Why are most people going w/german wheels, when some Japanese wheels are cheaper?

advan24r · 05-14-2002, 12:47 PM

Why do people go w/the NAME BRAND wheels like Hamann and AC Schnitzer? I was told to make a wheel cost roughly only 100 dollars. Even some Japanese wheels out there are a whole lot cheaper and better quality. (i.e WORK WHEELS, VOLKS, SSRs and even ADVANs)

ssabripo · 05-14-2002, 01:02 PM

The main reason for buying "german" wheels is very simple: Quality!!

Most German mfgrs, such as AC Schnitzer, Hamann, Racing Dynamics, etc, cater to BMW cars, and thus, they specialize in making high quality performance products for the car.

You can buy other non-"german" products that are very good also, and a LOT cheaper, but we are paying for Quality, looks, and craftmanship.....just like our cars!!!

You can buy a good IS300, or Acura for 5-10K less than a BMW, but we pay more to have the quality, look, craftmanship of a bimmer......same for the wheels: you can get cheaper stuff than ACS, Hamann, Racing Dynamics, etc, but they will not be the same...

withdrew · 05-14-2002, 01:19 PM

amen ssabripo

obLu · 05-14-2002, 01:26 PM

You're paying for low demand mark up. Potential market for the german tuner wheels is much smaller since they cater only to one manufacturer brand cars. I'd be willing to bet the quality is the same between the german tuner wheels and the higher end japanese wheels. In fact, I'm willing to bet none of the tuners actually manufacture their own wheels, instead bought from a common manufacturer who's made them with ACS's design.

Then, on top of the low demand, you're paying for the brand name cachet. And the R&D costs of all their other products.

No doubt in my mind the quality is no different. But if it helps justify the cost, okay by me.

PS. you pay more for a bimmer, again, because of quantity sold. BMW doesn't compete on the Toyota sales level therefore each unit sold has to have a higher profit margin. That being said, BMW also doesn't take as many cost cutting short cuts as Toyota does either. Add on top of that you're also paying a good amount for brand cachet for the roundel on the hood.

Damn, I'm just typing away today. To answer the original question, not a lot of japanese wheel makers make fitements for european cars. Especially not in the BMW 5x120 bolt patern with a 19" diameter. Couple in 18".

lilherc79 · 05-14-2002, 01:46 PM

Answer is plain and simple. These wheels are made specifically for our cars. When you buy them, sure you are paying a premium but you are also paying for history, tradition and prestige. These wheels are designed to give your car the distinctive EUROPEAN look. not no japanese honda kinda "import" look.

I'm not trying to say i dont like the japanese wheels. some of them have great design. like racing hart, volk, advan, etc. but their meant to be put on japanese cars.

View Poll Results: Euro wheels or Japanese wheels for BMWs
German/European Wheels	6	66.67%
Japanese Wheels	3	33.33%
Voters: 9. You may not vote on this poll

05-14-2002, 12:47 PM	#1
advan24r Banned Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: Bay Area..Santa Clara Posts: 1,185 My Ride: 2002 LSB M3 6-spd View My Garage	Why are most people going w/german wheels, when some Japanese wheels are cheaper? Why do people go w/the NAME BRAND wheels like Hamann and AC Schnitzer? I was told to make a wheel cost roughly only 100 dollars. Even some Japanese wheels out there are a whole lot cheaper and better quality. (i.e WORK WHEELS, VOLKS, SSRs and even ADVANs)

05-14-2002, 01:02 PM	#2
ssabripo Say hello to my lito fren Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 714 My Ride: 330ci RIP-->('04 X5) View My Garage	Quality!! The main reason for buying "german" wheels is very simple: Quality!! Most German mfgrs, such as AC Schnitzer, Hamann, Racing Dynamics, etc, cater to BMW cars, and thus, they specialize in making high quality performance products for the car. You can buy other non-"german" products that are very good also, and a LOT cheaper, but we are paying for Quality, looks, and craftmanship.....just like our cars!!! You can buy a good IS300, or Acura for 5-10K less than a BMW, but we pay more to have the quality, look, craftmanship of a bimmer......same for the wheels: you can get cheaper stuff than ACS, Hamann, Racing Dynamics, etc, but they will not be the same... __________________

05-14-2002, 01:26 PM	#4
obLu Registered User Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 534 My Ride: 330cic View My Garage	Beg to differ. You're paying for low demand mark up. Potential market for the german tuner wheels is much smaller since they cater only to one manufacturer brand cars. I'd be willing to bet the quality is the same between the german tuner wheels and the higher end japanese wheels. In fact, I'm willing to bet none of the tuners actually manufacture their own wheels, instead bought from a common manufacturer who's made them with ACS's design. Then, on top of the low demand, you're paying for the brand name cachet. And the R&D costs of all their other products. No doubt in my mind the quality is no different. But if it helps justify the cost, okay by me. PS. you pay more for a bimmer, again, because of quantity sold. BMW doesn't compete on the Toyota sales level therefore each unit sold has to have a higher profit margin. That being said, BMW also doesn't take as many cost cutting short cuts as Toyota does either. Add on top of that you're also paying a good amount for brand cachet for the roundel on the hood. Damn, I'm just typing away today. To answer the original question, not a lot of japanese wheel makers make fitements for european cars. Especially not in the BMW 5x120 bolt patern with a 19" diameter. Couple in 18". __________________ Last edited by obLu; 05-14-2002 at 01:32 PM.

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05-14-2002, 01:19 PM	#3
withdrew Astoria Fed Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: Astoria, NY Posts: 1,058 My Ride: '02 325i, SP/PP/CWP View My Garage	amen ssabripo

05-14-2002, 01:46 PM	#5
lilherc79 "DPErt-ASchnizA-*****" Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: OC, CA Posts: 6,673 My Ride: ASA ACS 3.0 Cabrio View My Garage	Answer is plain and simple. These wheels are made specifically for our cars. When you buy them, sure you are paying a premium but you are also paying for history, tradition and prestige. These wheels are designed to give your car the distinctive EUROPEAN look. not no japanese honda kinda "import" look. I'm not trying to say i dont like the japanese wheels. some of them have great design. like racing hart, volk, advan, etc. but their meant to be put on japanese cars.