Load capacity of rims
 

Anybody know how to find out the load or carrying capacity of a rim?
While searching for winter wheels for my boxster I realized that a set of spare bmw rims I have in the garage fit perfectly on a newly acquired acura mdx (5x120, 8x18, 34offset). The rims are from a 328, a considerably lighter vehicle. I've checked the back side of the rim and there doesn't appear to be a load rating. I no longer have the 328 or it's owners manual. The local dealerships are of no help either :confused:

If they are OEM BMW wheels they will be fine. Load capacity rarely gets tested in the snow and BMW wheels are rated to at least 150mph. 18" snows are a lot more expensive than smaller sizes though. If It were my car I would trade for some 16" wheels that are cheap and plentiful.

"No fat chicks" is the official rating, I do believe.

Ok re snow, just wasn't sure about the weight discrepancy. Believe it or not we do get some nice days in the winter where a) I wish I could do a few hot laps in the porsche and b) do a few hot laps in whatever I'm driving :)
So best rule is no fatties? Check!

Give TireRack a call

Tire rack was a bust other than "I don't think I'd do it..."
If I belonged to a bimmer forum I'd post there, but I've given up on the propellers.
Was hoping for something like " yeah I swapped out my cayenne wheels for my Carreras and that thing drove like an F1 car".

Jinx here,
Thanks for letting me know the Tire Rack Response.
May not recomend them in the future.

Jinx

After endless hours trying to find the load capacity of bmw wheels, I have deemed it impossible and given up. One last thought.... Won't the load on said bmw wheel be much less if the new tire on it has a much greater volume? It's rated for any 3 or 4 series bmw, most are a 225/45/18 tire vs my mdx's 255/55/18 tire. Load rating of tire is 93 vs 109!

my guess is that the actual wheel load capacity far exceeds the load capacity of any tire

Personally, I would not be concerned as cast alloy wheels are really frigging strong

I took a look at the vehicle weights thinking that there might not be that much difference but that MDX is a porker!

I would be hesitant to use the 328i wheels on the MDX for long term use because of the large weight differential.

Thanks for all of the input. Will be in search of mdx wheels for winter use. Bmw wheels are officially on the auction block!