chris2001gle

Anyone want to provide me with some insight on the quality of the 5th generation OEM rims. I am looking to pick up another set of 16s (I plan on keeping the snow tires on the current 16s). Do you think I would do well picking up a set of take-offs from eBay or purchasing some similarly priced aftermarkets on Tirerack? I thought about 17s but I'm looking to keep the price low on both tires and wheels. I see 16" OEM take-offs on eBay all the time for around $375.00 but wondered if I could get much better quality rims by spending a little more on Tirerack ($125/rim). Any thoughts?

Maximum Velocity

iTrader: (3)

I would go aftermarket cause even if they are heavier than the OEMs, at least the quality is there. You probalby wouldn't know the quality of the knock off rim. As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. Just my $0.02.

MichaelAE

iTrader: (1)

Is there a particular concern you have regarding the quality of the OEM rims?

In my humble opinion, the only reason to go aftermarket is for appearance or weight.

theMax

I have to agree. The Nissan rims are of good quality, but are heavy.

The only reason I personally would switch is for weight reduction.

Reasons for switching wheels
1. reduce weight
2. for looks
3. for performance (changing rim size or width)Smaller will increase speed while bigger helps traction/cornering

chris2001gle

I don't have a concern about the quality of the OEM rims - I just wondered if I would be better off spending the same money for aftermarket with respect to quality only. I understand that going aftermarket gives me a much better choice of styles. I guess I was just looking for the "best bang for the buck". The scenerio might be just the opposite - for the same money - the OEM might be a much better rim - I just don't know the answer. The aftermarkets I was considering aren't anything flashy anyway - actually they very similar to the OEM rim (Mille Miglia MM11-2). The eBay price for the OEMs are around $375.00 to $400.00.

MichaelAE

iTrader: (1)

That's a bit too general I'd say.

Smaller will increase speed how? Because your speedo will produce incorrect results?

MichaelAE

iTrader: (1)

Okay...for $375-$400/each, you can get a good quality aftermarket wheel comparable or better than the OEM wheels. So, in my opinion, its not a "bang for the buck" question but, rather, a question of which wheel you think looks better or better meets your performance needs. Both investments will give you a good quality rim.

chris2001gle

I was talking about $400.00-$500.00 per set of 4 ($100.00 - $125.00 per rim). The tirerack price for the model I mentioned was $ 500.00 per 4 or I can pick up a set of OEM for around the same price.

MichaelAE

iTrader: (1)

$100/rim is not exactly a price I'm used to seeing on the top quality aftermarket wheels. I guess the question may really be...what do you consider a quality wheel? What does it take to achieve quality in a wheel? No warping? Finish doesn't chip/scratch? If these are the things you are concerned about, then I would post a thread specifically naming the wheel you are interested in and ask anybody on the board who has experience with that wheel to provide you feedback on its quality.

chris2001gle

I do appreciate your opinion on this - I was looking at the Mille Miglia MM11-2 on Tirerack.com in 16". Most of the wheels that Tirerack carries in 16" are in the $125.00 to $150.00/each range - some go upwards of $200.00 but not many.

MichaelAE

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for reminding me we are talking about 16's. I am thinking of 17" and 18" pricing. I've never heard much about the Mille wheels, so I can't offer much of an opinion on quality. Maybe some other folks on the ORG can offer some opinions...you might need to start a new thread with a subject including Mille Miglia MM11-2 to get people's attention.

chris2001gle

I will do that - thanks for the input!

theMax

Yes a bit general,

I meant if you go from a 17-15 (inch rim, same style) it will be easier to turn the wheel, therefore faster (with less traction)

Cutler

iTrader: (3)

The stock 17s are nice and look sweet, aftermarket go with 17-18s.

Y2KMaxGXE-R

iTrader: (4)

Your best bang for the buck would be purchasing a set of good all-season tires. I would say that OEM wheels, although not as pretty as aftermarket, are more reliable. They are installed on your car by Nissan and backed by a warranty which is a better one than you can get with any aftermarket wheels.

I also have a dilemma. My car came with 15" steel w/hubcaps. These steel wheels are very light (read more gas mileage and faster acceleration), cheapest price of tires. Also, there's nothing better than 15's in the snow. Bad sides: cheap looks of hubcaps, awful cornering and handling. The money is tight, but eventually, I will have to either replace the tires on the current set or spend more and get rims/tires combo...or should I just put nicer tires and roll with 15's..

2k1maxgle

iTrader: (1)

go with 17 inch Konig Tantrums! i saw an ad for these wheels (which i have really been wanting for quite some time!!) for $859 wheel and tire combo! no joke....it was in an ad in one of my magazines...i will look again and find the ad and post the site selling them.

theMax

Konig Tantrum Cast 15x6.5 16.5
Konig Tantrum Cast 16x7 17.9
Konig Tantrum Cast 17x7 19.2
Konig Tantrum Cast 17x8 22.9
Konig Tantrum Cast 17x9 23.0
Konig Tantrum Cast 18x7.5 23.2
Konig Tantrum Cast 18x8 24.9
Konig Tantrum Cast 18x9 25.3
Konig Tantrum Cast 19x8 27.0

You could get 18s for the same weight as the stock 17s