Rims vs Wheels

DataStream18 · 08-12-2011, 11:52 AM

I grew up calling wheels, wheels. If they had hubcaps on them then they were steel rims. I believe the rap community started the term "rims" when they were talking about their wheels. For me when people call them rims it just, erks me, for some reason. They're alloy wheels, not rims!

What do you call them and why? Is it universal?

chickdr · 08-12-2011, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DataStream18

I grew up calling wheels, wheels. If they had hubcaps on them then they were steel rims. I believe the rap community started the term "rims" when they were talking about their wheels. For me when people call them rims it just, erks me, for some reason. They're alloy wheels, not rims!

What do you call them and why? Is it universal?

I am sure it's regional. To me steelies are steel wheels with hubcaps/covers. If I hear rims/wheels/alloy wheels it is all the same to me. I agree, alloy wheels are what we have on our cars.

Nikki · 08-12-2011, 12:39 PM

My dad calls them "tires" lol it's really confusing.

gatorfast · 08-12-2011, 12:53 PM

Wheels/rims are interchangeable imo and both acceptable. Tires however are not the same as wheels/rims.

bhoch · 08-12-2011, 01:13 PM

To me, a rim is the edge (basically) of the wheel. I use the term wheel when I am talking about my wheels, tire when I am talking about the tire that goes on the wheel and rim when I am talking about the edge of the wheel.

I know people use wheel and rim like it's the same thing.. maybe I'm just too old to do that...

ANUSTART · 08-12-2011, 02:15 PM

All this rim vs. wheel talk and no mention of bling? I think it's a viable third option.

ZStig · 08-12-2011, 02:42 PM

this should really be a poll

esqu1re · 08-12-2011, 02:48 PM

Tirerack calls them wheels...

a_riddler · 08-12-2011, 02:56 PM

Wheels = Tires + Rims

v3.0si · 08-12-2011, 03:51 PM

= alloys

= wheels

= rims

Daemonblitz · 08-12-2011, 03:51 PM

I think the best term is "shoes".

VinnieAces · 08-12-2011, 04:27 PM

how about "blades" haha

BU Z4 · 08-12-2011, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a_riddler

Wheels = Tires + Rims

x2

imom · 08-12-2011, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a_riddler

Wheels = Tires + Rims

+1 to riddler.

A wheel has several components. It has the tires and the rim, stem, etc.. When a person has a flat tire and the tires has blown off...they say the person is riding on the rims. That is my interpretation of the English language.

Poetic license from songs and such is just that. Just my opinion.

mikeinsf · 08-12-2011, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatorfast

Wheels/rims are interchangeable imo and both acceptable. Tires however are not the same as wheels/rims.

^^ What he said. (in my experience)

gcochard · 08-12-2011, 06:20 PM

When will the tweel come out so we can forget all this nonsense?

IWantAnE92 · 08-12-2011, 11:03 PM

I must be on the only person that's with the OP then.

rims = plastic hub caps
wheels = the metal part, regardless of steel or alloy
alloys/alloy wheels = alloy wheels
tires/tyres = the rubber bit

But then I'm a Brit!

RichardTS · 08-13-2011, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhoch

To me, a rim is the edge (basically) of the wheel. I use the term wheel when I am talking about my wheels, tire when I am talking about the tire that goes on the wheel and rim when I am talking about the edge of the wheel.

I know people use wheel and rim like it's the same thing.. maybe I'm just too old to do that...

You are the one who is right. +1

GP20 · 08-13-2011, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a_riddler

Wheels = Tires + Rims

+1.

vogelfanger · 08-14-2011, 07:19 AM

Strictly speaking (and all you cyclists out there should understand this):
Rim = outer ring of metal on which the tire rests
Hub = thing that attaches to axle
Spokes = thing that attaches rim to hub
Wheel = rim + spokes + hubs

Living Dead · 08-16-2011, 11:53 AM

I used to own a 1980 Camaro RS, the wheels had a center hub cap and a removable chrome ring and I always thought that is what a rim is.

Flying Scotsman · 08-16-2011, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Living Dead

I used to own a 1980 Camaro RS, the wheels had a center hub cap and a removable chrome ring and I always thought that is what a rim is.

Aye agree with that. Used to have a 1970 Ford Capri GTXLR (UK guys will know) with Rostyle wheels WITH a removable chrome ring and that's what i called a rim, well back then i did.
Things and time have changed as well as names and meanings, i mean a "set of wheels" is a car!!

