Cracked Wheel

[Scout1]

2003 BMW Z4 with the 17 inch rims. Had a leak on the back and they found a small crack in the wheel. It's a hairline about 1 inch long perpendicular to the inner rim starts at the outer edge and goes in through the bead area. The tire guy said it could be welded but it was kind of a "temporary" repair. Reading some of the other posts on here, I can tell, a lot of you folks would say just go get a new wheel. I'm an easy driver on this car with no track days and so forth, just a fun little convertible.

So looking for advice here; thoughts on the weld repair? Where would I find a good shop to weld it and any idea what something like that costs? Looked up a new wheel and that seems to be about $600 but I suspect used wheels would be much cheaper. Where would you recommend I shop for a used wheel? Any ideas on where to buy a new wheel at a better price?

 

[Jeffs2006EvoIX]

Be Cautious with this. If your Rim "Cracked" its telling me that it is Forged. Some OEM forged wheels use Magnesium in the alloy and thus "wielding" it would not be advised. I would try and find a used rim off a BMW forum instead of repairing this particular one.

There may be some specialists that may be able to repair this Rim, but I would really look into a replacement.

Thats just me.

Jeff

 

[Kira]

I believe wheels can be repaired but I DO NOT KNOW ABOUT CRACKS.

Any parts look up can lead you to wheels both new and used. ALL the wheel stuff I've done has been with Volvos and Saabs.
You'll zero in on a source real fast. There's gotta be 2003 wheels out there.
I'd try a junkyard wheel if I could inspect it or return it inexpensively.
Going through a BMW forum sponsor is a great suggestion.
Chuck and Eddie's in Connecticut is well connected and they're in a neighborhood where nice cars like yours live. Kira

 

[metalboy]

Buy a new wheel. Cast aluminum wheels are, practically speaking, not repairable.

It can be done (by an expert, not Joe Q. Tigwelder) but it will cost you way too much money.

 

[JHZR2]

Yeah buy a new oe replacement or a used pull off.

 

[Chris142]

Its illegal to repair a cracked wheel.

 

[Eddie]

Since it goes "through" the bead, I would not attempt to weld it unless used for a temporary spare.

 

[Panzerman]

Look for a used wheel, especially if its stock. Check Ebay. There is no way, I would try to repair it or weld it. It will make the damage worse. Think A cracked wheel is bad, how about when it lets go and take your fender well with it or you. Its really not worth the aggravation. I am sure you can find one, your probably not the first one to break a wheel and there are tons floating around out there. Not like finding a Rolls Royce wheel or a Edsel. If you can still get them easy, do so. Only repair as a last option on wheels and such.

 

[metalboy]

Originally Posted By: Eddie
Since it goes "through" the bead, I would not attempt to weld it unless used for a temporary spare.


I wouldn't even do that. That's in the most stressed area of the wheel. It's a great way to have a chunk of the wheel blow off when mounting a tire. That could kill somebody.

 

[Lead Shoes]

You'll have to buy a new rim, that cannot be safely repaired. Do not pay out the nose for a $900 rim at the dealer, source one used on the local BMW forums like R3vlimited, or this is a perfect time to justify buying a set of different OEM bmw rims or aftermarket.

 

[Scout1]

OK, I get the picture! Looking on-line I see a lot of wheels actually and a lot of them seem to be new. Seems like the new ones can be had for between 3 and 4 hundred. Now I'd just like to find one in Seattle! Maybe I'll luck out and find somebody close buy who has one for sale...

 

[GreeCguy]

Originally Posted By: metalboy
Buy a new wheel. Cast aluminum wheels are, practically speaking, not repairable.

It can be done (by an expert, not Joe Q. Tigwelder) but it will cost you way too much money.


Not only that, but you'll always be worried about that wheel - especially if you go on a long trip.

 

[Astro14]

Get a new wheel (OK, used, but reconditioned and painted). Great price compared with new. Great service from these guys: http://www.wheelcollision.com

I've bought many wheels from them and been very happy.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Originally Posted By: Scout1
OK, I get the picture! Looking on-line I see a lot of wheels actually and a lot of them seem to be new. Seems like the new ones can be had for between 3 and 4 hundred. Now I'd just like to find one in Seattle! Maybe I'll luck out and find somebody close buy who has one for sale...

Good source of used/take-off wheels are from local Craigslist.

 

[Ken2]

As a rule of thumb, a good weld in aluminum has half the strength of the parent metal. Of course that varies by the alloy of the aluminum, the possibility for heat treatment, and the skill of the welder.
http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us/support/welding-solutions/pages/aluminum-faqs-detail.aspx

I'd get a sound replacement wheel.

 

[Scout1]

Never found any locally so put in the order on e-bay this morning for a brand new wheel for $331 with free shipping.

Wonder what to do with the old wheel?

 

[JayhawkRoy]

Metal recycler, sell by the pound if you can. Local recycle center/landfill is another option.

 

[metalboy]

I've got many hose reels, end tables, and lamp stands made out of broken wheels.