OEM vs Copy?

[MrW]

Hi,

First post so hopefully it's in the right place and has not been covered a million times before!

I need to replace the 18" RS4 alloys on the '03 A4 Avant Sport I've just bought - they're badly scuffed, the front tyres are worn and need replacing and one rear alloy has been dented.

They're original Audi rims though, and I have two options. I can get a new set of copy RS4 rims with 4 new Pirelli P Zero tyres fitted for £700, or I can buy a second hand set of OEM RS4 rims with 4 Pirelli P Zero tyres, all at about 6mm, for £625.

I'm tempted to pay a little more and go for the new rims and tyres, but what does the quality tend to be like on copy rims? Would it be best to go for the OEM ones? Looking at the mess of my current OEM rims, it doesn't seem they're less prone to kerbing, flaking, chipping and getting dented!

Any advice appreciated.

[ini]

Some of the RS4 copies are excellent, while others are not. They are generally much harder (and a little more brittle), as the original RS4 alloys are designed to bend and be replaced under warranty.

[4rings]

Why not get them refurbished , should'nt be more than £50 per wheel and they'll look like new, they will fix dents, scratches, flaking etc...

Regards Tony

[MrW]

Think they'd have to work miracles to get them lookng straight again, they're well & truly battered. Even once they're done I'm still looking at £600 to get 4 new Pirellis fitted........

Think I've made my mind up, going to stick with OEM

[gramey]

Personally speaking if they've been looked after I think you've made the right choice. I'm not certain with VAG products but with Mercedes & BMW's i've had their wheels are usually forged as opposed to copies which are invariably cast. Forged wheels are far stronger and hence why they will take kerbings and knocks that a copy won't.
Ever seen car with 'blinging' wheels thats been involved in an accident and a wheel(s) have shattered and wondered why? Look at a quality manufacturers wheel and they'll usually bend or get dented but rarely shatter.
Even if the OEM wheels are cast the quality control is usually far better with regards to crack testing etc.