VMR V715 owners beware

rdub315 · 06-01-2012, 07:34 AM

Just thought I'd inform everyone of the issue I'm having with my VMR 715's that I just had powdercoated...

I bought the wheels roughly 6 months ago, and had only been on the car for maybe 3,000 miles before I decided to powdercoat. They were just finished and I installed them on the car a little over a week ago. Within 3 or 4 days I noticed an odd crease about 5 inches long, along with a few dimples all around the lip of the driver side rear wheel. I avoid potholes and didn't hit anything that would have caused this (I'm at work - will post up pics later).

To make a long story short(er), I contacted VMR and they basically told me that the V715 is not safe to powdercoat, as the lip is a stainless press-on. Apparently, powdercoating is bad for these as the heating process makes the lip brittle and weak and susceptible to bending. Awesome. Glad I spent all that money on wheels and powdercoat - all for naught.

So I'm chalking it up as a lesson learned. As they say, you get what you pay for. VMR wheels will never be on any car I own ever again. I got sucked in because of the attractive pricing, and the fact that I like lipped wheels. The powder guy I used is very reputable and I'm sure his process is legit.

My conclusion - VMR wheels are crap. Beware! If there are any V715 owners out there considering powdercoat... DON'T DO IT!

Lulz_M3 · 06-01-2012, 07:57 AM

That really sucks, post pics when you get a chance.

khaye1 · 06-01-2012, 08:13 AM

Sorry to hear that but I think you're generalizing...maybe that's the case for the 715 but not with their monoblock wheels???

secretsquirrel · 06-01-2012, 08:32 AM

I'm sorry you had this issue, but this is not a bad on VMR's part at all. The product that you received functioned the way it was designed to do. Powdercoating wheels is hard on many wheels, even forged ones (especially if you don't use a low heat powdercoat process).

Check out this thread about some HRE's that had issue with powdercoating http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/9...hre-wheel.html
You'll find other threads like this if you look around the web. The issue you're having is not exclusive to lower priced wheels.

IMO, this thread should have been titled "VMR 715 powdercoaters beware". Also, have you tried working with VMR? I'm willing to bet they would allow you purchase new wheels at a discounted price. Its amazing what you can get when you ask nicely instead of putting people on blast, especially when the issue is not their fault.

rdub315 · 06-01-2012, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by secretsquirrel

I'm sorry you had this issue, but this is not a bad on VMR's part at all. The product that you received functioned the way it was designed to do. Powdercoating wheels is hard on many wheels, even forged ones (especially if you don't use a low heat powdercoat process).

Check out this thread about some HRE's that had issue with powdercoating http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/9...hre-wheel.html
You'll find other threads like this if you look around the web. The issue you're having is not exclusive to lower priced wheels.

IMO, this thread should have been titled "VMR 715 powdercoaters beware". Also, have you tried working with VMR? I'm willing to bet they would allow you purchase new wheels at a discounted price. Its amazing what you can get when you ask nicely instead of putting people on blast, especially when the issue is not their fault.

agreed, and changed the title.

i initially asked to see what they could do for me, and all i got was a drawn out explanation of why the V715 is not suited for powdercoat. so i told them to forget it. i'm steering clear of VMR and eventually going to get a set of Apex Arc-8's.

Pcemkr · 06-01-2012, 09:06 AM

They're cheap for a reason.

wdeerfield · 06-01-2012, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pcemkr

They're cheap for a reason.

That has nothing to do with what happened here.. powdercoating wheels that were formed with certain processes will alter the structure of the wheel because the heat to form is lower than the heat to cure the powdercoat.

rdub315 · 06-01-2012, 09:54 AM

my main gripe with all this is... how do you know that you shouldn't powdercoat certain wheels? they have that nice thread with all their glorious powdercoat choices, so why would you think otherwise? someone from VMR even commented in the thread i created to seek opinions on which color to go with. no mention of "hey, don't powdercoat those V715's" or anything along those lines. it's only after the fact that you learn about it's susceptibility to powdercoating.

bmw325i · 06-01-2012, 10:35 AM

I agree 100% that vmr should at least have a warning on their website it's obvious that they knew about it.

rdub315 · 06-02-2012, 06:46 AM

pics added

MRRwheels · 06-02-2012, 08:41 PM

I've seen this before, any wheel that is powder coated has to have the proper heating methods just a tad bit higher temp will mess with the structural integrity and can also lead to crack wheels. Is very tuff. Remember every thing in this world has a melting point

Jacek · 06-03-2012, 10:57 PM

Does there really need to be a warning on EVERYTHING sold because people dont take the due diligence to research and educate themselves on the consequence of an action BEFORE they do it.

