Thanks to Alex of the Tire Rack for referring me to this wheel repair specialist in Pennsylvania. As a public service to NAM members I am copying everyone interested in one vendor's view of what is involved in most wheel repairs.
This is not an ad for the vendor just information from one source in case you are interested in these issues. Steve

[font=Arial] Wheels that can be repaired, without the need for refinishing or cosmetic restoration, are referred to as "straighten only" wheels. These are wheels that are usually damaged on the back or inside part of the wheel, which cannot be seen when the wheel is mounted on the vehicle. Typically the damage is minor with a slight bend or wobble, however, more severe damage such as, cracks in the lip edge or bead area can also be repaired. Costs for this type of wheel repair typically runs $75 to $125 per wheel, with minor structural damage, but can go higher depending on the severity of the damage. Once approval has been given for the job, we can usually complete these wheels in 1-2 working days. It is important to understand, that anything we do to straighten a wheel will leave tooling marks, possible heat scars and even some blistering of the painted/clearcoated finish. For this reason, any damage to the front of a wheel will usually require refinishing or cosmetic restoration. [size=2][/size][size=2] Repair and refinishing costs, as well as turnaround time, vary according to the type of finish on the wheel, location of the damage and severity of the damage. Typical costs for a standard, one-piece, painted wheel with a clearcoat or a machined wheel with a clearcoat, run $125 to $185 per wheel, with minor structural damage. More severe damage will increase costs accordingly. Chrome wheels, polished wheels, anodized wheels, powder-coated or other non-standard finishes will certainly increase costs and turnaround time, as will multi-piece wheels. When dealing with aftermarket wheels, we may have some limitations regarding certain finishes. Typical turnaround time for a standard finish, one-piece wheel is 4-5 working days. Polished and/or powder coated wheels average 7-10 working days. Multi-piece or modular style rims can average 2-3 weeks or more, depending on the type of damage being repaired and the type of finish. Specialized finishes such as, chrome plated and anodized wheels take the longest, as they are labor intensive and involve the use of chemicals in the reconditioning process. [size=2] In order to give a firm quote and determine the repairability, we would need to inspect the wheel. Mounting, balancing and shipping charges are in addition to the actual repair costs.[/size] [size=2][/size] [/size][/font] [font=Arial][size=2]NOTE: Shipping and handling charges, as well as mounting and balancing charges are additional, if required.
Please include all copies of prior emails, as we reply to numerous people every day and the more information I have, the better I can help you.

Ed Radowitch, Sales

wccpa@erols.com or 800-292-RIMS(7467)
Fax: 610-837-8967
Visit our Website: http://www.wheelcollision.com

WHEEL COLLISION CENTER
7286 PENN DRIVE
BATH, PA 18014
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I had The Wheel Collison Center repair one of my M3 wheels. It was slightly dented and seriously cracked on the inner edge, apparently from some impact I never noticed. Normally I'd have replaced it, but this particular wheel design (Mackin Gewalt 17x8) is no longer available and it's one of a set of my 8 identical track wheels.

For a bit over $200 WCC welded and straightened it plus refinished the inside. Even though it's a track wheel, where perfect cosmetics weren't important, they did such a good job that I had to mark the wheel so that I can tell which one it is. Since these wheels get mounted/dismounted a lot I automatically get a chance to inspect them frequently.

If you have a need for wheel repair I'd strongly recommend WCC.

Neil
05 MCS
96 M3 track car