Cracked wheel - options?

[wasupdu]

After having to add about 10 psi to my rear tire everyday for a week, I finally discovered that I cracked my 19" m6 wheel on the passenger side... in 4 places!!

I just bought new tires about 3,000 miles ago, so I'm left with a decision.

Option A - $800 for a new BMW wheel (+ about $50 to mount/balance)
Option B - $800-1000 for a decent set of aftermarket wheels (all 4) + $100 or so to mount/balance
Option C - $800+ for new tires on the factory wheels (severe curb rash from original owner).
Option D - sell the car (it can't be worth over $20k at this point.

I'm leaning towards option B (and likely D), but curious to hear your thoughts. I like the M6 wheels, but I've had them for almost 7 years now, so maybe a refresh is needed.

Alternatively, I've had the car for 8 years now. Maybe time for something else??

Ideas? Thoughts??

I hate to sell the Z4 for something relatively simple, but at what point do you hedge your bets and cash out?


.

[itdnwiwbp]

Repair is also an option and it will be a lot cheaper than options A-D. I've never had to have a wheel repaired but I know it's possible. Good luck.

[XMetal]

Buying just a replacement used wheel is another option.

[pokeybritches]

If the tires are good and haven't been run flat, sell them. Sell the three good wheels individually (are these reps?). Get away from 19's. Get some nice 18" aftermarket wheels from Apex.

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by itdnwiwbp

Repair is also an option and it will be a lot cheaper than options A-D. I've never had to have a wheel repaired but I know it's possible. Good luck.

Ditto that. Even in my relatively small city, there is a good local shop that can straighten bent rims and weld / repair cracked ones. With the fall weather closing in, this is a good time to get the wheel repaired with minimal cost and inconvenience.

http://www.customwheelsandperformance.ca/

[wasupdu]

Thanks for the ideas, guys. I connected with a local wheel repair shop and after seeing the wheel, they say it's non-repairable.

I contacted mod bargains where I bought the wheels from and apparently BMW really cracked down on replica wheels that resembled BMW factory wheels. I can't find ANYONE selling these reps online individually.

I've been looking on eBay and Craigslist, but coming up empty on all fronts.

[jdoublehcubed]

Sell the car for a broken wheel? wtf?

Look on craigslist for your closest really large city, they always have sketchy shops selling replica wheels by the boatload.

[wasupdu]

Originally Posted by jdoublehcubed

Sell the car for a broken wheel? wtf?

Look on craigslist for your closest really large city, they always have sketchy shops selling replica wheels by the boatload.

I understand what you're saying about selling the car being ridiculous, but here's my rationale..

I've been VERY lucky with this car in the sense that I've had it for 7 years and haven't done much aside from annual oil changes, brake pads and proactively tackling all fluids and spark plugs. I replaced the wheels/tires for cosmetic reasons, but my general rule of thumb is that when any repair approaches 10% or more of the vehicle's value, it's time to consider my options.

The car isn't worth much anymore... perhaps just north of $10k even though it's in amazing shape. A new wheel would near that 10% mark and although it would seem crazy to most, this is how I evaluate things.

[wasupdu]

Originally Posted by jdoublehcubed

Look on craigslist for your closest really large city, they always have sketchy shops selling replica wheels by the boatload.

I've looked high and low online and can't find anyone selling this wheel individually for less than OEM

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by wasupdu

I understand what you're saying about selling the car being ridiculous, but here's my rationale..

I've been VERY lucky with this car in the sense that I've had it for 7 years and haven't done much aside from annual oil changes, brake pads and proactively tackling all fluids and spark plugs. I replaced the wheels/tires for cosmetic reasons, but my general rule of thumb is that when any repair approaches 10% or more of the vehicle's value, it's time to consider my options.

The car isn't worth much anymore... perhaps just north of $10k even though it's in amazing shape. A new wheel would near that 10% mark and although it would seem crazy to most, this is how I evaluate things.

You also have to consider the incremental costs of (a) replacing the car versus (b) getting a nice new fresh set of rims.

Only $1500 ish for four nice new Apex or VMRs - versus $$THOUSANDS for a new car.

From an engineering economics perspective, the answer is clear.

[David70]

Personally not a fan of selling a car with a wheel problem that requires 10 psi to be added every day unless you tell the new owner. I wouldn't want the reverse done to me.

I also don't see a reason to sell a car because it has a cracked wheel. Fix the car with a new/used wheel or replace all of them, then if you don't want the car, sell it.

[Pheonix]

Originally Posted by David70

Personally not a fan of selling a car with a wheel problem that requires 10 psi to be added every day unless you tell the new owner. I wouldn't want the reverse done to me.

I also don't see a reason to sell a car because it has a cracked wheel. Fix the car with a new/used wheel or replace all of them, then if you don't want the car, sell it.

I agree! Plus it is kinda nut to replace the car because of a crack wheel.
Have you check with this place? They helped me many times with hard to find OEM wheel.
http://www.wheelcollision.com/BMW15a.htm

[wasupdu]

Originally Posted by David70

Personally not a fan of selling a car with a wheel problem that requires 10 psi to be added every day unless you tell the new owner. I wouldn't want the reverse done to me.

C'mon, what kind of scumbag would sell a car with a severely cracked wheel? I could never sell a vehicle without telling someone about a known problem, especially something that's a huge safety risk like this.

I'd likely put the stock wheels/tires back on and sell the 19" new(ish) tires on Craigslist.

[David70]

Originally Posted by wasupdu

C'mon, what kind of scumbag would sell a car with a severely cracked wheel? I could never sell a vehicle without telling someone about a known problem, especially something that's a huge safety risk like this.

I'd likely put the stock wheels/tires back on and sell the 19" new(ish) tires on Craigslist.

Sounds good. Option D "sell the car" never mentioned putting stock wheels/tires back on.