343's NOT 'really' Forged...?

[PhilT3]

I was talking to a wheel vendor today. He's apparently been in the wheel business a long time...

He says he believes the 343's are not forged monoblocks with from CNC'd center. But actually a cast center with a flow/roller formed barrel.

He adds that he's not aware of ANY mass produced OEM 'forged' wheel made any other way.

So... Does anyone have empirical data on exactly how the 343's are 'forged'?

This all spans from my consideration to change wheels. I'd like a more 'custom' look, but don't want to drop a bunch of cash on wheels that will get banged up on my daily driver.....but I also don't want to downgrade from my 'forged' 343's.

[Palomequet]

Originally Posted by PhilT3

I was talking to a wheel vendor today. He's apparently been in the wheel business a long time...

He says he believes the 343's are not forged monoblocks with from CNC'd center. But actually a cast center with a flow/roller formed barrel.

He adds that he's not aware of ANY mass produced OEM 'forged' wheel made any other way.

So... Does anyone have empirical data on exactly how the 343's are 'forged'?

This all spans from my consideration to change wheels. I'd like a more 'custom' look, but don't want to drop a bunch of cash on wheels that will get banged up on my daily driver.....but I also don't want to downgrade from my 'forged' 343's.

It is possible what your vendor said in two or three pieces wheels but 343s are one piece forged wheels.

[bobblehead]

http://translate.google.ca/translate...ml&prev=search

343 is forged and made by Fuchs

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

That guy (vendor) should really not be in business. If he does not know, then research before open his mouth.

Originally Posted by PhilT3

I was talking to a wheel vendor today. He's apparently been in the wheel business a long time...

He says he believes the 343's are not forged monoblocks with from CNC'd center. But actually a cast center with a flow/roller formed barrel.

He adds that he's not aware of ANY mass produced OEM 'forged' wheel made any other way.

So... Does anyone have empirical data on exactly how the 343's are 'forged'?

This all spans from my consideration to change wheels. I'd like a more 'custom' look, but don't want to drop a bunch of cash on wheels that will get banged up on my daily driver.....but I also don't want to downgrade from my 'forged' 343's.

[M6-Coupe]

No idea about your vendor but this is a well known website:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...43&hg=36&fg=15

[PhilT3]

Well this is great to read! Thanks guys!

[bobblehead]

are you going to tell that wheel vendor to pack up and close the door ?

@ about 25 - 27lbs per for 20", that's pretty well says it's forged. A comparable flow formed wheel at this size would be around 28 - 30lbs per.

Originally Posted by PhilT3

Well this is great to read! Thanks guys!

[PhilT3]

Originally Posted by bobblehead

are you going to tell that wheel vendor to pack up and close the door ?

@ about 25 - 27lbs per for 20", that's pretty well says it's forged. A comparable flow formed wheel at this size would be around 28 - 30lbs per.

Lol. He's not a bad guy... Just mis-informed as he deals mostly with American made cars.

As for your comment about the weights... Flow-formed Forgestars are 22 and 24 lbs for the same size wheels. I had a set.
And I thought the 343's were closer to 22-24 lbs...?

Thoughts?

[bobblehead]

spec says about 12kg = 26lbs for the 343.

[PhilT3]

Originally Posted by bobblehead

spec says about 12kg = 26lbs for the 343.

I was reading from this:

http://www.bmwstylewheels.com/bmw/343

11.2kg x 2.2 = 24.6lbs
11.7 x 2.2= 25.7lbs

So I guess I am off a bit.

But what of Forgestar flow-formed wheels weighing in at 24.5 for a 20x10 wheel...?

http://www.**********s.com/Forgestar...Wheels-BMW.htm

[Palomequet]

Originally Posted by PhilT3

I was reading from this:

http://www.bmwstylewheels.com/bmw/343

11.2kg x 2.2 = 24.6lbs
11.7 x 2.2= 25.7lbs

So I guess I am off a bit.

But what of Forgestar flow-formed wheels weighing in at 24.5 for a 20x10 wheel...?

http://www.**********s.com/Forgestar...Wheels-BMW.htm

You've got the answer in your own thread "343s VS" # 3

[PhilT3]

Originally Posted by Palomequet

You've got the answer in your own thread "343s VS" # 3

i don't follow...?

[Ninong]

The 343M wheels are forged, not cast! The 601M wheels are cast. If you try to order a 343M wheel from your local dealer's parts department, you will discover that it's three or four hundred dollars more expensive than a 601M wheel. Also, it's 5 lbs lighter than a 601M wheel.

[PhilT3]

Originally Posted by Ninong

The 343M wheels are forged, not cast! The 601M wheels are cast. If you try to order a 343M wheel from your local dealer's parts department, you will discover that it's three or four hundred dollars more expensive than a 601M wheel. Also, it's 5 lbs lighter than a 601M wheel.

Yep... Well aware of those points. But again... I was simply looking for the data to back up what everyone 'says'. Of which it was provided and was the exact info I was asking for.

And just because BMW charges 'X' doesn't necessarily mean anything. BMW also charges $50 for an umbrella with an M on it. Lol.

[DrewM5]

Originally Posted by PhilT3

.

And just because BMW charges 'X' doesn't necessarily mean anything. BMW also charges $50 for an umbrella with an M on it. Lol.

True, but that is a forged, low weight/high strength umbrella that will keep you dry quicker than a cast version.

[PhilT3]

Originally Posted by DrewM5

True, but that is a forged, low weight/high strength umbrella that will keep you dry quicker than a cast version.

True story...

[Palomequet]

Originally Posted by Palomequet

You've got the answer in your own thread "343s VS" # 3

yes, you've got the full TireRack description about the differences.

[PhilT3]

Originally Posted by Palomequet

yes, you've got the full TireRack description about the differences.

I am just not following you bud. I'm guessing you're attempting to be sarcastic and/or make a joke...? But I just don't get it.

Thanks for posting though.

[HXS]

Originally Posted by PhilT3

I am just not following you bud. I'm guessing you're attempting to be sarcastic and/or make a joke...? But I just don't get it.

Thanks for posting though.

I think he's referring to this thread that you started and to the third post.

But that's as far as I got with his post

[Palomequet]

Originally Posted by PhilT3

I am just not following you bud. I'm guessing you're attempting to be sarcastic and/or make a joke...? But I just don't get it.

Thanks for posting though.

Please check your thread " 343's vs Vorsteiner " # 3. There you post a good full TireRack explanation about the differences among how wheels are made and how the manufacturers can achieve lighter alloys and increase their strength.

[PhilT3]

Originally Posted by Palomequet

Please check your thread " 343's vs Vorsteiner " # 3. There you post a good full TireRack explanation about the differences among how wheels are made and how the manufacturers can achieve lighter alloys and increase their strength.

Oh Ok... Now I think I understand. I guess I'm surprised that in this case forged 343's are heavier than Forgestar CF10's that are flow-formed.

I'm only referencing the Forgestars as a data point as I had a set and know the weight for certain.