[2024] ESM Wheels Review: Good, Bad or Cheap Reps?

If you have been looking at cheaper options for classic wheels you will no doubt have come across ESM.

ESM make a wide range of replica wheels, specifically of old school German wheels such as BBS and Borbet. They have become quite popular in the last few years, especially in the BMW and VW circles.

As with all replicas, the question of how good they are always comes up. In this post, I will go over ESM in detail and answer the question of just how good the quality of ESM wheels is.

A Bit Of History On ESM

ESM was founded in 2002 in Southern California (like most American wheel companies) and originally began by making 16” BBS replica wheels at a time where there were very few low and mid-tier price options for German style wheels.

Back then, if you wanted the BBS look, you had to buy the real deal, and many auto enthusiasts could not afford to do so. ESM saw the gap in the market and swooped in to provide wheels people wanted.

Since then they have expanded their wheel range of offer a selection of different styles, all based on popular German wheels like BBS RS, Borbet Type A and AC Schitzers in sizes ranging from 15”-22”.

ESM Wheels is actually owned by DTM Fiberworks, a company that is the largest aftermarket producer of fiberglass body kits and panels for BMWs in America.

DTM Fiberworks partnered with a wheel manufacturing facility that has 40 years of experience producing wheels and is a white label supplier to many OEMs, to produce ESM wheels.

Due to the design of their wheels along with the sizes and PCDs offered (many of which the original wheels weren’t available in), ESM quickly became popular with BMW and other Euro car owners who wanted the classic wheel look but couldn’t afford to drop several thousand dollars for a set of wheels.

How ESM Wheels Are Made

All current ESM wheels are produced using casting.

Casting is a common wheel production method that allows wheel producers to make wheels quickly and cheaply, which also allows them to sell the wheels at a low price.

Many OEMs and wheel brands use casting to produce their wheels, because it is an efficient method that makes wheels good enough for street use.

The downsides of casting are that the wheels are heavier than wheels produced with other manufacturing methods, and they are also inherently weaker, usually making them unsuitable for track use.

Unfortunately, ESM does not release any specifics about how exactly their wheels are made, since casting can be done in several methods like gravity casting or squeeze casting.

Flow Formed Wheels

ESM did have a few flow formed wheel options a few years ago, but those seem to have been discontinued since you can no longer buy them anywhere.

Safety Standards

ESM state on their website that their wheels are JWL and VIA tested and certified, which means that they have to go through a series of safety tests to ensure the wheels are of a sufficient quality.

Unlike most cheap reps that don’t bother to put their wheels through this process, having these certifications is a good sign that their wheels are at least decent quality.

Warranty

ESM offer a lifetime warranty on the structure of the wheel used under “normal conditions”, and a 60 day warranty on the finish of the wheels.

The warranty is void if the wheels are used on the track, or if stretched tires are installed, according to ESM’s website. The warranty only applies to the original purchaser.

Are ESM Wheels Good Quality?

From everything I can find, ESM wheels appear to be decent quality. As far as replica wheels go, they are one of the better wheel brands out there, making relatively good quality wheels that are good enough for street use. The JWL and VIA certifications also back up the fact that they are decent quality.

However, due to the fact that they are not designed for performance, and that they are cast, I wouldn’t be using them for any kind of track use or hard performance driving.

Current Wheel Lineup

ESM currently offer the following wheels:

002R (BBS RS Replica)

003R (Hartge Replica)

004M

005R (AC Schnitzer Replica)

009R (Borbet Type A Style)

DTM Series

ESM have a DTM wheel series are designs based of DTM racing wheels. The DTM wheel line currently includes:

ESM DTM-RW01

ESM DTM-RW02

ESM DTM-RW03

BMW E30 Wheels

Most ESM wheels fit BMW E30s. Typical wheel sizes for a BMW E30 are 15-17” diameter with widths from 7-9”, with a PCD of 4×100, unless it’s an M3 which has 5×120 PCD. ESM wheels that fit BMW E30 models include:

002R
003R
004M
005R
009R

BMW E36 Wheels

Most ESM wheels fit BMW E36s. Typical wheel sizes for a BMW E36 are 16-18” diameter with widths from 7-9”, with a PCD of 5×120. ESM wheels that fit BMW E36 models include:

002R
003R
004M
005R
009R

16×9 Wheels

ESM wheels available in a 16×9 size include:

002R
003R
009R

Porsche Wheels

ESM have a number of wheels that fit Porsches. Typical Porsche wheel sizes will range from 16-19” diameter and 8-11” wide, with a PCD of 5×130. ESM wheels that fit Porsches include:

002R
004M

Discontinued ESM Wheels

001 (Now called DTM RW01)

006

007

008

015 FF1 (Flow Formed)

Conclusion – Should You Buy ESM Wheels?

If you are just looking to give your car a certain look, don’t care if they are reps and you want an old school German style wheel without spending thousands of dollars, ESM wheels are one of your better options.

Despite being replica wheels, they are actually decent quality that are more than good enough for street use and daily drivers, and will give you the look you are after for a fraction of the price of real wheels.

However, if you are after performance as well as looks, I would consider at least a flow formed wheel such as Enkei, Konig Flow Formed or Kansei which are lighter, stronger and much more suitable to performance driving and track use for not much more money.

FAQ About ESM Wheels

Is ESM a Good Wheel Brand?

ESM is a decent wheel brand if you are looking for low priced rep wheels wheels that are good for your street car or daily driver. If you are looking for wheels to use at the track, I would consider something else.

Are ESM Wheels 3 Piece?

No, ESM do not make any 3 piece wheels. All of their wheels are cast 1 piece wheels that have fake bolts, or rivets, to make them look like 3 piece wheels – otherwise known as “fake splits”.

Where Are ESM Wheels Made?

ESM do not reveal where their wheels are made, which makes it likely that their wheels are made in China (but I have no proof of this).

Are ESM wheels reps?

Yes, practically all ESM wheels are direct replicas of other wheels such as BBS, Hartge and AC Schnitzer.

Are ESM Wheels Forged or Cast?

All ESM wheels are cast. ESM do not and have never made a forged wheel.

Are ESM Wheels Knock Offs?

Yes, ESM wheels are knock offs of more expensive wheels such as BBS, Hartge and AC Schnitzer.

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Mateja Matic

Having been in the car tuning game for 15 years, I'm now using all the knowledge I acquired to help other people learn and select the right parts for their cars through this blog.

Cars owned: Mk2 Golf with 1.8T swap, BMW E28 with M30B35 swap, BMW E36 328I Mtech, BMW 750IL, Nissan 300ZX, Honda Civic EF