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[BoB-O]

Hey all,

It looks like the M3 here in the US will get the silver 260's as opposed to the gunmetal 260's in Europe. Is there a source in Europe that will ship OEM 260's to the US?

Thanks,
BoB

[Epacy]

Originally Posted by BoB-O

Hey all,

It looks like the M3 here in the US will get the silver 260's as opposed to the gunmetal 260's in Europe. Is there a source in Europe that will ship OEM 260's to the US?

Thanks,
BoB

How do you know that for sure? The ordering guide doesn't exactly spell that out.

[BoB-O]

The guide describes the finish as "satin chrome". I've seen pictures of test mules with a matte finish silver wheel and assume that is the color they are referring to.

BoB

[Goober M]

Originally Posted by BoB-O

The guide describes the finish as "satin chrome". I've seen pictures of test mules with a matte finish silver wheel and assume that is the color they are referring to.

BoB

Actually, I'm not so sure. If you google the term "satin chrome" and check out some of the images that come up, while they have nothing to do with 260m style wheels, they do have a brushed gunmetal look to them. I too have seen the pitcures w/ the matte finish silver rims, but I doubt they would call that "satin chrome" (probably would just be called "silver alloy"). Those were probably pre-production prototypes (similar to the blacked-out rims). I wouldn't be surprised if BMW NA included the "satin chrome" descriptor in the ordering guide so people would realize that they were getting a different finish than usual (sort of like when they changed "palladium silver" to "silver" on the leather; which of course isn't a different leather, just a different name for us stupid americans ). I find it hard to believe that BMW would offer the M3 with special rims for the US only, and rims that are identical other than a difference in finish at that.

Anyone else hear anything on this point? Myself, I quite like the 18s in the "gunmetal" finish -- they're pretty unique and have a "racing" look to them. If they are in a matte bright silver -- -- then they're just plain stupid. Then I'm getting the 19s, selling those, and slapping on a sweet set of M6 standard issue rims as soon as you can say .

[BoB-O]

Hmmm...well it does appear that we'll be OK. I have a 335xi, so I used the owners' circle to send an e-mail. Here's the reply.

Originally Posted by BMW Owners' Circle

Dear BoB-O,

Thank you for contacting BMW of North America, LLC regarding the 2008 BMW M3. We appreciate your enthusiasm for our vehicles.

The finish on the U.S. model wheels is very similar to the European finish. If you would like to compare, go to our international website at www.bmw.com and build one there. I did and the wheels appear to be identical.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, please respond to this e-mail or contact the Customer Relations and Services Department at 1-800-831-1117, Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time. Again, thank you for contacting BMW.

Sincerely,

Laurie Burkland
Customer Relations and Services
Representative

Lookin' good for a Melbourne Red M3, CF roof, and style 260 wheels for a mean machine.

BoB

[BoB-O]

So I went to international site and the 260M wheels looked silver, despite the german, uk, and australian site looking dark. I wrote back to BMW and got the following reply.

Originally Posted by BMW Owners' Circle

Dear BoB-O:

I have checked with our wheel specialist and he indicates that the European wheels are slightly different. They are not available on the US models. I am sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you have any further questions, please respond to this e-mail or contact the Customer Relations and Services Department at 1-800-831-1117, Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time. Again, thank you for contacting BMW.

Sincerely,

Laurie Burkland
Customer Relations and Services
Representative

So, it looks like I'll have to trade with someone in Europe or get mine powdercoated.

*sigh*,
BoB-O