normally heavier and the finish dosnt last but if ya want the look for small money they're grand imo..

 

I've got a set of replica wheels (not the usual BBS or OEM Audi reps) because a set of genuine wheels are well into four figures to buy and even then you've got to repair them because at best they'd be thirty years old.

 

Because 9/10 they look shite compared to the originals they're copying

Quality i know nothing about.

 

Replica wheels are bit like buying pirated dvds. Sure, you have a copy of the film, but its recorded from the back of the cinema, with people walking in the way, and shite sound, as opposed to the real deal.

 

lenzo are a credible wheel manufacturer in there own right so their quality isn't going to be a problem, but i've seen some fake rays engineering wheels snap spokes, i think some people are just pissed that they spent three times the cash on what to joe public are the same set of rims!

*edit* for the record i'm a genuine article kinda guy....

 

I have nothing against replica wheels as i have reps myself on the golf. Good for a cheap look but i do think that the quality is comprimised with reps. The alloy on mine are quite soft so even doing something like prying off the centre cap can mark them. Its grand for what i need them for so i guess it just really depends on the individual.

 

I'd have agree my big no no against cheap reps is the quality of them is disgusting, the weigh more and little things like even fitting tyre can Mark them..

There's a reason reps in 17" start at 500

 

I have some, they are made of melted cheese!!!!

 

QUOTE (Zebby @ May 23 2011, 09:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I have some, they are made of melted cheese!!!!

I warned you not to leave them in the sun Seb! I
Made them myself. Using only the finest cheeses I'll have you know.

 

If it's illegal to copy a DVD, pair of sunglasses, jeans, handbag etc., why isn't it illegal to copy wheels?

 

to be fair I did hit a huge pothole but they bent badly!!! Not losing air so it's ok. Maybe it's not the alloys maybe it's my driving!

 

Imitation is the highest form of flattery.

 

QUOTE (Micksheen @ May 22 2011, 08:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Replica wheels are bit like buying pirated dvds. Sure, you have a copy of the film, but its recorded from the back of the cinema, with people walking in the way, and shite sound, as opposed to the real deal.

Where are you buying your DVD's Michael ??

I have a set of reps.. but only because it took so long to find the right wheels for my car. and now that i have them I will now use the reps as winter wheels.

 

I would be more worried about the reps corroding (alot) quicker then falling apart. It has been known for a OEM/BBS/Borbet wheel to buckle too... and don't mention the inevitable corroding of the RC's or OEM 19" M3 wheels or MK5 GTI Wheels or weathered LM's...etc

I have OEMs on my car now, they're corroded and heavy. When I get around to replacing them, I wouldn't pay 350eur per wheel for another set.

 

Yeah, i was looking at a set of BBS RS GT the other day that cost €4000. They were the second set as the first had been replaced under warranty for corrosion. They are about 4 years old and bent to shite, corroded to shite and there's a couple of cracks that have been badly welded on them (visible on the lips) I was nearly sick. So was the guy who paid the 4k. He sold the car with them on it.

 

QUOTE (The Undertaker @ May 23 2011, 10:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Where are you buying your DVD's Michael ??

I have a set of reps.. but only because it took so long to find the right wheels for my car. and now that i have them I will now use the reps as winter wheels.

What condition are your replicas in after two years of high mileage daily use?

Keith

 

QUOTE (Alloy-Wheels.ie @ May 23 2011, 11:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>What condition are your replicas in after two years of high mileage daily use?

Keith

TBH honest Keith.. as good as the day I bought them. They have covered about 70000 KMs since I put them on the vRS originally and then on the golf.. Yes I minded them, but no peeling laquer, no buckles and they completed the ALMC twice

 

I've had a couple of sets of Lenso's in the past and both sets started to corrode around the 'bolts'

I woudn't have used any cleaning products only polish. Maybe 500 miles on both set's also.

I got warranty on the first set but they wouldn't stand over the second. Keith helped out here.

Saying that my brother has a set of genuine BBS CH which are now starting to corrode around the valves.

I have put anther set of BBS reps on the car so we will see how they go!

Derek

 

^^^^Polish won't protect the wheels, you need a good wax and sealent.

 

In my opinion, a lot of it just comes down to snobbery. Same with everything in life including the car itself, clothes, houses, you live according to your budget.
Yes, genuine articles have a tendancy to be better quality but you build your car according to what you can afford.
A lot of guys get the p*ss pulled out of them because they've got replicas or a small engine or any non-gti/special edition model, but if the car is done tastefully & looks well,while built on their budget, then I give credit where credit's due.

 

QUOTE (kellyde @ May 23 2011, 11:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I've had a couple of sets of Lenso's in the past and both sets started to corrode around the 'bolts'

I woudn't have used any cleaning products only polish. Maybe 500 miles on both set's also.

I got warranty on the first set but they wouldn't stand over the second. Keith helped out here.

That happens on 90% of OEM wheels too.

 

Still haven't heard a good enough reason really for not going ahead and buying another set for my new project.

I think what has been said already that its just a snobbery kind of thing is true, I've no problem with wearing timmy hilfiger and 'M'ike runners. As keith pointed out the corrosion around the bolts happen on OEM wheels too and this was the only real problem I've had with my lenso's, which is clearly my own fault for not protecting and sealing them properly. They are fairly soft too but the fact that the genuine article is pretty much 3 or 4 times the price I'll just take a little more care when replacing tires etc.

Rep's all the way for me anyway.

 

Each to their own. I'd rather second hand genuine wheels to new reps. At least if i decide to sell they'll be worth near enough what i paid for them.

 

QUOTE (Glenn @ May 23 2011, 01:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Each to their own. I'd rather second hand genuine wheels to new reps. At least if i decide to sell they'll be worth near enough what i paid for them.

Well, that's a completely different arguement. If you can pick up a set of second hand genuine rims for a price similiar to a new replica set, then that's a better option.

 

QUOTE (Lost_Cause @ May 23 2011, 01:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Well, that's a completely different arguement. If you can pick up a set of second hand genuine rims for a price similiar to a new replica set, then that's a better option.

I'd go along with that.

I prefer originals as I perceive they are better quality (may be in the mind but that's what I think), lighter, will be easier to sell on afterwards.

I'd use second hand originals even if they were not as off the shelf shiney and new as a replica.

Either way I'll always buy what I can afford so if the real article is outside my budget I'll just pick a make I can afford or buy an original and have them refurbed.

Aside from that I agree with Glenns earlier commenst about illegal copies.