Competition Package Wheel Summary

[Below Speed Limit]

After reading pretty much every single thread in this and other forums, I wanted to bring all information I gathered together into this thread so future buyers (or anyone else) can benefit from it.

- Competition wheels (601M) are cast whereas regular wheels (343M) are BBS forged. We don't know which company makes the 601M wheels, but it is not BBS.
- 601Ms are 5.5 lbs heavier in each wheel adding 22 pounds to the weight of the car.
- There were people whose 601M wheels had minor cracks in them after a few hundred miles of usage.
- 601M wheels are 0.5 inches wider all around, thus can support wider tires (305 and 275).
- 343Ms are stronger, lighter, thus will crack and go out of balance a lot harder whereas 601Ms are softer and heavier and are more prone to damage and balancing issues.
- 601Ms cost $800 from BMW whereas 343Ms $cost 1200.
- 601Ms look pretty bad from pictures, but upclose they look pretty great (no worse or better than 343Ms).

That being said, it makes me wonder what BMW was thinking putting these wheels into the competition package. They are inferior in every single aspect. They are not as strong, they are cheaper, and heavier all around. Who in their right mind from the ///M team would put these wheels in a "competition package" that cost $7,300 is beyond me.

After knowing this (as many members may not have known all of this prior to ordering their cars), anyone still choosing the competition wheel would most likely do so just to set their car apart from others and to show that they have competition package in their car.

[B-1Pilot]

Let me guess, you have the 343s, right?

I'd say you did a good job summarizing the opinions and info stated in other threads. Some of these bullets are correct, but others are unsubstantiated, or just sour grapes from those who didn't have opportunity to get the 601Ms.

To me, wheels are about 45% function (do they create a good contact patch for the car/HP I have, is wear and tear minimal), 45% looks (do they make the car standout, are they aesthetically appealing to me, are they easy to maintain), and about 10% performance (I'm not trying to win a bunch of races, or beat everyone on the track, so unsprung mass is not my primary concern in my 575HP car, and if it was I would have a track/drag setup anyways)

Looking forward to all those "my 601Ms are out of round" threads that should be happening any day now.

I say just pick the wheels you like the look of best, these performance/maintenance issues are way overblown compared to what really matters -- after seeing them on many cars now, I think both wheels look amazing, and if you don't like either there are some great aftermarket setups as well.

[Below Speed Limit]

Originally Posted by B-1Pilot

Let me guess, you have the 343s, right?

I'd say you did a good job summarizing the opinions and info stated in other threads. Some of these bullets are correct, but others are unsubstantiated, or just sour grapes from those who didn't have opportunity to get the 601Ms.

To me, wheels are about 45% function (do they create a good contact patch for the car/HP I have, is wear and tear minimal), 45% looks (do they make the car standout, are they aesthetically appealing to me, are they easy to maintain), and about 10% performance (I'm not trying to win a bunch of races, or beat everyone on the track, so unsprung mass is not my primary concern in my 575HP car, and if it was I would have a track/drag setup anyways)

Looking forward to all those "my 601Ms are out of round" threads that should be happening any day now.

I say just pick the wheels you like the look of best, these performance/maintenance issues are way overblown compared to what really matters -- after seeing them on many cars now, I think they look amazing, especially on darker cars.

I completely agree with you, but to me, it's all about "best bang for the buck". Spending $7,300 on some package (which by the way is the most expensive package after CCBs, almost the cost of B&O+Full Leather), I, and I'm sure many others, want to make damn sure that a) we get the package for the right reasons and b) if we do get it, we get it the right way.

Many many people get competition package for the wheels. Sad but true. All perception. If not only for wheels, wheels is one of the primary reasons. Because it sets their car apart. It was the same in E9X M3 3 years ago (well that package cost less than half of what this one did).

