Fill and Drill

[JRowe]

I'm looking into other wheel alternatives, and I really like the 16" basketweaves with the deep dish that come on some of the 5 and 7 series. They also have low offset, so they would probably fit the e30 with rolled fenders. Anyone know anything about having bolt patterns on wheels changed? I've heard of a "fill and drill" process that goes something like this:

The existing bolt pattern is filled by TIG welding. New holes are drilled for the new bolt pattern, and steel inserts are pressed into the new holes. Now you have the right bolt pattern. With e30's you would obviously need centering rings also, but that's not a big deal.

So does anyone know more about this? How much does it cost and who does it? thanks in advance for the info.

[e30Matt]

Sounds VERY shady... I wouldn't risk it. I have visions of an E30 suddenly dropping on one corner and the wheel bouncing of in the distance.


(memories of Dan) :) :jk:

[Jordan]

Its not shady.. its not all that uncommon. Just needs to be done right.

[BahnE30]

just take somewhere where they know what they're doing. this is something i wouldn't cheap out on.

[EverWiser]

just take somewhere where they know what they're doing. this is something i wouldn't cheap out on.

[Jand3rson]

What kind of shop performs this sort of job?

It would be good info to know in case someone ever really wanted to do it.

[DarkWing6]

And how much it usually costs. If anyone does this or finds a place that does let us know.

[JRowe]

I've found a few alloy wheel repair places on the net that do it, but I'm looking for somewhere local. Prices seem to range from $75-125 per wheel. I've seen the wheels I'm interested in go for 200-300 on ebay. So total cost of the wheels could be as low as 600-700. Not a bad price for 16" BBS basketweaves.