33D

I'm not a fan of either but there is a third option that I personally like and you might as well

I like those too but I'm really digging the 2 tone gun metal/black look.

Kid Red · 05-21-2017, 05:25 PM

There's a 4th option, the best IMO, with ferric grey. These are OEM 437m. I wish a reputable vendor here would sell this version instead of the black version.

d_a_m · 05-21-2017, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kid Red

There's a 4th option, the best IMO, with ferric grey. These are OEM 437m. I wish a reputable vendor here would sell this version instead of the black version.

Went ahead and purchased the black machined faced wheels. Installing tomorrow! Pics coming soon.

d_a_m · 05-29-2017, 11:10 PM

Got the wheels. They feel and drive great. Not too heavy. Smooth ride. Yes, they're a bit lighter than I wanted and I can see the difference in person than the OEM 437m, but still like them....A LOT! I'll probably dip them, switch coatings and finishes around just to update the look and feel once in a while. Might even switch up the outer spoke to another color.

wdeerfield · 05-30-2017, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kid Red

There's a 4th option, the best IMO, with ferric grey. These are OEM 437m. I wish a reputable vendor here would sell this version instead of the black version.

They would definitely sell a lot more if they were in ferric grey instead of the black. Id be a buyer. It'd also be nice if they offered them in 19x9.5 et40 instead of et35.

d_a_m · 05-30-2017, 10:12 AM

So i just learned what the Ferric grey was. And that's exactly what I was referring to, So you hit the nail on the head. I learn more each day!
Also, when I was asking the wheel shop owner when I bought the wheels, he mentioned something interesting. Replica wheels are purposely designed to have about a 15-20% difference from the OEM wheels in order to not get sued by the OEM Manufacturer. I had no idea about that, but it makes sense.

rjoelshipp · 05-30-2017, 10:25 AM

You mind me asking where you bought the wheels from? I am looking to get a set soon.
Thanks!

d_a_m · 05-30-2017, 11:08 AM

Got the wheels from a local wheel and tire shop in Houston. Most places should be able to order them for you. Just make sure you get a good price for them. You shouldn't pay any more than 900 just for the wheels.

rjoelshipp · 05-31-2017, 10:53 AM

Where at in Houston? I am in San Antonio. I am having a hard time finding them local. Thanks!

d_a_m · 05-31-2017, 11:03 AM

rjoelshipp contact Javier at Wayside Tire Center, 11130 Beechnut, Houston, TX 77072. Let him know David sent you. 281-561-6568. Explain the BMW 437m wheels that I recently got from him.

rjoelshipp · 05-31-2017, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d_a_m

rjoelshipp contact Javier at Wayside Tire Center, 11130 Beechnut, Houston, TX 77072. Let him know David sent you. 281-561-6568. Explain the BMW 437m wheels that I recently got from him.

Awesome! Will do. Thanks!!

rjoelshipp · 05-31-2017, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d_a_m

rjoelshipp contact Javier at Wayside Tire Center, 11130 Beechnut, Houston, TX 77072. Let him know David sent you. 281-561-6568. Explain the BMW 437m wheels that I recently got from him.

Did you buy 18" or 19"? I was thinking about getting 18". Kind of expensive to lower my car if I go to 19"

insanecoder · 05-31-2017, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d_a_m

Got the wheels. They feel and drive great. Not too heavy. Smooth ride. Yes, they're a bit lighter than I wanted and I can see the difference in person than the OEM 437m, but still like them....A LOT! I'll probably dip them, switch coatings and finishes around just to update the look and feel once in a while. Might even switch up the outer spoke to another color.

suh-weeeet

insanecoder · 05-31-2017, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by insanecoder

suh-weeeet

can u toss in a full-side profile pic

d_a_m · 05-31-2017, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by insanecoder

Quote:

Originally Posted by insanecoder

suh-weeeet

can u toss in a full-side profile pic

Here you go.
rjoelshipp 19"s. Make sure to do OEM spec on the wheel and tire sizes. Im considering Dinan springs and bump stops if I were to lower it, which more than likely I am. Everyone at the BMW dealership recommended to get Dinan suspension parts. It'll lower your car 3/4".

rjoelshipp · 05-31-2017, 01:42 PM

Wow! Really nice! So you haven't lowered yours yet? I was going with 18" because I thought that I needed to lower it if I installed 19". I wonder if I need to lower mine at all with 19"?

d_a_m · 05-31-2017, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjoelshipp

Wow! Really nice! So you haven't lowered yours yet? I was going with 18" because I thought that I needed to lower it if I installed 19". I wonder if I need to lower mine at all with 19"?

Not yet. I just dropped a chunk of change on the wheels.

I think lowering is more of an owner's desire, not a need. It's for the look and for the performance. If your purpose of lowering the car is to get rid of a gap, just get thicker tires.