I don't think it's a smart thing to do, buying cast wheels that are 20" in diameter to support a 4400 lbs car with a 575 hp engine. If these were 18s or even 19s, its something else. But time will only tell. I guess if someone living in LA or NYC can beat the shit out of these wheels for a few years and they have no cracks and the balance does not go out once every 6 months, then maybe it's not so bad. But even so, them being $400 cheaper (so thats $1600 in total) is a big rip off. If BMW made the other wheels more expensive, I would totally understand. But selling them for the same price online but charging different amount from their parts store is just totally wrong.

[bobblehead]

the 343M wheels are made by Fuchs, NOT BBS

[RPiM5]

Wow, good points from OP and B-1.

I agree with B-1, I think 601M's are equal in appearance appeal to 343M, I just personally like the 343M's a bit better since they were the launch wheel for the F10 M5.

I don't know if anyone here has ever picked up a 343M with a tire on it, but jeezus is it heavy. The 343M's may be forged but they aren't exactly light either. The weight of the 601M's makes it a little worse, it's true, but as other have pointed out you are not going to notice a 23lbs weight difference on the street, and maybe if you were Randy Pobst or Chris Harris, you'd notice the difference on the track.

The last thing I will say, again which others have pointed out already, is the longevity and durability of a cast wheel, especially on M cars. I don't know the long history of every single wheel ever specifically designed for an M car, but I'd guess that the majority of them were cast wheels. I have only known a handful of people who actually cracked their stock OEM Cast M wheel, and in 99% of those cases, they hit an extremely bad pothole extremely hard. So just avoid potholes and you'll be fine with the 601M's.

[Below Speed Limit]

Originally Posted by bobblehead

the 343M wheels are made by Fuchs, NOT BBS

Someone spoke to someone else working for BBS regarding this, I highly doubt they'd give false information.

[bobblehead]

Unless bmw also contracted the 345M out to BBS, then it is a possibility.

http://www.fuchsfelge.de/index.php?id=589&L=1

[Below Speed Limit]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

Wow, good points from OP and B-1.

I agree with B-1, I think 601M's are equal in appearance appeal to 343M, I just personally like the 343M's a bit better since they were the launch wheel for the F10 M5.

I don't know if anyone here has ever picked up a 343M with a tire on it, but jeezus is it heavy. The 343M's may be forged but they aren't exactly light either. The weight of the 601M's makes it a little worse, it's true, but as other have pointed out you are not going to notice a 23lbs weight difference on the street, and maybe if you were Randy Pobst or Chris Harris, you'd notice the difference on the track.

The last thing I will say, again which others have pointed out already, is the longevity and durability of a cast wheel, especially on M cars. I don't know the long history of every single wheel ever specifically designed for an M car, but I'd guess that the majority of them were cast wheels. I have only known a handful of people who actually cracked their stock OEM Cast M wheel, and in 99% of those cases, they hit an extremely bad pothole extremely hard. So just avoid potholes and you'll be fine with the 601M's.

You won't notice the weight difference, but that's besides the point. The same can be told for the 15hp or the extended torque in the rpm band, but we still pay for it don't we It's all about paying more for a $7,300 package and getting something inferior. Usually when companies come up with these expensive packages, they are considered "upgrades". These wheels are not upgrades.

Let me turn the question around and ask this, if both of these wheels were offered 2 years ago with the first M5, one being $1200 wheel and other being $800 wheel, and all the information in this thread was known back then (one is forged, one is cast, one is 5.5 lbs heavier, etc), do you think all these people who now have the 601Ms would still go with these wheels? I highly doubt. I'd say 90% wouldn't, nobody in their right mind would, unless you are seriously into the style of it. The reason why people go for these wheels now are two fold : a) They don't know all of this and they assume because it's the competition wheels, they are better or b) They get it because they want everyone else to know they have the competition package, the latest and greatest.

Competition in its name implies faster/better/stronger, and these wheels are complete opposite of that.

The fact that they won't be as durable is secondary. You are right, BMW's cast wheels are not terrible, but then I don't think they made 20" cast wheels until now. For all intents and purposes, these wheels have been in use for the past 6 months, not 3-4 years. We don't know how durable they will be.

