OE 18 wheel refinishing

[ATB88]

Looking to get my OE 18s refinished in chrome shadow -- my left and right side wheels actually don't have matching finish, because prior to me the passenger side wheels were refinished in what appears to be hyper silver rather than the stock chrome shadow.

I've never had work like this done before.. I'd heard at some point that the dealership is the best place to get OE style refinish, is this still true? Anyone know a ballpark of what I can expect to pay?

[Slideways]

There is one place that does it correctly (multistage finish with black base coat) and it is more than the cost of a standard wheel refurb - https://www.m5board.com/threads/grou...ishing.586225/

Otherwise, powdercoating standard BMW/Mercedes/Audi silver or dark grey will probably be less costly and more durable.

[ATB88]

There is one place that does it correctly (multistage finish with black base coat) and it is more than the cost of a standard wheel refurb - https://www.m5board.com/threads/grou...ishing.586225/

Otherwise, powdercoating standard BMW/Mercedes/Audi silver or dark grey will probably be less costly and more durable.

Sounds like they do great work, but factoring in shipping between here and NC and it'll probably cost more than just buying a new wheel. On the bright side, TIL that I can just buy new 18" style 67s for ~$350 each which isn't terrible. Maybe I'm better off just buying two new ones to replace the improperly finished ones, and then having the curb rash repaired on the two correctly finished wheels that I currently have.

Anyone else have opinions on refinishing?

[Slideways]

Sounds like they do great work, but factoring in shipping between here and NC and it'll cost more than just buying a new wheel. On the bright side, TIL that I can just buy new 18" style 67s for $300-$400 each which isn't terrible. Maybe I'm better off just buying two new ones and then having the curb rash repaired on the two correctly finished wheels that I currently have.

Anyone else have opinions on refinishing?

You'll want 4 new wheels to match the finish. They color slightly varies batch to batch. A wheel from 2002 didn't match one from 2005.

[ATB88]

You'll want 4 new wheels to match the finish. They color slightly varies batch to batch. A wheel from 2002 didn't match one from 2005.

While I think you're right, in my case each pair of wheels on either side of the car would be properly matched. I *might* be satisfied in my case having the passenger side wheels not perfectly match the driver's side. If I can't see both sets of wheels at once and each side individually is technically the right colour just from different batches, I don't know that I would notice? Maybe I would though.

[Obioban]

There is one place that does it correctly (multistage finish with black base coat) and it is more than the cost of a standard wheel refurb - https://www.m5board.com/threads/grou...ishing.586225/

Otherwise, powdercoating standard BMW/Mercedes/Audi silver or dark grey will probably be less costly and more durable.

I used them on my e39, and was quite satisfied with the results 👍🏻

[Slideways]

While I think you're right, in my case each pair of wheels on either side of the car would be properly matched. I *might* be satisfied in my case having the passenger side wheels not perfectly match the driver's side. If I can't see both sets of wheels at once and each side individually is technically the right colour just from different batches, I don't know that I would notice? Maybe I would though.

On a used set of rears, I didn't mind. On a clean set, I'd probably want them all matching. You're right though, one pair on each side won't be as noticeable.

[Stilt]

While I think you're right, in my case each pair of wheels on either side of the car would be properly matched. I *might* be satisfied in my case having the passenger side wheels not perfectly match the driver's side. If I can't see both sets of wheels at once and each side individually is technically the right colour just from different batches, I don't know that I would notice? Maybe I would though.

I have a friend selling 2 sets of full rears, 2 different finishes, but he's in Ga.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bimmerfan08]

There is one place that does it correctly (multistage finish with black base coat) and it is more than the cost of a standard wheel refurb - https://www.m5board.com/threads/grou...ishing.586225/

Otherwise, powdercoating standard BMW/Mercedes/Audi silver or dark grey will probably be less costly and more durable.

This is right across town for me. I have a set of OE 18s that need refinishing. May check out this vendor. Thanks for the link.

[ATB88]

Sounds like they do great work, but factoring in shipping between here and NC and it'll probably cost more than just buying a new wheel. On the bright side, TIL that I can just buy new 18" style 67s for ~$350 each which isn't terrible. Maybe I'm better off just buying two new ones to replace the improperly finished ones, and then having the curb rash repaired on the two correctly finished wheels that I currently have.

Lol rip, turns out I can get a new front for ~$350, but the rears are actually NLA. Hrmph. Shipping my wheels to NC may end up being the right move, but then my car sits on jackstands until I get them back :/

I really wish there were a shop in LA that could do this finish properly.

[ATB88]

Lol rip, turns out I can get a new front for ~$350, but the rears are actually NLA. Hrmph. Shipping my wheels to NC may end up being the right move, but then my car sits on jackstands until I get them back :/

I really wish there were a shop in LA that could do this finish properly.

And just as I posted this, I saw that there was a set of OE 18s posted for sale by a member in great shape for $500. Good enough for me, problem solved!

[PSUEng]

So, rear 18" is NLA; seems the 19" are also going NLA. My rears are kinda rough (19") and due to cost, thought I'd just go 18" when new tires are in order. Hmmm...

[George Hill]

Prince did a set of style 65's for us, pretty dang good, not perfect but best refinish I have seen.

[Nate047]

I have used Wheel Enhancement a couple times for other wheels, they are local in west LA. Worth calling them up, maybe they can do it if you show them the materials and steps the other place uses. Ask for Dave