I saw these replica r8 wheels on Ebay, does anyone have any experience with these? hows the quality?
03-02-2009, 07:46 AM
#11
AudiWorld Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
...well, I can deffinately say the OEM's are stronger, as far as replicas go, Hartmann's are close
For me, if I bend a rim, it's always the front drivers side... so, even at $100 for the wheel guy to fix it.. it's not bad.. but at $265 to have a spare and eventually replace it... it's still a boat load cheaper than an OEM R8.... and I might bend it once... and get it fixed in a season..... but if I bend the outside.. I've got a spare.. and the chances of messing up a much more expensive OEM... might be less, but I'll find out I'll curb that or something... and I wouldn't want that.
But, I have to agree there.. their detailing makes it hard to tell the OEM from theirs on any wheel.... and with the RS4's being replicated all over the place, take a good look at theirs and anyone elses... not close.
..plus you have different types of casting and in different places... A wheel cast in Italy is a far different wheel than one cast in China... and most are cast in China... Hartmann's are the closest thing to OEM and nothing else is close..
But, I have to agree there.. their detailing makes it hard to tell the OEM from theirs on any wheel.... and with the RS4's being replicated all over the place, take a good look at theirs and anyone elses... not close.
..plus you have different types of casting and in different places... A wheel cast in Italy is a far different wheel than one cast in China... and most are cast in China... Hartmann's are the closest thing to OEM and nothing else is close..
03-02-2009, 07:57 AM
#12
New Member
Join Date: May 2003
Location: California
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Although I love my LMs, I can never get over being paranoid
about curbing one. Sometimes I think about getting a set+2 of good replicas or CHs just so I can be more at ease in any situation. I can understand your thinking. It must feel good to be able to slap a replacement on, if necessary, and not worry about cost, availability, etc.
03-02-2009, 09:18 AM
#13
AudiWorld Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
See...that's the thing... that paranoid feeling really eats away at me too... so
I just figure pick up a couple spares and don't worry about it... Hartmann R8 reps are detailed, quality reps and at $265 a wheel... that's about 1/3 or even 1/4 of what an OEM R8 wheel costs... so when I think about it like that... if I buy 6 hartman R8 reps... I could royally screw up driving a couple times... and it's still no where near the cost to me even if the OEM R8's are going to be harder.... but the chance is there that with the right pothole, they'll bend too... That lets me sleep easier..
03-02-2009, 09:49 AM
#17
AudiWorld Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Now, on the other hand 19x9 RS4 OEMs can be had for $358... and 19x8.5 from Hartmann for $285
...in this case, genuineaudiparts.com is a much better option and clearer decision for OEM vs Replica
03-02-2009, 02:02 PM
#18
New Member
Join Date: May 2003
Location: California
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For that much, or a bit more, you could get something better than oem R8s.
Maybe, and at most, 20% more strength for the exact style at 300% the cost of reps = waste of money, imo. Good luck.
03-02-2009, 02:12 PM
#19
Member
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,287
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah, it's a play set. Unless you drive like a complete idiot and are completely...
irresponsible, I'm sure they'll be fine. Spending thousands on super special wheels just makes the pain of a scratch or damage that much more painful to take. Enjoy! Take some pictures if you like they way they look on!