326 alloy wheel crack

[john-e89]

How many has he seen, do you know…? Could be 2

Yeah I won’t be just leaving it, fear not!

Welding alloy wheels is temporary, you weaken the surrounding alloy giving that area an excuse to crack more than when it was new, and a small crack now is only going one way….they don’t heal themselves. Hey, up to you, if you want potentially and very likely more issues then weld them, you’re a victim of crap wheel manufacture as lots of E89 owners are but welding them isn’t the way to deal with it.

I think I’ll spend a bit of time seeing if I can source a good replacement, or yeah, maybe a full new set of something else may have to be on the cards. Def prefer the OEM look however

It’s a shame as it’s no one’s fault but BMW and try to get any sense out of them if you can….

Hope you find a solution that has longevity.

[matsmith749]

Is it really a BMW thing?

The trend for bigger & bigger wheel diameters, also being lighter & lighter with tiny thin tyres is common across all manufacturers TBH. All are seeing the same kind of issues with wheel damage, especially when used anywhere with less than perfect road conditions (ahem .... UK).

Runflat (ie hard sidewall) tyres just makes the problem more likely.

I doubt the alloy quality is worse for BMW branded wheels than any other similar marque.

Also, with regard to the efficacy of a weld on a wheel crack - I don't know the truth about this (does anyone?).

It feels like it makes sense that it could weaken the wheel long term - but is that just old wives bollox? Welding has been used in construction & repairs for many years, and thousands upon thousands of wheels.

Do they actually break easier afterwards? I'd love to know for real (not just gossip)

[Stevo1987]

Is it really a BMW thing?

The trend for bigger & bigger wheel diameters, also being lighter & lighter with tiny thin tyres is common across all manufacturers TBH. All are seeing the same kind of issues with wheel damage, especially when used anywhere with less than perfect road conditions (ahem .... UK).

Runflat (ie hard sidewall) tyres just makes the problem more likely.

I doubt the alloy quality is worse for BMW branded wheels than any other similar marque.

Also, with regard to the efficacy of a weld on a wheel crack - I don't know the truth about this (does anyone?).

It feels like it makes sense that it could weaken the wheel long term - but is that just old wives bollox? Welding has been used in construction & repairs for many years, and thousands upon thousands of wheels.

Do they actually break easier afterwards? I'd love to know for real (not just gossip)

I doubt anyone knows for sure. John would buy a new wheel but I think that is just his opinion and choice.

[Pondrew]

Is it really a BMW thing?

No it isn't. As you said, it is a 'big cheaply cast alloy wheel with low profile tyres' thing. VW and Ford also have the same issues (these are the only other forums I've visited).

BUT....because of BMWs insistence on RFTs and the Z platform (generally) having stupidly stiff springs, it just makes the problem worse.

My F31 has soft springs, 18" wheels and RFTs (bloody cheap ones too). Not a problem so far after 8 years.
My 440 with M-sport suspension with RFTs was not renowned for cracking wheels, as the suspension was much 'better' than the Z platform. It happened, just not everyday.

[Deepseaskateboard]

Welding is weaker than if it were not cracked.

That said, day to day driving on roads with speed limits and rules, a weld will surely hold up. I don’t suppose they would weld it if it wasn't ok.

The problem is, it’s down to the skill of the welder, and a wheel is a rather fundamental part of the car.

You could be fine for months then hit a motorway pothole and that could be it.

If you weld it, it’s best as a patch fix before you sort out an alternative.

326Ms are incredibly expensive, perhaps look to replace with an 18" or something else like a 437m.

I don’t envy the position, but why run the risk.

[Pondrew]

I have a good friend who is a master welder (whatever that is) and welds stainless and aluminium for a living.
I asked him if he would weld a wheel if I ever needed it.

He said "not a chance", so that tells me all I need to know.

[z4lincs]

Have spent the whole morning so far searching for new alloys, so I think we know which direction this decision is heading...

[z4lincs]

Have spent the whole morning so far searching for new alloys, so I think we know which direction this decision is heading...

Anyone had these or anything similar? I'm thinking they at least look a bit like 326's..

https://www.wheelbasealloys.com/alloy-w ... ?year=2014

[john-e89]

Nice those…

[Mr Tidy]

Anyone had these or anything similar? I'm thinking they at least look a bit like 326's..

https://www.wheelbasealloys.com/alloy-w ... ?year=2014

They look great.

Presumably they won't be getting fitted with run-flats!

[z4lincs]

Presumably they won't be getting fitted with run-flats!

Certainly not! Currently on Uniroyal Rainsports

[matsmith749]

Remind me of an older m3 replica wheel.

Nice

[Busterboo]

"4 x 19" Avus Racing AC-MB3 Anthracite Wider Rear Alloy Wheels"?

[z4lincs]

"4 x 19" Avus Racing AC-MB3 Anthracite Wider Rear Alloy Wheels"?

It's 'wider rear'.. as opposed to all 4 rear tyres

[Fady]

"4 x 19" Avus Racing AC-MB3 Anthracite Wider Rear Alloy Wheels"?

It's 'wider rear'.. as opposed to all 4 rear tyres

4 REAR tyres? Now you're confusing me!

Wheels are actually half an inch wider both front and back - so 9.5J and 8.5J as opposed to 9J and 8J on the originals.