08-12-2011, 11:52 AM	#1
DataStream18 Lieutenant 45 Rep 556 Posts Drives: 2003 ESS TS1 Z4 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Muskegon, Mi iTrader: (0) Garage List 2004 ESS Supercharg ... [4.00]	Rims vs Wheels I grew up calling wheels, wheels. If they had hubcaps on them then they were steel rims. I believe the rap community started the term "rims" when they were talking about their wheels. For me when people call them rims it just, erks me, for some reason. They're alloy wheels, not rims! What do you call them and why? Is it universal?
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08-12-2011, 12:39 PM	#3
Nikki Major General 1000 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: Sepang Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: LA iTrader: (9)	My dad calls them "tires" lol it's really confusing. __________________ Nikki
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08-12-2011, 12:53 PM	#4
gatorfast Major General 5023 Rep 6,871 Posts Drives: 718 Cayman Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: SoFla iTrader: (4)	Wheels/rims are interchangeable imo and both acceptable. Tires however are not the same as wheels/rims.
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08-12-2011, 01:13 PM	#5
bhoch SSGT USMC - '78 - '86 13 Rep 487 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0si Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Liberty Hill, Tx iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW Z4 [7.33]	To me, a rim is the edge (basically) of the wheel. I use the term wheel when I am talking about my wheels, tire when I am talking about the tire that goes on the wheel and rim when I am talking about the edge of the wheel. I know people use wheel and rim like it's the same thing.. maybe I'm just too old to do that... __________________ Thanks, Bill 2007 3.0si Roadster Black/Red, sport, Piano Black F14 Forgestar's
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08-12-2011, 02:15 PM	#6
ANUSTART Captain 35 Rep 956 Posts Drives: Z4 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: IL iTrader: (0)	All this rim vs. wheel talk and no mention of bling? I think it's a viable third option.
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08-12-2011, 02:42 PM	#7
ZStig instagram 997turbotom 286 Rep 7,377 Posts Drives: Interlagos Z4MR Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Delray Beach, FL iTrader: (4)	this should really be a poll __________________
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08-12-2011, 02:48 PM	#8
esqu1re Lieutenant Colonel 44 Rep 1,855 Posts Drives: M Coupe Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0)	Tirerack calls them wheels... __________________ ///M Coupe: RPI Scoop, OE Strut, CDV, Volk RE30, SS Brake Lines, Stromung Exhaust
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08-12-2011, 02:56 PM	#9
a_riddler Bimmer Noob 30 Rep 567 Posts Drives: 08 Z4MC;08 MBZ E350 4Matic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (6)	Wheels = Tires + Rims __________________ 08 Z4MC /// DKF Exhaust, Stoptech 6/4 BBK, TCK Coilovers, Strong-Strut, Apex EC-7's, APR Splitter/Wing, AFE Intake, Underdrive pulleys, AS SSK, Jaffster, UUC Tranny Mounts, Matte Grill, RPI Scoop, CF Badges
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08-12-2011, 03:51 PM	#10
v3.0si Lieutenant 19 Rep 409 Posts Drives: '08 Z4C 3.0si Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: midwest iTrader: (2)	= alloys = wheels = rims __________________ \| v3.0si \| \| '08 Z4Coupe 3.0si \| BMW Aero \| BMW Performance \|
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08-12-2011, 03:51 PM	#11
Daemonblitz Commander 221 Rep 850 Posts Drives: Z4MC/M5/640iX/M1000RR Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Aurora, ON, Canada iTrader: (6) Garage List 2008 BMW M5 [9.50] 2006 Z4M Coupe [8.77] 2010 BMW S1000RR [10.00]	I think the best term is "shoes".
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08-12-2011, 04:27 PM	#12
VinnieAces Lieutenant Colonel 92 Rep 1,603 Posts Drives: Imola Red Z4MC Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ontario, Can iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 Z4 M Coupe [8.00]	how about "blades" haha __________________ ///M - Some Mods 'N Stuff
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08-12-2011, 06:20 PM	#16
gcochard Captain 24 Rep 784 Posts Drives: 2011.5 E90 M3 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: South OC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [0.00]	When will the tweel come out so we can forget all this nonsense?
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08-12-2011, 11:03 PM	#17
IWantAnE92 Lieutenant 31 Rep 512 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 M3 6MT Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Harvard MA iTrader: (9)	I must be on the only person that's with the OP then. rims = plastic hub caps wheels = the metal part, regardless of steel or alloy alloys/alloy wheels = alloy wheels tires/tyres = the rubber bit But then I'm a Brit!
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08-14-2011, 07:19 AM	#20
vogelfanger Private First Class 6 Rep 126 Posts Drives: 08 M Roadster Join Date: May 2009 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	Strictly speaking (and all you cyclists out there should understand this): Rim = outer ring of metal on which the tire rests Hub = thing that attaches to axle Spokes = thing that attaches rim to hub Wheel = rim + spokes + hubs
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08-16-2011, 11:53 AM	#21
Living Dead Zed Head 329 Rep 241 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW Z4 M40i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Long Island iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW Z4 M40i [0.00]	I used to own a 1980 Camaro RS, the wheels had a center hub cap and a removable chrome ring and I always thought that is what a rim is.
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