Replica Wheels (Can they be trusted?)

[boothrobertl]

I just purchased a 2014 Audi A4 Premium Plus Glacier White and got the stock 10 spoke 18'' wheels.

I am writing this forum as I would like to know if anyone has had first hand experience dealing with USARIM, OEMWheel and or Hartman for aftermarket wheels as I would like to change my existing wheels to replica like ones listed under URL - http://www.usarim.com/wheel-tire-pac...a8-tt-tts.html.

I have spent a lot of time researching online and just don't know how safe they are. Will these replica wheels change the ride, performance and or risk damaging my new 40K car? Their rating on their own website seems to make a ton or great claims and some even have a lifetime warrenty; however, I don't know the first thing about wheels and if I need to be concerned about damaging my car, changing the drive performance, comfort and or road noise. If you have any details, I would be greatly appreciated as I am really wanting the

The Audi dealer Black Optic package containing the 5 Spoke Gun Metal wheels for my car was not available and the part purchase would cost an extra $4K dealer price tag which is not something I can afford.

Thanks,
Robert

[name.goes.here]

Hartman has a good reputation, the others, I'm unable to comment on.

[Warho23]

Running Hartmanns (rs4 reps) for my winter setup. which i bought used by another user here, who himself ran them for 2 years. I have probably gone over a few big potholes in Toronto this past season and they are still in good shape.

[audibmi]

Positive experience with Hartmann and VMR audi replicas. Also consider Avant Garde, although they don't have audi replica styles, their designs are very popular.

[o1turbo30v]

Yes replicas can be trusted. Just make sure you are buying some that have the appropriate safety/quality certifications, JWL, TUV, etc. If they have a lifetime structural warranty go for it, you bend or crack one, send it back. Ride quality will be determined by the tire size you choose to put on your new wheels, generally the lower the sidewall height the rougher it will ride (meaning a 45 series sidewall is generally a little softer than a 35 series sidewall).

[r6_11b8]

they will get you from point a to b easily...but reps will bend easier than higher quality rims would..if youre going reps get good quality reps

[auditd0rk]

I'll chime in with a +1 for Hartmann reps. I have beaten the sh*t out of mine driving on crappy Colorado roads -- all four still holding strong, and straight.

[b6onboost]

Hartmann and VMR reps are great quality. Just stay away from off-brand reps you find on eBay for like $499 a set.

[Skyler@Achtuning]

Thanks for the positive comments everyone!

Hartmann Wheels has been in the replica wheel business since 1978 and is committed to bringing only the highest quality replica wheels available in the world to the market. Our wheels are made with the same manufacturing techniques that the OEM wheels are and they are made in the same foundry that produces wheels for Techart and Brabus. Audi and Volkswagen dealerships make up a large portion of our customer base.

OP, if you are in VA we can ship to you directly via FedEx or if you prefer you can purchase through New German Performance in Lorton, they can be reached at 703-454-3000.

[hoppy6698]

Hartmann and VMR reps are great quality. Just stay away from off-brand reps you find on eBay for like $499 a set.

Same - Been on VMRs for 2+ years now, no bends or major issues. Two scratches, but those were all my fault :/ Reps are fine, I get a lot of positive comments, and they have been very durable. Like most here, I would look to Hartmann or VMR on the more accessible pricing, Avant Garde and others can easily top $1500-$2000 for a set.

[QUA77RO]

+1 on the Hartmann reps. I've even seen guys using them at the track without any issues.

I'd do a search on VMR...I'll leave it at that

[Jared234]

I bought the Chinese ones u see on EBay and they were not round.
Took me 3 months to get my money back.
Recommend staying away from those

[boothrobertl]

Sorry for just now getting back to all. Thanks a ton for the comments and feedback. I just spoke with Skyler at hartmann today and will likely pull the trigger on a set. I'll post pictures before and after once I've got them.

[TheHeiko]

Sorry for just now getting back to all. Thanks a ton for the comments and feedback. I just spoke with Skyler at hartmann today and will likely pull the trigger on a set. I'll post pictures before and after once I've got them.

Congrats. I have heard nothing but good things about Hartmann wheels. I probably would've gotten a set if I wanted an OEM style for my wheels.

I'm not sure what Qua77tro is suggesting about VMR but I take it as negative. I haven't read or heard anything bad about them on this board or in any post I came across when I was deciding on style. Wound up with a set of 19" V721.