E39 2 Piece Split Rims Problem - BMW Forum

NickC · 03-28-2004, 02:42 PM

I have a 97 E39 5 series with 2 piece 17" split rims.
One of the rims now has a small leak between the split rim seal and I've been quoted approx 150 - 200 GBP to get it repaired.
Does anyone know anywhere in the SE that might have any so that I can buy a s/hand one and save me alot of hassle? Found a pic, see attached.
Would really appreciate it if someone can help.

Thanks.

///M Power · 03-29-2004, 07:26 PM

i have seen soem of those rims go on ebay pretty cheap. you may need to buy a set of four, but i bet it would be cheaper than 200 british dough. isnt that like 300 american?

Leicesterboy15 · 03-30-2004, 09:18 AM

in the UK, these split rims are really expensive for some reason. You're probably looking at about £600 upwards for a set based on condition. You would be very lucky if you get them for £200 - maybe the person didn't know what they were worth.

As for the refurb, don't know anywhere but if you buy a custom car mag (performance BMW, Max Power etc), they have lists of specialists in the back, you're bound to find one in there.

kowached · 03-31-2004, 01:23 PM

There is no "seal" to leak? The wheel is a true 2 piece, but the pieces are the inner cross-spoke component, and the outer donut. The outer donut is the only pressurized piece and it is one complete piece of material.

I suspect that there is corrosion on the inner or outer lip where the rubber meets the alloy, but one thing is for sure, it is NOT leaking in between the 2 pieces of the wheel.

NickC · 04-02-2004, 03:21 AM

Thanks all, I had no idea the 2 piece rim was a true split and that the outside donut was not sealed in some way to the centre hub.
Off to a good quality tyre place tomorrow to get the wheel/tyre off and see if we can find the problem and fix it.

Thanks again.

kowached · 04-05-2004, 02:53 PM

Glad to help.

Don't rule out leaking around the valve stem, or the schrader valve (interior component of the valve stem).

If you decide that its not the valve stem, see if you can arrange to inspect the wheel after the tire has been dismounted, I had a couple spots that had raised white powder looking spots of corrosion, I could see it leaking there.

NickC · 04-11-2004, 02:14 PM

Problem solved!
Took the car to the tyre place, got them to take a really close look, turns out the tyre had the smallest of holes in the sidewall in amongst the texture of the letter "M" of the Michelin writing, it only really showed in the foam (brushed on to find the leak) if the wheel was on the car and had the weight on it, hence why we couldnt find it before hand when the wheel was off.

New tyre fitted, problem solved, happy man!

Thanks for your help and the pics of the split rim, the guy at the tyre place has been in the business for 30 years and he thought the 2 pieces of the rims sealed together so he learnt something too!