Refinishing my M roadster wheel

[Big Daddy]

I have given a lot of thought to having my M roadster wheels refinished this winter when the car is usually parked anyway. I have some minor curb rash and on the rear wheels some of the finish peeled. I have spoken with two shops recommended in the King County Washington area, one a high end body shop and the second a wheel repair shop. The body shop feels that he can match the "shadow chrome" of the wheels well enough to repair and re-paint the lips of the wheels (the only damaged area) thereby saving a lot of time and money. The wheel repair shop claims that "shadow chrome" cannot be matched and recommends re-painting the entire wheels. One other option is powder coating the wheels.

Regarding powder coating I am told that it is durable, however if the wheel is nicked or scratched it cannot be repaired without sandblasting and re-powder coating. Some argue the added weight is a con, but I am told that the added weight is no less than 1 pound per wheel.

Your thoughts and or experiences?

 

[Section_8]

Only thing I can add to that is that he's probably right about the shadow chrome - it's the same deal with my wheels that I've run into. I need to repair some curb rash as well, and have been told the same thing about the BMW shadow chrome used on BMW(I think just //M at that) wheels. If you find someone that can match it, get details so that I can press someone local with the right info to get it done.

 

[Tom]

I had my wheels powder coated and notice very little difference in weight. I think it's the best way to go in terms of durability. The only problem is that it will be very difficult for them to duplicate BMW's paint color since it's illegal in the US due to EPA regulations.

If you really like the current color and a body shop can duplicate it then I would probably go that route instead.

 

[Ghost]

I would go with the body shop, they sound more economical and sensible. The second shop most likely doesn’t know how to match the color, in which case they say that the only option is to paint the entire wheel. The body shop will probably only paint the outside most part of the wheel, thereby using the fraction of light on the wheel so as not create much of a difference.

 

[MrElussive]

I would have all the wheels re-sprayed. From your description, your wheels aren't in such good shape. Having them respray/repaint the whole thing will make the wheels look brand new again and will give a newer look to the car overall (essentially raising resale value).

 

[Big Daddy]

Thanks guys for all the advice, I am not too sure what I am going to do, but I will let you know and post photos when I do it.

 

[Big Daddy]

I found a set on eBay that thus far are going pretty reasonable that I may also buy. A track set and a street set?

 

[Spidey]

bigdaddy,

i had my local bmw dealer refinish the wheels on my roadster... $100 a wheel and they looked brand new! shadow chrome and all.

 

[Big Daddy]

Spidey, thanks for the suggestion. I had not even thought of asking a local dealer. I will now though. Thanks again.

 

[///M SPEED]

Big Daddy, what dealer do you do business with here?.....

 

[Big Daddy]

I use BMW Northwest in Fife, but they do not have a body shop. I was given a number of their "wheel repair" guy. I plan to call him in the morning.

 

[///M SPEED]

Do you receive good service from them? I know when I went in to check on some parts I did not receive very good service from them. They treated me like I was a vagrant. That was the only time I set foot in there. I could have caught them on a bad day. I usually go to Seattle BMW or Bellevue BMW. Seattle mostly. Have you used these? I was just wondering. Sometimes it is hard to get good service from BMW. Seattle has treated me the best so far.....

 

[Big Daddy]

I have also used Seattle BMW and they are the best in the area. I only go to Northwest if I need the item now and do not want to go into downtown. I do not use the dealer much, my M is out of warranty. I do most repairs myself.

 

[Section_8]

Spidey, thanks for the suggestion. I had not even thought of asking a local dealer. I will now though. Thanks again.

Hmmmm! No doubt, good tip Spidey! I'll have to check and see what 'their' price is here to do that..

 

[///M SPEED]

I have also used Seattle BMW and they are the best in the area. I only go to Northwest if I need the item now and do not want to go into downtown. I do not use the dealer much, my M is out of warranty. I do most repairs myself.

You do most repairs now? Cool, I know who to pick the brain of if my M runs out of warranty....