Split rim alloys, what are the benefits?
Split rim alloys, what are the benefits?
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anonymous-user

Original Poster:

84 months

Tuesday 17th May 2011
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My Z4 is fitted with split rim alloys and it's got me thinking, what are the benefits of split rims over a 'normal' alloy? It certainly can't be weight saving. Is it just purely cosmetic?

Monty Python

4,813 posts

227 months

Tuesday 17th May 2011
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The only advantage I can see is that you can change the offset/PCD bit separately.

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

220 months

Tuesday 17th May 2011
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St John Smythe said:
My Z4 is fitted with split rim alloys and it's got me thinking, what are the benefits of split rims over a 'normal' alloy? It certainly can't be weight saving. Is it just purely cosmetic?
Speed. It lowers the rotating inertia and is worth at least 11.57hp per wheel (but only 4.26 for a spare).

smile

aka_kerrly

12,505 posts

240 months

Tuesday 17th May 2011
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You can customise the centres to suit different hub applications/offsets/stud patterns + if you kerb them it is easier to buy a new outer lip and replace it then try welding/sanding the lip on a 1 piece rim.

dave

Pistachio

1,116 posts

220 months

Tuesday 17th May 2011
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Also the rims are usually forged which makes them stronger than cast alloy and can be repaired more easily than cast alloy yes
what he said above Doh!!

Fartgalen

6,928 posts

237 months

Tuesday 17th May 2011
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Braggin rights darn de old battle cruiser.

AndrewW-G

11,968 posts

247 months

Tuesday 17th May 2011
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Given the propensity of BMWs split rims to corrode under the lacquer (if the lacquer actually stays on long enough) I suggest it’s all part of a Faustian pact made with the devil by alloy wheel refurb companies (can you guess what I dropped off at National alloys for a makeover today hehe) )

Tyson1980

712 posts

186 months

Tuesday 17th May 2011
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St John Smythe said:
My Z4 is fitted with split rim alloys and it's got me thinking, what are the benefits of split rims over a 'normal' alloy? It certainly can't be weight saving. Is it just purely cosmetic?
Look better...but corrode like a bd...

Mine corrode year on year on the Z4M