18" rims opinions

[Punisher-One]

Searched on here and found limited information on rim quality.

I'm looking for 18's for my 3 Sport. I'm a Jeep guy so I'm not up on the brands and the quality of "tuner" type car rims.

I like the look of the bronze Drag DR33 and DR35 rims. I have heard these rims are of poor quality and may bend going over pot-holes. Any input on that from anyone running them?

I also liked the Motegi MR116 in black with red. Anyone run Motegi rims? I have heard they also are on the lower-end of quality?

I also liked the Enkei GT7 and VR5 both in black. I have heard Enkei is pretty good as far as quality.

If I had to choose I would like the bronze Drag wheels due to how they would look on my car but I don't want something that is absolute garbage and is going to bend or otherwise be damaged.

What are peoples thoughts that have experience with these brands/types of wheels?

Thanks for your help guys.

[Mr Wilson]

If you like the Drags, get the Drags.

Are they of lower quality, yes. Will they bend on you, maybe.

As long as you aren't tracking and slamming into every curb and pothole you see, you'll more than likely be totally fine. I'm sure in the Jeep world you have pavement princess wheels that wouldn't survive a day in the rocks, but as long as you know that, there is nothing wrong with 'princess' wheels.

Enkei has the best reputation and quality of the three you mentioned. Quite a few on here run their RPF1 due to their cost/weight/quality.

[loki]

what the hell are Drag wheels?

[loki]

all those thin spoke wheels look small on a Gen2

Ask optiklenz13 how he knows

[Punisher-One]

So I found "MB Wheels Battle" in the bronze I like. A little more expensive, which would hopefully mean better quality, than the "Drag" brand which got horrid reviews.
http://www.discounttire.com/product/wheels/mbmbat.bzmtxx.ang.jpg

I also like the Motegi Mr116. I've actually liked them since I bought the 3. They are cheaper than the above noted MB wheels but are a brand I have heard of also.
http://www.wheelfire.com/imagesproducts/motegimr116bkred151617.jpg

My other option was well known Enkei FLC-01 which are more expensive still but are a brand I know.
http://www.wheelfire.com/imagesproducts/FLC01bronze.jpg

Or Tire Rack has a good sale going on the Enkei GT7 but they are all black which I am not 100% sure about on my gunmetal grey vehicle.
[img]http://www.tirerack.com/images/wheels/enkei_performance/swap/enkei_gt7_b_ci3_l.jpg[img]

I know it all comes down to the look I want on my vehicle but I'd rather not buy junk that looks nice. I'd sacrafice the bronze look for the black look if the Motegi or Enkei are of much better quality and durability. The MB supposedly has a lifetime warranty but I'd need to zip down to my PO box in the states on a spare tire if anything were to happen to them.

[Punisher-One]

So I think I am going to get the battle wheels. Good reviews on some higher-end vehicle forums (Nissan 350s, Subaru, etc). Free shipping and comes with the splined lug nuts and socket as well as hubcentric rings.
Is there a specific offset I should be looking for? I am going to run 215/45R18 tires. I believe these are the factory 18 size for the Speed 3 anyways so I am thinking I shouldn't run into an rubbing issues.

[FD22]

Is there a specific offset I should be looking for? I am going to run 215/45R18 tires. I believe these are the factory 18 size for the Speed 3 anyways so I am thinking I shouldn't run into an rubbing issues.

Depends...what width are you going to be getting?

Definitely some nice looking rims on our cars.


Also, for future fitment questions:
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?52082-The-official-quot-Will-this-fit-quot-thread!&highlight=will+this+fit

[Punisher-One]

Looks like they are 18x8 with a 43mm offset.

[FD22]

Looks like they are 18x8 with a 43mm offset.

Then you will be totally fine.

[Punisher-One]

Awesome thank you for the help. I appreciate it.

[FD22]

Awesome thank you for the help. I appreciate it.

No problem. Good luck with the purchase; be sure to post some pics once they're on. Should look great!

[Canadianbacon]

I recently installed 18 inches rim, brand new!!!! It really feels cool,while driving I can feel the change. Cheerio!!
I would of saved them for summer. And use stock car rims for winter