Hey everyone, I'm looking for a set of winter rims and am trying to decide between OEM rims and replicas. The reps are very appealing because of their price (as well as availability in the used market like Kijiji).

Are there any issues or problems to consider in using reps? Anyone using them without any trouble?

Thanks!
Chris

 

There are no issues using reps. Save the cash!

 

+1 - winter rims very easily get scratch no point paying twice as much for OEM.

 

I actually picked up a set off an 08 S line rims yesterday. The seller said that they are probably replicas but bought through an audi dealership. He used them for 2 years without any problems but had to get rid of them because they didn't fit is new 2012 A4 because of the centre bore. The rims are mint!

I called Audi Uptown to see if they even sell replica rims and apparently they do. The sales guy said that the rims that they sell are made in china but very good quality. The packages at uptown start at $1500 with Marangoni tires (225 45 17)

If audi is okay with reps then I am too

 

I agree reps are the way to go in winter

 

i agree. there's nothing wrong if you will used a rep tires. actually been using this and this saves money. reps and oem are just the same. it's up to the user on how he will handle this to make the life last long.

 

Just to add my 2cents...not all reps are the same (obviously). While probably 90% of them come from China, which some people say means suspect quality, there are a number of methods of manufacturing rims which affect their quality/durability (checkout tirerack, their explanations are good).

If Audi dealers are selling reps, they probably know who manufactures those rims, how they are made and what quality to expect. If you buy used reps off kijiji, i would guess that sellers have no clue about who manufactures the rims they are selling, so its a bit of a gamble as to what quality you are getting.

That said, I decided to take a gamble, I bought my winter rims off kijiji and have had no issues so far (but i'm not going to press my luck...been avoiding potholes and bumps to reduce the liklihood of bends!)