Load capacity of rims - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

LagerAle · 09-26-2014, 05:30 AM

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

Topless · 09-26-2014, 06:37 AM

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.

Timco · 09-26-2014, 08:51 AM

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

LagerAle · 09-26-2014, 11:03 AM

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!

Jinx · 09-26-2014, 12:38 PM

Give TireRack a call

LagerAle · 09-26-2014, 03:48 PM

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 · 09-26-2014, 05:55 PM

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

Jinx

LagerAle · 09-30-2014, 05:59 AM

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!

JayG · 09-30-2014, 06:28 AM

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

thstone · 09-30-2014, 11:47 AM

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.

LagerAle · 09-30-2014, 12:34 PM

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