BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum - View Single Post - Avant-Garde wheels. Anyone have them?

ModBargains.com · 08-30-2011, 01:22 AM

Though not enforced, there are quality standards to govern the production of wheels. Some countries though, like Germany and Japan, have government regulations requiring aftermarket wheels to meet certain criteria and ensure proper fit. The United States has taken steps to establish guidelines but it will be some time before they can enact regulation of any kind. Consequently, all wheels are not made the same. The performance of an alloy wheel is a direct result of the manufacturing technique employed.

I do want to educate you on the quality and strength of wheels. In terms of the hierarchy of quality and strength the list goes from lowest to highest as follows: gravity cast, low-pressure cast, flow form, and forged. Take into consideration also that all of the wheels that come standard from BMW straight from the factory are Low-pressure cast at a minimum.

GRAVITY CASTING (most aftermarket cast wheels)
Gravity casting is the most basic process of pouring molten aluminum into a mold utilizing the earth's gravity to fill the mold. Gravity casting offers a very reasonable production cost and is a good method for casting designs that are more visually oriented or when reducing weight is not a primary concern. Since the process relies on gravity to fill the mold, the aluminum is not as densely packed in the mold as some other casting processes. Often gravity cast wheels will have a higher weight to achieve the required strength.

LOW PRESSURE CASTING (Avant Garde, Alufelgen)
Low pressure casting uses positive pressure to move the molten aluminum into the mold quicker and achieve a finished product that has improved mechanical properties (more dense) over a gravity cast wheel. Low-pressure casting has a slightly higher production cost over gravity casting. Low pressure is the most common process approved for aluminum wheels sold to the O.E.M. market. Low-pressure cast wheels offer a good value for the aftermarket as well. Some companies offer wheels that are produced under a higher pressure in special casting equipment to create a wheel that is lighter and stronger than a wheel produced in low pressure. Once again in the quest for lighter weight, there is a higher cost associated with the process.

Avant Garde M310 wheels are low pressure cast which gives them more strength without adding extra weight. The Avant Garde 310 Wheels have a staggering 815kg/1835lb load rating which can most definitely withstand the weight of your vehicle.

[IMG]http://www.**********s.com/images/Products/Linea_Corse/mini-loadratings.jpg[/IMG]

We are the largest stocking distributor and official retail distributor for Avant Garde wheels. We do open up each box that comes in our warehouse and put them through our strict quality control process to make sure that each of our customers get a perfect set!

08-30-2011, 01:22 AM	#5
ModBargains.com Banned 531 Rep 13,582 Posts Drives: JB E92 335i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: 1721 E. Lambert Rd #C, La Habra, CA 90631 iTrader: (51)	Though not enforced, there are quality standards to govern the production of wheels. Some countries though, like Germany and Japan, have government regulations requiring aftermarket wheels to meet certain criteria and ensure proper fit. The United States has taken steps to establish guidelines but it will be some time before they can enact regulation of any kind. Consequently, all wheels are not made the same. The performance of an alloy wheel is a direct result of the manufacturing technique employed. I do want to educate you on the quality and strength of wheels. In terms of the hierarchy of quality and strength the list goes from lowest to highest as follows: gravity cast, low-pressure cast, flow form, and forged. Take into consideration also that all of the wheels that come standard from BMW straight from the factory are Low-pressure cast at a minimum. GRAVITY CASTING (most aftermarket cast wheels) Gravity casting is the most basic process of pouring molten aluminum into a mold utilizing the earth's gravity to fill the mold. Gravity casting offers a very reasonable production cost and is a good method for casting designs that are more visually oriented or when reducing weight is not a primary concern. Since the process relies on gravity to fill the mold, the aluminum is not as densely packed in the mold as some other casting processes. Often gravity cast wheels will have a higher weight to achieve the required strength. LOW PRESSURE CASTING (Avant Garde, Alufelgen) Low pressure casting uses positive pressure to move the molten aluminum into the mold quicker and achieve a finished product that has improved mechanical properties (more dense) over a gravity cast wheel. Low-pressure casting has a slightly higher production cost over gravity casting. Low pressure is the most common process approved for aluminum wheels sold to the O.E.M. market. Low-pressure cast wheels offer a good value for the aftermarket as well. Some companies offer wheels that are produced under a higher pressure in special casting equipment to create a wheel that is lighter and stronger than a wheel produced in low pressure. Once again in the quest for lighter weight, there is a higher cost associated with the process. Avant Garde M310 wheels are low pressure cast which gives them more strength without adding extra weight. The Avant Garde 310 Wheels have a staggering 815kg/1835lb load rating which can most definitely withstand the weight of your vehicle. [IMG]http://www.*********s.com/images/Products/Linea_Corse/mini-loadratings.jpg[/IMG] We are the largest stocking distributor and official retail distributor for Avant Garde wheels. We do open up each box that comes in our warehouse and put them through our strict quality control process to make sure that each of our customers get a perfect set! Don't take my word for it though, you can see what some other forum members have to say about us yourself! http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=568097 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=573238 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=576889 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=577936 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=573568 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=577145 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=573493 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=574594 Last edited by ModBargains.com; 08-30-2011 at 01:31 AM..*
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