CSL replica vs. genuine CSL wheels

[m3 bavaria]

My understanding is this:

The genuine CSL is:

- lighter
- stronger
- costlier

The replica is:

- heavier
- weaker
- cheaper


Is there a difference in appearance, finish, colour? Is there a real benefit to seeking out the genuine article?

[GP20]

Weight alone is worth going with authentic CSL's/ZCP's. I had the Velocity Motoring 19" CSL reps on my Z4MR for a couple of months and hated them. The weight was closer to 30lbs than their advertised 25lbs. The extra unsprung weight made it feel like driving a boat. The car lost the nimbless and handling, acceleration, and gas mileage all suffered.

[ALUFELGEN]

Originally Posted by m3 bavaria

My understanding is this:

The genuine CSL is:

- lighter
- stronger
- costlier

The replica is:

- heavier
- weaker
- cheaper


Is there a difference in appearance, finish, colour? Is there a real benefit to seeking out the genuine article?

That is true for most replicas. Our CSL wheels, however, are made using low-pressure cast and are as strong as the OE wheels. The weight of the OE CSL is 24.0lb front and 24.5lb rear. Our CSL wheels in comparison weight 24.9lbs and 25.5lbs.

The only reason why they are less expensive is because is an aftermarket product.

Matt DiRocco

[fitchesbass]

Originally Posted by GP20

Weight alone is worth going with authentic CSL's/ZCP's. I had the Velocity Motoring 19" CSL reps on my Z4MR for a couple of months and hated them. The weight was closer to 30lbs than their advertised 25lbs. The extra unsprung weight made it feel like driving a boat. The car lost the nimbless and handling, acceleration, and gas mileage all suffered.

Picture of them on a scale? Just curious if this is really the case then that's pretty bad.

[DarkstarZero]

You're not going to save any real weight going from the stock 18s to CSLs.

The OEM CSLs are 24.0lbs front and the stocks wheels you have on are 24.69lbs. It's just not worth the thousands of dollars that could go to better tires/suspension/performance.

[crfine88]

I had two sets of CSL reps before my TE37's

The weight on both sets was very close to 30lbs per wheel on my shipping scale.

They looked great, but sort of made the M feel like a boat when compared to a lighter set-up

[epbrown]

Originally Posted by m3 bavaria

Is there a difference in appearance, finish, colour? Is there a real benefit to seeking out the genuine article?

I've got CSLs on my Z4MC, but I'd say go with the ZCPs which are the same construction, quality, finish, hundreds cheaper - only downside is they're .5" more narrow at the front.