Custom Forged 6061-T6 Monoblock Style M3/M4 wheels - feedback needed!

[richlandforged]

*********************UPDATE*********************** **********

As an update to our initial feedback requests, would like to update all on our progress and vision. Richland Forged wheels are being designed here in Iowa by a group of Aerospace engineers and draftsman, with enthusiast ties to BMW and bimmerpost. We have built a relationship with an ISO-9001:2015 certified manufacturer with over 15 years of experience and pedigree in the forged wheel industry, leveraging advanced techniques and equipment. All designs are tested for compliance with JWL/VIA, DOT-T, and SAE J2530 standards. Additionally, independent testing and qualification in coordination with U.S testing laboratories and real-world track performance is being established for internal quality conformance, redundancy, and assurance. Our wheels are finished with powder based coatings providing extra durability and resilience compared to that of traditional liquid based paints/clears. We do intend on offering warranty both on finish and structural integrity in line or exceeding other market competitors. Additionally any wheels purchased “pre-launch” will be retroactively grandfathered under pending warranty terms. We are striving to produce high quality product as a very reasonable price point.

Our initial M3/M4 models and production designs have converged towards the stylings of a plus size 20” 437M variant and a race inspired GT4 that progresses the consumer based 763M towards that of the actual GT4 wheel used in BMWs motorsport factory racing program. Both 19” and 20” versions of the GT4 are being produced. The 20” GT4 model is estimated to be 2.0 lbs (conservatively) lighter than the 666M wheels issued with the competition pack, while simultaneously widening to 9.5”/10.5” to support wider tire applications. Additionally a forged version of the 469M wheel is being produced primarily in 21” staggered configuration for fitment to the E70/F15 X5, which culminates in a 35lb improvement over OEM 20” wheelset.

GT4 Finishes
Gloss Black
Matte Black
Brushed Tinted Light
Brushed Tinted Dark
Brushed Tinted Black

GT4 Specs:
19x9.5" ET26 or ET21
19x10.5" ET35 or ET30
20x9.5" ET26 or ET21
20x10.5" ET35 or ET30

437M Finishes
Gloss Black/Machined-Brushed Tinted Dark
Gunmetal /Machined-Brushed Tinted Light
Gloss Black

437M Specs:
20x9.5" ET27 or ET22
20x10.5" ET36 or ET31
19" design if significant customer interest

We are currently offering pre-release discounts for customers interested in ordering as we continue to work towards product launch. We are actively working with current bimmerpost members for valuable feedback and pilot selection! Look for Richland Forged to become forum sponsor in coming weeks, as we hope to build a grass roots footprint focusing on providing additional options for individuals looking for enhanced factory aesthetics with improved performance characteristics.

If you are interested in pre-launch orders, please contact us at info@richlandforged.com

*********************UPDATE*********************** **********

In upcoming future Richland Forged is anticipating releasing custom BMW style wheel sets fabricated via forged 6061-T6 billet aluminum encompassing goals of uncompromising strength, rigidity, and superior light-weight performance which will greatly exceeds that of cast wheels available on market today. The initial launch is focused towards the e70/e71 and F15/F15 X5 fitments, but expansion to e92/e93/f80/f82 M3/M4 is being considered.

As part of the initial production selection, We are attempting to gauge the preferences of the M3/M4 community as to which BMW styles/sizes/finishes are desired among the community such to focus production, and seek direct feedback from you as members.

ISO-9001:2015 Certified Manufacturing Process
JWL / VIA / DOT / SAE J2530
Impact, Cornering Fatigue, Radial Fatigue Testing


The initial production has focused on a customized 469M staggered wheelset that is sought after in the X5/X6 community. A 21" version was never produced by BMW, but is now available in a forged wheel.

For reference, the unsprung weight reduction due to forging process has yielded the following improvements on the 469M wheels:

469M wheel weight comparisons:
Rear

• 39 lbs - OEM 20"
• 29.9 lbs - Custom Forged 21"

Front

• 36.2 lbs - OEM 20"
• 28 lbs - Custom Forged 21

Assuming convergence on a specific wheel styles, there will likely be a "pre-release" purchasing opportunity for members that will be less costly than after official launch.

Member preferences can be directed in this thread or via info@richlandforged.com

[ntg44]

So...trying to understand. Are you making forged replicas of OEM BMW wheels in different sizes, and are looking for feedback on which model wheels to make? If that's the case, a 19 inch version of the 513M or even a more aggressive offset version of the 18 inch 513m would get my vote. The 513M is probably my favorite BMW wheel, but I don't like spacers and I can see a large market for people wanting them in 19s. Stock finish is beautiful, but I wouldn't mind a silver finish with metallic flakes in there to spice it up. You'd probably have me as a customer if the price was right

[cbertels]

I personally wouldn't be interested in replica OEM styles. I understand it may be a superior product but if it looks stock I would not be inclined to purchase.

[zarraz]

20 inch of the 437m wheel

[JsL]

M359 in 19x10 et 25 and 19x11 et 34

[BS_CS]

Originally Posted by richlandforged

Yes, your premise above is correct, exactly what we are looking for!! Thanks for your feedback!

Wish you the best of luck but I see a cease and desist letter coming soon from BMW if they get wind of what you're intentions are since you're blatant on how you want to replicate their wheels and how you show your product with a BMW logo on them. BMW will see that as you wanting to rip them off, steal their intellectual property, which sure, sounds lame for a wheel, but I've seen it happen before.

Again best of luck but even if the above wasn't the case I don't know if there's a huge market for it. If there is I'd concentrate on replicating the M3 CS wheel, not a forged X5 Wheel. I think most who want an X5 rep wheel will have no problem buying the reps from China since they're much cheaper than a T6 Forged wheel. M3 owners though would pay (for the right price), for a CS rep wheel though especially if it was less than the OE cost.

[FLEW]

Originally Posted by zarraz

20 inch of the 437m wheel

+1

[SuriM3]

Agree that a 763M replica would be great!

[manticor]

19 inch oem style wheels in more aggressive fitments as others have said, (19x9.5 +22 and 19x11 +40) would be awesome. Been wanting that from the beginning.

[Poiseuille]

Originally Posted by ntgarage44

So...trying to understand. Are you making forged replicas of OEM BMW wheels in different sizes, and are looking for feedback on which model wheels to make? If that's the case, a 19 inch version of the 513M or even a more aggressive offset version of the 18 inch 513m would get my vote. The 513M is probably my favorite BMW wheel, but I don't like spacers and I can see a large market for people wanting them in 19s. Stock finish is beautiful, but I wouldn't mind a silver finish with metallic flakes in there to spice it up. You'd probably have me as a customer if the price was right

^^ agree with this, almost word for word....well, maybe not the metal flakes...513's are great wheels.
my own FIRST choice, and this is probably an outlier, is pictured below. E46 M3 CSL wheels (163m) in 19", respec'd for F80/82 and 9.5/10.5.

[BS_CS]

Originally Posted by richlandforged

GT4 Concavity Teaser...

I applaud you for giving the people what they wanted. If the price point is right you'll sell a ton of these.

[phoenx]

Originally Posted by BS_CS

I applaud you for giving the people what they wanted. If the price point is right you'll sell a ton of these.

This! If they make the gt4 wheels in 19's carbon ceramic brake friendly, Ill buy a set.

[richlandforged]

GT4 Concavity Teaser...