Which rims are stronger? We have some of the worst roads in certain areas. I need some good quality wheels that won't bend as easily. My OEM passenger front wheel is slightly bent. Thanks!

 

Far be it from me to tell you how to spend your money, but I understand what you mean about bad roads ...so I'm compelled to ask. Are you sure you want to spend $600+/rim if you're hitting stuff that already bent your OEM rim? Sure new OEMs cost more than that, but you can often find them used, reasonably priced, and in pretty good condition from members who've replaced them.

For the hundreds of potholes and sunken manhole covers that I avoid each month, there's always 2-3 I hit. (Thankfully I've been able to avoid the big MF ones) But there's just no way to avoid it if you drive your G often enough. Many times you follow a pick-up or SUV that could care less about a pot hole. They block your view of the road ahead so you don't see it but with a 1/4 second notice, and next thing you know, you're going right over it.

Don't get me wrong, BBS RGRs are sweet. If you can get them used then fine, but think about it before shelling out $2400+. Then again, if you have the money, feel free to ignore this post.

 

I have been looking for rims. But they sell like hotcakes. And the ones that dont are too expensive or they are chromed. If it was black chrome that would be one thing. Anyways, I haven't found a set to buy yet. So right now I'm still driving with the bent rim. But I was wondering if the BBS are stronger than OEM rims. Because if they are why not get them? You do have a great point and the same thing has ran through my head a million times. Thats' why it's been over a year and I haven't bought aftermarket rims. If I had a choice to keep the stock rims I would. But they do look kinda plain.

 

Do you mean used OEM rims? I'm about 90% sure I'll be getting new wheels this spring. I'm trying to stay below $400/wheel b/c 1) the roads here suck and 2) I'd rather put the money into performance goodies.

If I do, I'll likely sell my 18" OEM set, but keep the tires. But that probably wouldn't be in time for you. Also, if you have your heart set on new rims I understand.

Anyway you could get it repaired so it's drivable and then just use it for winter?

Sorry don't know about the difference in strength between OEM and BBS RGR. Don't really see much info out there about wheel strength except when it's about a batch of wheels that are known to be "soft" or cheaply made.

 

What size aftermarket rims were you considering. This will play a huge part in how strong the wheel is, while how the wheel is made i.e. cast, forged, spun, etc.

 

Im sticking with 18's the offset should be closest to stock as possible if the identical.

 

I have 19inch BBS RGR and have a slightly bent lip thanks to these wonderful Chicago road stick w/ 18's. However they do weigh less then stock and if I had a 2nd chance I still think I would go with 19's. Since the G35 now comes stock w/ 19's .

 

The benefit of a forged wheel is the strength per unit of weight. I'd suspect they would try to build a lighter wheel that can handle the load duties of most cars on the road rather than to simply make a wheel of the same weight that can handle a higher load. For the most part, OEM wheels can handle the load duties of the cars the wheels are put on, so the benefit would be to reduce the weight of the wheels, not increase strength. For this reason, I probably wouldn't consider the strength of the wheel.

But to answer your question, it just depends. There are a lot of factors to consider. Short of testing or extensive engineering knowledge of the OEM and BBS wheels in question, it would be hard for anyone here to form a credible opinion. But mine is that if you're looking to gain any appreciable resistance to bending a wheel, I wouldn't go this route. I doubt forged wheels will have any significant resistance to bending from tire impacts. I think their biggest increases in strength will be in the overall structure rather than at the lip.

 

Thanks.