Ebay Factory Replica Wheels: Any good?
 

I hit a pothole yesterday while driving at night and bent my AP2 rim. Grr. I've found AP2 "Replica" rims on Ebay for $175 shipped. They say they're built to factory specs etc, should I trust them? Does anyone else have these? Do they look exactly the same as factory? Here's the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/17-17x7-Hon...1QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks!

Hmm thats a good question. I wonder if it comes with a clearcoat on...I believe the OEM wheels do.

They do come with a clearcoat. They're good wheels and every bit as strong as stock. I wouldnt mind going this route for some Ap2's. However, you can almost always find a wheel on the classifieds for cheaper.

-Matt

I would get decent used one for the same price

Sweet, thanks! Appreciate the replies.

I'd try a wheel repair shop...probably 60-100 to fix

S2K customers have reported good results using replicas from Wheels and Caps:

http://www.wheelsandcaps.com/

They also have a pretty good special right now on a set of four AP2V1s... $644 with shipping:

http://www.wheelsandcaps.com/specials_pack...onda%20Specials

If it is just 1 you could go ahead and probally find one in the classified for a pretty decent price. Another thing you could do is to use this as an excuse to get yourself some nice aftermarket rims. :LOL: I would try to find a used one first though. They go ahead and try a replica. My buddy has a set of replica rims on his bmw 3 series. They look just as good as stock and he hasnt had any problems with them. That would be my second option though since they are usually more expensive. Take it easy man.

-Ian

My question about them was if they weight the same, does anyone know?

i was considering buying a set last year for autox but then i found a used oem set for a good price.

I didn't want to wait to find one on the classifieds, so I went ahead and ordered the replica. Car's sitting outside in the sunshine waiting to be driven and I can't drive it until I get the wheel replaced. Grrr. Oh well, I'll let you guys know how it looks!

I recently purchased and installed a set of replica rears on my '04 and couldn't tell a difference from the factory wheels. I did find out that the rears weigh more than stock, not sure about the front. As for the quality of these wheels, I'd give a 10 out of a 10.

I would really like to see a set of used Ap2 V1 wheels in the classifieds being cheaper than these replicas. Why buy used when you can have new for $150 each??

Yeah, the replicas do weight more. There are a couple of threads floating around. If you don't mind the extra weight, then go with them.

I don't mind, it's not like I plan on auto crossing it anyway...all I have to do is lose the 12lbs from my fat ass and all is good.

Not quite true. Your fat ass is "sprung weight". The rims are "unsprung weight". Unsprung weight increase has a much greater impact on suspension performance/ride comfort. Also since you have to get they spinning, extra mass in the rims has a greater effect on acceleration than adding the same amount of mass to your ass.