Also remember that it's not just cracks, but the balancing problems that I worry the most. Cast wheels are a lot easier to get out of balance than forge wheels because they are softer and not as rigid.

[dhirm5]

Originally Posted by Below Speed Limit

Also remember that it's not just cracks, but the balancing problems that I worry the most. Cast wheels are a lot easier to get out of balance than forge wheels because they are softer and not as rigid.

Get the 343M - problem solved. None of what you are saying here is new - all has been discussed ad nauseam here and elsewhere.

Yes, it's annoying that //M stuck a heavier cast wheel on the comp pak. I've somehow gotten over it.

BTW - I bought the comp pak for everything else - not the wheels. If I am buying an //M5, I want the one with the sportiest suspension, handling, most power, loudest exhaust. To me and others that was worth the 6k. To others, it wasn't. Make the choice that's right for you and move on. No point in continuing to beat this horse - it's dead!

[Below Speed Limit]

Originally Posted by dhirm5

Get the 343M - problem solved. None of what you are saying here is new - all has been discussed ad nauseam here and elsewhere.

Yes, it's annoying that //M stuck a heavier cast wheel on the comp pak. I've somehow gotten over it.

BTW - I bought the comp pak for everything else - not the wheels. If I am buying an //M5, I want the one with the sportiest suspension, handling, most power, loudest exhaust. To me and others that was worth the 6k. To others, it wasn't. Make the choice that's right for you and move on. No point in continuing to beat this horse - it's dead!

Maybe I "should" get the 601Ms BECAUSE they are $500 cheaper It's a lot of money actually if you think about it, since the car is lease not mine in case I have to replace one, my god paying $1300 for a wheel would be devastating

[Tom C]

Originally Posted by Below Speed Limit

I completely agree with you, but to me, it's all about "best bang for the buck". Spending $7,300 on some package (which by the way is the most expensive package after CCBs, almost the cost of B&O+Full Leather), I, and I'm sure many others, want to make damn sure that a) we get the package for the right reasons and b) if we do get it, we get it the right way.

Many many people get competition package for the wheels. Sad but true. All perception. If not only for wheels, wheels is one of the primary reasons. Because it sets their car apart. It was the same in E9X M3 3 years ago (well that package cost less than half of what this one did).

I don't think it's a smart thing to do, buying cast wheels that are 20" in diameter to support a 4400 lbs car with a 575 hp engine. If these were 18s or even 19s, its something else. But time will only tell. I guess if someone living in LA or NYC can beat the shit out of these wheels for a few years and they have no cracks and the balance does not go out once every 6 months, then maybe it's not so bad. But even so, them being $400 cheaper (so thats $1600 in total) is a big rip off. If BMW made the other wheels more expensive, I would totally understand. But selling them for the same price online but charging different amount from their parts store is just totally wrong.

Well BMW does allow the 343M wheels to be added to the Competition Package as a no-cost option. Without the Competition Package, the 343M wheels are a $1,300 option. So basically the Competition Package is only $6K and allows you to get the 601M wheels instead of the 343Ms. I for one would have gotten the Competition Package if available when I bought my M5. Although I probably would have stuck to the 343M wheels but in the optional black (which didn't seem to be an option back then).

[RPiM5]

Originally Posted by Below Speed Limit

You won't notice the weight difference, but that's besides the point. The same can be told for the 15hp or the extended torque in the rpm band, but we still pay for it don't we It's all about paying more for a $7,300 package and getting something inferior. Usually when companies come up with these expensive packages, they are considered "upgrades". These wheels are not upgrades.

Let me turn the question around and ask this, if both of these wheels were offered 2 years ago with the first M5, one being $1200 wheel and other being $800 wheel, and all the information in this thread was known back then (one is forged, one is cast, one is 5.5 lbs heavier, etc), do you think all these people who now have the 601Ms would still go with these wheels? I highly doubt. I'd say 90% wouldn't, nobody in their right mind would, unless you are seriously into the style of it. The reason why people go for these wheels now are two fold : a) They don't know all of this and they assume because it's the competition wheels, they are better or b) They get it because they want everyone else to know they have the competition package, the latest and greatest.

