[Raptor7]

might be a stupid question

but can I put my stock BMW 407 style rims on winter tires and use them for the winter? Will they salt/extreme cold weather damage it?

I'm planning to get new summer rims next year. BTW I run the 407's on performance tires.


https://www.google.ca/search?q=bmw+4...VCLZPtDtZPM%3A

[crono06]

I've run OEM wheels all my life on winter rubber and I've never had issues. This car is the exception where I bought reps for the winter and I've kept the OEM as my summer set.

[insanecoder]

Why would you want to risk ruining the finish on those expensive rims by exposing them to winter salt? I cant tell but does 407 have exposed machining?

[Wires]

I'm sure they would still be clear coated even if machined (otherwise they just corrode in a short while).

OP, that's the plan I'm going for. Looking to put a set of Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+'s on my stock rims.

[metallicpea]

I have never seen those wheels in person, but from pictures, they look to be partial paint, then clear coat over paint and some machined portions.

In my experience, the clear coat over machined surface doesn't hold up as well as the full painted/powdercoat finish.

That still doesn't mean you cant use them in winter. I mean, if you have them laying around, they certainly will work, just might not look so good for so long. It takes a lot of winters to cause the clearcoat to fail enough you get air leaks or anything like that.

[cfm56d7b]

Unless there is a strong preference for using 19" OEM wheels during the winter, purchasing 18" wheels - for example BMW 400M Style wheels - is an option. Less expensive wheels + less expensive winter tires with a taller side wall.

[floydarogers]

Originally Posted by Raptor7

...
Will they salt/extreme cold weather damage it?

Salt and slush will eventually cause problems, but the liquid de-icer in use now (calcium chloride or magnesium chloride) really are killer - to any wheel. The binder (molasses left-overs) causes it to stick and penetrate like nothing else.

Washing it off immediately and often is the only thing that will help.

[F30inthe6ix]

I plan on getting some OEM 17s or 18s for the winter on my car as well. Still looking into models but I will post again once I have some particular options picked up.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by F30inthe6ix

I plan on getting some OEM 17s or 18s for the winter on my car as well. Still looking into models but I will post again once I have some particular options picked up.

If you can stray from OEM BBS SR or SX are awesome for winter and much cheaper at $200-$250 depending on model and 17" vs 18". Basically disposable at that point.

[metallicpea]

Sorry, didn't know what diameter style 407 is.

Yes, unless you have the M sport brakes, go with some 17" wheels for snows. They will work better and save $

Style 393 can be found fairly easily and look good.

[apocalypsbe]

I've been driving OEM wheels in winter, no problem as far as I could see. Cleaning them might be a little bit more difficult if you don't keep up in the winter but still, quality is good from what I've seen and I didn't see any specific damage due to conditions.

I do prefer 18" for the winter (M Sport brakes) instead of 19" so I'll be getting a different set for the winter, probably going for style 405M in black for winter