Genuine v's reps

[Tuffy]

Evening guys   Was just wondering, 18" rep monzas are they much if at all inferior to the genuine 18" monza?
If so what are the cons against the reps?  Are they really not worth the money?  

[RedRobin]

Replicas are extremely good in appearance - The difference is very subtle. BUT.. The original Monza's are by BBS and use their patented Hollow Technology. Also, the Monza was specifically designed for the GTI and the dynamics of the car. Originals will be fractionally lighterweight too.

It's a case of getting what you pay for. The replicas aren't rubbish but they can suffer from white worm corrosion same as the originals in diamond-cut finish.

I have some originals for sale but they are powdercoated.

[candy turbo]

i have just taken RS4 reps off my car and fitted bbs ,the difference in quality is quite noticable ,  the reps are good quality though but are heavier than the bbs said that the reps are a third of the price 

[Tuffy]

Replicas are extremely good in appearance - The difference is very subtle. BUT.. The original Monza's are by BBS and use their patented Hollow Technology. Also, the Monza was specifically designed for the GTI and the dynamics of the car. Originals will be fractionally lighterweight too.

It's a case of getting what you pay for. The replicas aren't rubbish but they can suffer from white worm corrosion same as the originals in diamond-cut finish.

I have some originals for sale but they are powdercoated.

So basically spend the extra dosh on a genuine set? The dreaded white worm!! i've got it on my boot release badge 
I've seen yours buddy but after a set with an orginal finish. Hope you manage to sell them 

[RedRobin]

^^^^
Personally I always prefer originals but the replicas are quite good and don't have any known faults to beware of.

I think you have a standard Mk5 Golf, not GTI, so why spend more on GTI originals? Bottom line is that it's your decision.

I guess the the originals will always be easier to sell on one day (unless you powdercoat them like mine!).

[Tuffy]

^^^^
Personally I always prefer originals but the replicas are quite good and don't have any known faults to beware of.

I think you have a standard Mk5 Golf, not GTI, so why spend more on GTI originals? Bottom line is that it's your decision.

I guess the the originals will always be easier to sell on one day (unless you powdercoat them like mine!).

They will sell mate! i've got the 17" monzas at the moment and just dont think they look big enough 

[winrya]

There are obviously different quality replicas knocking around but from my experience, seeing them on standard golfs, passats, vans etc you can tell from a mile off they arent real.  They stick out the arches more, are a slightly different in shape and usually have no or little lip on the edge of the wheel

[T30GUE]

I can help here as been through this lots.

Even the originals can suffer from white worm. I ended up treating mine with a similar finish to RR's (except they were painted not powder coated)

I had rep monzas previously, they look ok with an excellent finish, but the width and offset is more in line with Audi alloys and they poke out a little further from the arch. This is more noticable on the fronts.

Reps are typically 8x18'' ET45   Hence why they stick out a little further. google search wheel offset calculator if you want to know exactly how much.

Originals are 7,5x18  ET51 

I ended up replacing them with good second hand originals.

depends on your budget i guess. you could get reps and tyres for £450, or buy second hand and refinish as funds allow.

If I were there again, I would try to sort a deal with Robin. His are freshly re-furbed looking at the pics. Powder coated is best option to avoid the worm whilst maintaining 90% of the looks. IMHO.



Good luck. 

[Tuffy]

Is anyone actually running rep monzas on thier car?

[nc35]

Yep....

Came with the car when I got it 6 mths ago. Fitted by VW dealer too. Not mentioning names.
So assume they are of reasonable quality.

But...

Set of rims waiting for a refurb sat in my office.

Can't wait to get rid of the reps (and dunlops). Car sounds like the wheel bearings have gone.
Even got MattEd30 to take it for a test run with me. His diagnosis and that of his mate (a mechanic) was noise due to reps and possibly the tyre pressure too high.

If you can't afford a set of 18" I would recommend 17" over any original BBS over reps.

My 2p hope it helps.

[gobbleplease]

Genuinely reps are pretty good nowadays, the finish is good ect ect
the only reason I got the oem wheels instead of reps was that as mentioned the offset on the reps are wrong et 45 and they are also 8" wide as opposed to 7.5". The reps tend to be a fair bit heavier and use a little bit more ballance weights.

Don't let this put you off though.

[Tuffy]

Thanks for the advice. so if i decide to go down the rep route hunt for some 7.5" ? i'm guessing there must be some reps out there in that size?

[Tuffy]

Yep....

Came with the car when I got it 6 mths ago. Fitted by VW dealer too. Not mentioning names.
So assume they are of reasonable quality.

But...

Set of rims waiting for a refurb sat in my office.




Totally know what your saying about tyres! someone had put some toyos on the front of mine (17" genuine monzas) and road noise is really bad

Can't wait to get rid of the reps (and dunlops). Car sounds like the wheel bearings have gone.
Even got MattEd30 to take it for a test run with me. His diagnosis and that of his mate (a mechanic) was noise due to reps and possibly the tyre pressure too high.

If you can't afford a set of 18" I would recommend 17" over any original BBS over reps.

My 2p hope it helps.

[T30GUE]

don't think there's any18'' Monza reps out here yet with 7.5 width.

What about visiting your chosen wheel vendor and asking them to demo the wheels onto your car? That way at least you get to see them first?

Is there anyone near you?
Try sellers on ebay too maybe

[Tuffy]

don't think there's any18'' Monza reps out here yet with 7.5 width.

What about visiting your chosen wheel vendor and asking them to demo the wheels onto your car? That way at least you get to see them first?

Is there anyone near you?
Try sellers on ebay too maybe

Thats not a bad idea!  A sort of try before you buy! Might have a look over the weekend