Competition in its name implies faster/better/stronger, and these wheels are complete opposite of that.

The fact that they won't be as durable is secondary. You are right, BMW's cast wheels are not terrible, but then I don't think they made 20" cast wheels until now. For all intents and purposes, these wheels have been in use for the past 6 months, not 3-4 years. We don't know how durable they will be.

Also remember that it's not just cracks, but the balancing problems that I worry the most. Cast wheels are a lot easier to get out of balance than forge wheels because they are softer and not as rigid.

First of all, you sound like a Kung Fu movie.

Second of all... I have no second of all, I just wanted to say you sounded like a Kung Fu movie. Lol!

[Below Speed Limit]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

First of all, you sound like a Kung Fu movie.

Second of all... I have no second of all, I just wanted to say you sounded like a Kung Fu movie. Lol!

[PatrickC23]

Id pick the better looking one, 601s

[Mbdurham17]

Originally Posted by dhirm5

Get the 343M - problem solved. None of what you are saying here is new - all has been discussed ad nauseam here and elsewhere.

Yes, it's annoying that //M stuck a heavier cast wheel on the comp pak. I've somehow gotten over it.

BTW - I bought the comp pak for everything else - not the wheels. If I am buying an //M5, I want the one with the sportiest suspension, handling, most power, loudest exhaust. To me and others that was worth the 6k. To others, it wasn't. Make the choice that's right for you and move on. No point in continuing to beat this horse - it's dead!

[Boss330]

Couldn't find any BBS info in those posts... They linked to a Tirerack page on BBS wheels, but no OEM M5 wheels there...

And if this is what is referred to as cracks, then I believe he is mistaken. Whats in the Pictures are NOT cracks IMHO. It's simply casting surface imperfections.

[dhirm5]

I haven't seen proof that the 601Ms are wider BTW, I've only seen conjecture.

This is the part on realoem.com - this indicates that they are 9 front, 10 rear, just like the 343M:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...18&hg=36&fg=15

[Hockey Guy]

I ordered the Competition package, but substituted in the black 343s. That was my workaround. Unfortunately because it is winter (still!!), I have not been able to use them on the car (yet). The 601s (appearance-wise) have grown on me, but I still like the 343s better. The 601s look a little thin for the car to me. Personal preference obviously.

[stealth.pilot]

Originally Posted by B-1Pilot

Let me guess, you have the 343s, right?

I'd say you did a good job summarizing the opinions and info stated in other threads. Some of these bullets are correct, but others are unsubstantiated, or just sour grapes from those who didn't have opportunity to get the 601Ms.

To me, wheels are about 45% function (do they create a good contact patch for the car/HP I have, is wear and tear minimal), 45% looks (do they make the car standout, are they aesthetically appealing to me, are they easy to maintain), and about 10% performance (I'm not trying to win a bunch of races, or beat everyone on the track, so unsprung mass is not my primary concern in my 575HP car, and if it was I would have a track/drag setup anyways)

Looking forward to all those "my 601Ms are out of round" threads that should be happening any day now.

I say just pick the wheels you like the look of best, these performance/maintenance issues are way overblown compared to what really matters -- after seeing them on many cars now, I think both wheels look amazing, and if you don't like either there are some great aftermarket setups as well.

The fact that the 601M is $800 and the the 343M wheel is $1200 is to me a pretty clear indication that the 343M wheel is a better wheel.

To me this is an optics vs. quality choice. I would choose quality.

I think your sour grape comments is out of line. A lot of people here bought 2014s and had the opportunity to get 601M wheels and chose not to. I wrote a cheque for my 2014 and to add CP with 601M wheels would have been chump change for me.

I think most people pick 343M over 601M wheels because they care about quality. An M Car should have forged wheels. The fact that BMW did not make the 601M wheels in a forged format is shameful on the part of BMW. You should be at least slightly annoyed about this.