If you went and heated a set of $2500 Volk wheels in a powdercoating oven the same thing could happen.

Th OP destroyed the structural integrity of the wheel by baking it.
There is nothing wrong with VMR wheels.

Th OP is 100% at fault because he altered the product (and damaged it) without consulting the manufacturer.

If you put a hot drinking glass in a sink full of cold water it will explode and shatter. Do we need to put labels on that too? No.

People need to take responsibility for their actions and think/consult others before making assumptions on what will or will not be ok.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw325i

I agree 100% that vmr should at least have a warning on their website it's obvious that they knew about it.

tmo24 · 06-03-2012, 11:17 PM

Yes, VMR wheels are inexpensive, but it doesn't mean they are crap or that they are at fault here. It is not their responsibility to post warnings for people who want to alter their wheels. Actually, it is YOUR responsibility to call THEM and ask if powder coating will damage their wheels. Sorry this happened. I have those wheels and love them. No issues whatsoever. I just think it is unfair to say their wheels are crap and to say that you will never put their wheels on your cars again because you damaged them. I understand you not wanting to use them again because you like to alter wheels. But they aren't crap because your alterations didn't work well with them. That's like me saying I curbed and bent one of their wheels and was mad that they didn't warn me to stay away from curbs. And that they are crap because I hit a curb and they bent.

just4kickz · 06-03-2012, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw325i

I agree 100% that vmr should at least have a warning on their website it's obvious that they knew about it.

when you modify a mod and it breaks...

manu328 · 06-04-2012, 04:22 AM

I've had my problems with vmr.. 701's... Bent 2 on minor potholes... 18"s... You really get what you pay for... It's amazing how many people get sucked in with attractive pricing.. I'll never purchase them again.. And will continue to warn people....