05-17-2017, 02:58 PM	#1
d_a_m Private First Class 93 Rep 177 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i Join Date: May 2017 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0)	437m Replica vs OEM Comparison I'm brand new to site and just now getting started in mod'ing my F30. First big decision I'm trying to make is getting wheels. Of course, I fell in love with the 437m when I saw them on an M4 and gotta get some for my black F30. After researching a bit, I came across a lot of posts and pics of Replica and OEM 437m wheels and noticed a small difference that is big to me (my OCD pickiness). So bear with me as I explain. The black machined faced is what I'm looking for: Replica Version: the outer spokes (the lighter part) is very light in color. (silver) OEM Version: the outer spokes are much darker, which is the look I want. (edit 5/31/17 - This color is called Ferric Grey) I'm sure some have noticed the difference, while others might not care. The question I now have is where can I get the replicas that look more like the OEM in the black machined color? If none have it, do I have to refinish them on my own? Check the attached pic for comparisons. Attached Images __________________ ///437m wheels///Depo Headlights ///3M 1080 Carbon Fiber Interior Wrap///M-Sport Bumper Conversion///Dinan Suspension///M-Style Kidney Grilles "If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?" Last edited by d_a_m; 05-31-2017 at 11:26 AM..
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05-17-2017, 03:46 PM	#2
aps Captain 336 Rep 963 Posts Drives: 2018 M3 ZCP Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: NC iTrader: (6)	I might be mistaken, but the OEM ones are the same color. The picture of the OEMs on the car look like they are just covered in brake dust. The one's I've seen in person look like normal machined silver to me.... EDIT: Ignore this post lol...they are indeed different colors Last edited by aps; 03-26-2020 at 08:33 AM.. Reason: wrong
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05-17-2017, 04:34 PM	#3
d_a_m Private First Class 93 Rep 177 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i Join Date: May 2017 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0)	Anshu, I forgot to mention that on my post, but it's not brake dust. I've already seen them in person as well, especially at the dealership. It's not the lighting either. I have inspected them very closely lol. __________________ ///437m wheels///Depo Headlights ///3M 1080 Carbon Fiber Interior Wrap///M-Sport Bumper Conversion///Dinan Suspension///M-Style Kidney Grilles "If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?"
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05-17-2017, 04:53 PM	#4
alohasurftoad Brigadier General 3072 Rep 4,315 Posts Drives: 440i gran coupe w/mppsk Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: hawaii iTrader: (0)	instead of refinishing replicas, i'd go ahead and get genuine oem 437m. http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1020367 http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1380974 Last edited by alohasurftoad; 05-17-2017 at 05:19 PM..
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05-17-2017, 05:06 PM	#5
N33D4SP33D Private First Class 13 Rep 149 Posts Drives: 2016 340ix Msport mppsk Join Date: May 2013 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW 328i xDrive [0.00] 2008 BMW 135i [0.00]	I'm not a fan of either but there is a third option that I personally like and you might as well
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05-21-2017, 05:25 PM	#7
Kid Red Captain 107 Rep 882 Posts Drives: 2021 X5 40i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Coral Springs, Fl iTrader: (6)	There's a 4th option, the best IMO, with ferric grey. These are OEM 437m. I wish a reputable vendor here would sell this version instead of the black version. __________________ Current: 2021 Carbon Black w/Cognac X5 M Sport Sold: 2018 Dark Graphite 540i M Sport Sold: 2013 Mineral Grey 335i M-Sport Sold: 2010 Sapphire Black E90 335i
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05-29-2017, 11:10 PM	#9
d_a_m Private First Class 93 Rep 177 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i Join Date: May 2017 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0)	Got em Got the wheels. They feel and drive great. Not too heavy. Smooth ride. Yes, they're a bit lighter than I wanted and I can see the difference in person than the OEM 437m, but still like them....A LOT! I'll probably dip them, switch coatings and finishes around just to update the look and feel once in a while. Might even switch up the outer spoke to another color. Last edited by d_a_m; 05-29-2017 at 11:15 PM..
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05-30-2017, 10:12 AM	#11
d_a_m Private First Class 93 Rep 177 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i Join Date: May 2017 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0)	So i just learned what the Ferric grey was. And that's exactly what I was referring to, So you hit the nail on the head. I learn more each day! Also, when I was asking the wheel shop owner when I bought the wheels, he mentioned something interesting. Replica wheels are purposely designed to have about a 15-20% difference from the OEM wheels in order to not get sued by the OEM Manufacturer. I had no idea about that, but it makes sense. __________________ ///437m wheels///Depo Headlights ///3M 1080 Carbon Fiber Interior Wrap///M-Sport Bumper Conversion///Dinan Suspension///M-Style Kidney Grilles "If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?" Last edited by d_a_m; 05-31-2017 at 11:28 AM..
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05-30-2017, 10:25 AM	#12
rjoelshipp Private 21 Rep 66 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW F30 328i Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (0)	You mind me asking where you bought the wheels from? I am looking to get a set soon. Thanks!
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05-30-2017, 11:08 AM	#13
d_a_m Private First Class 93 Rep 177 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i Join Date: May 2017 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0)	Got the wheels from a local wheel and tire shop in Houston. Most places should be able to order them for you. Just make sure you get a good price for them. You shouldn't pay any more than 900 just for the wheels. __________________ ///437m wheels///Depo Headlights ///3M 1080 Carbon Fiber Interior Wrap///M-Sport Bumper Conversion///Dinan Suspension///M-Style Kidney Grilles "If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?"
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05-31-2017, 10:53 AM	#14
rjoelshipp Private 21 Rep 66 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW F30 328i Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (0)	Where at in Houston? I am in San Antonio. I am having a hard time finding them local. Thanks!
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05-31-2017, 11:03 AM	#15
d_a_m Private First Class 93 Rep 177 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i Join Date: May 2017 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0)	rjoelshipp contact Javier at Wayside Tire Center, 11130 Beechnut, Houston, TX 77072. Let him know David sent you. 281-561-6568. Explain the BMW 437m wheels that I recently got from him. __________________ ///437m wheels///Depo Headlights ///3M 1080 Carbon Fiber Interior Wrap///M-Sport Bumper Conversion///Dinan Suspension///M-Style Kidney Grilles "If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?"
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05-31-2017, 01:42 PM	#21
rjoelshipp Private 21 Rep 66 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW F30 328i Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (0)	Wow! Really nice! So you haven't lowered yours yet? I was going with 18" because I thought that I needed to lower it if I installed 19". I wonder if I need to lower mine at all with 19"?
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