[Boss330]

Remember that the 601 probably aren't "standard cast"... Here is BBS's information on casting techniques:

http://www.bbs-usa.com/bbs-technology-expertise.cfm

Every technology has a limit. Cast aluminum wheels were a big improvement over the steel wheels, however when it comes to performance, there are other technologies like flow-forming or forging that surpass a standard cast wheel. These higher level technologies will allow a reduction in weight (while maintaining the stiffness and durability) that will improve vehicle performance.

Current BBS aftermarket designs that benefit from the "Flow Forming" process are CH, CH-R, CX-R and SV. BBS supplies cast flow-formed wheels for many high performance OEM manufacturers including: BMW, Audi, Ferrari and Porsche. Also, some factory racing programs from BMW, Ferrari and Ford have selected a BBS cast flow-formed product specifically for track use.

A forged wheel is usually better than a cast wheel, but it's not like they are bad... This type of wheel construction is the most commonly used by manufactures and have a long history of durability and strength. It's not like the 601 is manufactured with some unknown process where we should expect the wheels to fall apart on a frequent basis...

[B-1Pilot]

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

The fact that the 601M is $800 and the the 343M wheel is $1200 is to me a pretty clear indication that the 343M wheel is a better wheel.

To me this is an optics vs. quality choice. I would choose quality.

I think your sour grape comments is out of line. A lot of people here bought 2014s and had the opportunity to get 601M wheels and chose not to. I wrote a cheque for my 2014 and to add CP with 601M wheels would have been chump change for me.

I think most people pick 343M over 601M wheels because they care about quality. An M Car should have forged wheels. The fact that BMW did not make the 601M wheels in a forged format is shameful on the part of BMW. You should be at least slightly annoyed about this.

I am definitely annoyed that the 601s aren't forged like the 343s, but by the time we had a definitive answer on that, I had already fell in love with the look I wanted on my car.

My sour grapes comment is just pointing out a trend on these forums that I am just as guilty of... people defend their purchases and choices passionately -- to the point that many poopoo the newer version. Because of this, I don't think you can objectively value all the statements the OP made as fact, since many of them are merely subjective opinion.

The cost thing to me is minor -- value proposition arguments over the wheels option on a $100k car is not nearly as substantive as people are making it out to be.

To be honest, I may go with the 343s on my next M5... merely because it is different from what I currently have, and I think each wheel set can look better or worse depending on the car and cosmetic's colors (I will be getting the CP again regardless, )

However, I don't want new buyers to think that if they get the 601Ms they are getting a dramatically inferior product -- the differences are slight and will not effect 99.99% of the driving experience. They should ultimately choose what they think looks the best.

[soooma]

Originally Posted by Below Speed Limit

After reading pretty much every single thread in this and other forums, I wanted to bring all information I gathered together into this thread so future buyers (or anyone else) can benefit from it.

- Competition wheels (601M) are cast whereas regular wheels (343M) are BBS forged. We don't know which company makes the 601M wheels, but it is not BBS.
- 601Ms are 5.5 lbs heavier in each wheel adding 22 pounds to the weight of the car.
- There were people whose 601M wheels had minor cracks in them after a few hundred miles of usage.
- 601M wheels are 0.5 inches wider all around, thus can support wider tires (305 and 275).
- 343Ms are stronger, lighter, thus will crack and go out of balance a lot harder whereas 601Ms are softer and heavier and are more prone to damage and balancing issues.
- 601Ms cost $800 from BMW whereas 343Ms $cost 1200.
- 601Ms look pretty bad from pictures, but upclose they look pretty great (no worse or better than 343Ms).

That being said, it makes me wonder what BMW was thinking putting these wheels into the competition package. They are inferior in every single aspect. They are not as strong, they are cheaper, and heavier all around. Who in their right mind from the ///M team would put these wheels in a "competition package" that cost $7,300 is beyond me.

After knowing this (as many members may not have known all of this prior to ordering their cars), anyone still choosing the competition wheel would most likely do so just to set their car apart from others and to show that they have competition package in their car.

WOW
I am impressed,
I would appreciate same effort on M5 engine or Performance -