108s Corrosion ??

[Jacobkayne]

As we all know the iconic 108s are one of the best looking wheels on the Z4.

Unfortunately they suffer inherent corrosion issues.
From my understanding the main cause of this is

- Diamond cut ( no paint protection. Only a layer of lacquer which when damaged corrosion can start and spread underneath it.

-Split rim design ( specifically around the titanium bolt holes and the joint where the rim connects to the star.

My question is if I paint the entire wheel (gloss black) (including the surface that the star attaches to.
Will this prevent corrosion? And to what degree?

[thecremeegg]

The problem is that as soon as you tighten the boilts to attached the two parts together, the paint will break underneath and they'll corrode again.
They should last a decent amount of time but it will happen again

[Meds]

As we all know the iconic 108s are one of the best looking wheels on the Z4.

Unfortunately they suffer inherent corrosion issues.
From my understanding the main cause of this is

- Diamond cut ( no paint protection. Only a layer of lacquer which when damaged corrosion can start and spread underneath it.

-Split rim design ( specifically around the titanium bolt holes and the joint where the rim connects to the star.

My question is if I paint the entire wheel (gloss black) (including the surface that the star attaches to.
Will this prevent corrosion? And to what degree?

Only a full split and proffessional refurbish will sort them. Splitting is essential, usally meaning cracked bolts, too. It's a big ole job.
Many opt to use a chrome/effect paint on the outer barrel to preserve the look by not using a polished finish, some look more OEM than others.
Check out BM Autopsort, they have a set in at the moment.

They look fantiastic when new, even with standard silver rather than any thing different on the outer barrel.
I think if you use as a daily through the winter then maybe opt for another set of wheels if you want to keep them nice.
If keeping the car as a strict summer/weekend only, they look great and will last years and years.

When they're all black, they look horrific to my eyes (personally opinion), like some kids got a rattlecan from Halfords and gone at them. OEM, or silver or a grey.

[firebobby]

I still prefer the 107, looks fantastic, easier to clean and look after.

[brillomaster]

i'm sure i've heard of reasonable results if you powdercoat them without splitting them.

but im with firebobby, personally i much prefer 107s.

[Mr Tidy]

I think the problem is galvanic corrosion that occurs between the alloy wheels and the bolts that hold the 2 parts together, so I don't see any finish preventing that altogether.

I sold the 108s on my 2nd Coupe while they were still in good condition and replaced them with different wheels.

[MikeyH]

Would stainless steel bolts help to stop the corrosion?