06-01-2012, 07:34 AM	#1
rdub315 Captain 75 Rep 650 Posts Drives: '07 E90 335i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Traverse City, MI iTrader: (8) Garage List 2007 E90 335i [10.00]	VMR V715 owners beware Just thought I'd inform everyone of the issue I'm having with my VMR 715's that I just had powdercoated... I bought the wheels roughly 6 months ago, and had only been on the car for maybe 3,000 miles before I decided to powdercoat. They were just finished and I installed them on the car a little over a week ago. Within 3 or 4 days I noticed an odd crease about 5 inches long, along with a few dimples all around the lip of the driver side rear wheel. I avoid potholes and didn't hit anything that would have caused this (I'm at work - will post up pics later). To make a long story short(er), I contacted VMR and they basically told me that the V715 is not safe to powdercoat, as the lip is a stainless press-on. Apparently, powdercoating is bad for these as the heating process makes the lip brittle and weak and susceptible to bending. Awesome. Glad I spent all that money on wheels and powdercoat - all for naught. So I'm chalking it up as a lesson learned. As they say, you get what you pay for. VMR wheels will never be on any car I own ever again. I got sucked in because of the attractive pricing, and the fact that I like lipped wheels. The powder guy I used is very reputable and I'm sure his process is legit. My conclusion - VMR wheels are crap. Beware! If there are any V715 owners out there considering powdercoat... DON'T DO IT! __________________ - VTT Stage 2 turbos, VTT inlets, Cobb Pro Tune (E30 and 93 octane tunes), MFactory LSD, 335is clutch, CSF radiator, slim fans, Walbro 255, AE exhaust, AA downpipes, ETS FMIC, Vishnu DCI, ETS charge pipe, Tial BOV, BMS OCC - H&R Touring Cup Kit, Apex Arc8, M3 style front bumper, MTech style rear bumper and diffuser Last edited by rdub315; 06-02-2012 at 06:45 AM..
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06-01-2012, 07:57 AM	#2
Lulz_M3 Banned 33 Rep 1,029 Posts Drives: AW 335i 6MT Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Jax, Fl iTrader: (0)	That really sucks, post pics when you get a chance.
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06-01-2012, 08:13 AM	#3
khaye1 Colonel 145 Rep 2,809 Posts Drives: 18 AW F80 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: San Diego iTrader: (8)	Sorry to hear that but I think you're generalizing...maybe that's the case for the 715 but not with their monoblock wheels??? __________________
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06-01-2012, 08:32 AM	#4
secretsquirrel Colonel 130 Rep 2,291 Posts Drives: f80 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Far North Dallas iTrader: (2)	I'm sorry you had this issue, but this is not a bad on VMR's part at all. The product that you received functioned the way it was designed to do. Powdercoating wheels is hard on many wheels, even forged ones (especially if you don't use a low heat powdercoat process). Check out this thread about some HRE's that had issue with powdercoating http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/9...hre-wheel.html You'll find other threads like this if you look around the web. The issue you're having is not exclusive to lower priced wheels. IMO, this thread should have been titled "VMR 715 powdercoaters beware". Also, have you tried working with VMR? I'm willing to bet they would allow you purchase new wheels at a discounted price. Its amazing what you can get when you ask nicely instead of putting people on blast, especially when the issue is not their fault.
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06-01-2012, 09:06 AM	#6
Pcemkr Pro Hater 49 Rep 1,717 Posts Drives: Low and slow Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: DC iTrader: (1)	They're cheap for a reason.
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06-01-2012, 09:54 AM	#8
rdub315 Captain 75 Rep 650 Posts Drives: '07 E90 335i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Traverse City, MI iTrader: (8) Garage List 2007 E90 335i [10.00]	my main gripe with all this is... how do you know that you shouldn't powdercoat certain wheels? they have that nice thread with all their glorious powdercoat choices, so why would you think otherwise? someone from VMR even commented in the thread i created to seek opinions on which color to go with. no mention of "hey, don't powdercoat those V715's" or anything along those lines. it's only after the fact that you learn about it's susceptibility to powdercoating. __________________ - VTT Stage 2 turbos, VTT inlets, Cobb Pro Tune (E30 and 93 octane tunes), MFactory LSD, 335is clutch, CSF radiator, slim fans, Walbro 255, AE exhaust, AA downpipes, ETS FMIC, Vishnu DCI, ETS charge pipe, Tial BOV, BMS OCC - H&R Touring Cup Kit, Apex Arc8, M3 style front bumper, MTech style rear bumper and diffuser
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06-01-2012, 10:35 AM	#9
bmw325i Major General 223 Rep 5,120 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 325i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: United States iTrader: (8)	I agree 100% that vmr should at least have a warning on their website it's obvious that they knew about it.
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06-02-2012, 06:46 AM	#10
rdub315 Captain 75 Rep 650 Posts Drives: '07 E90 335i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Traverse City, MI iTrader: (8) Garage List 2007 E90 335i [10.00]	pics added __________________ - VTT Stage 2 turbos, VTT inlets, Cobb Pro Tune (E30 and 93 octane tunes), MFactory LSD, 335is clutch, CSF radiator, slim fans, Walbro 255, AE exhaust, AA downpipes, ETS FMIC, Vishnu DCI, ETS charge pipe, Tial BOV, BMS OCC - H&R Touring Cup Kit, Apex Arc8, M3 style front bumper, MTech style rear bumper and diffuser
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06-02-2012, 08:41 PM	#11
MRRwheels Banned 48 Rep 281 Posts Drives: E92 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: LOS ANGELES iTrader: (0)	I've seen this before, any wheel that is powder coated has to have the proper heating methods just a tad bit higher temp will mess with the structural integrity and can also lead to crack wheels. Is very tuff. Remember every thing in this world has a melting point
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06-03-2012, 11:17 PM	#13
tmo24 Major 139 Rep 1,271 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i e92 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (3)	Yes, VMR wheels are inexpensive, but it doesn't mean they are crap or that they are at fault here. It is not their responsibility to post warnings for people who want to alter their wheels. Actually, it is YOUR responsibility to call THEM and ask if powder coating will damage their wheels. Sorry this happened. I have those wheels and love them. No issues whatsoever. I just think it is unfair to say their wheels are crap and to say that you will never put their wheels on your cars again because you damaged them. I understand you not wanting to use them again because you like to alter wheels. But they aren't crap because your alterations didn't work well with them. That's like me saying I curbed and bent one of their wheels and was mad that they didn't warn me to stay away from curbs. And that they are crap because I hit a curb and they bent. __________________ 2007 335i Jet Black e92 6AT - VRSF Full street exhaust DP, Chargepipe 7.5 FMIC, MHD, XHP, Koni orange/Eibachs, some other stuff 2007 335i Jet Black e90 6MT - Eibachs, magnaflow exhaust, carbon hood, short shift kit, some other random stuff - being sold somewhere sometime soon probably 2010 335i AW e90 6 AT Msport - The GF took this one over... JB4, PE exhaust, Koni yellows/Eibachs, pink badges, fuzzy steering wheel cover ?
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06-04-2012, 04:22 AM	#15
manu328 Private First Class 7 Rep 166 Posts Drives: 08 328xi Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: kingston pa iTrader: (0)	I've had my problems with vmr.. 701's... Bent 2 on minor potholes... 18"s... You really get what you pay for... It's amazing how many people get sucked in with attractive pricing.. I'll never purchase them again.. And will continue to warn people....
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