One of the most common questions we get at OMI Wheels is: should I buy OEM style alloy wheels or premium brand wheels? The honest answer depends on what you want from your wheels, your budget and how you use your car. This guide breaks down both options clearly so you can make the right call.
What Are OEM Style Alloy Wheels?
OEM style alloy wheels are aftermarket wheels designed to replicate the look of popular factory-fitted designs from manufacturers like Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen. They are not genuine manufacturer parts — they are independently produced alternatives that deliver the factory look at a significantly lower price.
They are ideal for drivers who want their car to look like it rolled out of the showroom with the top-spec wheel package fitted. Browse our full OEM style wheel range covering Audi, VW, Mercedes, Range Rover, Ford, Porsche, Jaguar, Tesla, Volvo and more.
What Are Premium Brand Alloy Wheels?
Premium brand wheels — brands like Concaver, Veemann, Carbonado, Vesser and JR Wheels — are designer aftermarket wheels with their own original spoke designs. They are not based on any factory wheel. They offer unique styling, are often available in more finish options, and are typically manufactured to a higher specification including flow formed construction.
Price Comparison
Price is usually the first consideration and the gap is significant:
- OEM style wheels — typically £130–£200 per wheel depending on size and finish. A full set of four 19 inch OEM style wheels usually costs between £520 and £800.
- Premium brand wheels — typically £200–£500 per wheel. A set of four 20 inch Concaver or Veemann wheels can cost £1,000–£2,000 or more.
For drivers on a sensible budget who want a great result, OEM style wheels deliver outstanding value. For drivers who want something truly unique and are willing to invest more, premium brands offer that exclusivity.
Quality and Construction
Both OEM style and premium brand wheels are available in two main construction types:
Cast Alloy Wheels
The most common and most affordable construction. Molten aluminium is poured into a mould and allowed to solidify. The result is a strong, reliable wheel suited to everyday driving. Most OEM style wheels are cast alloy construction.
Flow Formed Alloy Wheels
Flow forming is a manufacturing process where a cast alloy wheel is spun at high speed while rollers compress and stretch the barrel. This aligns the grain structure of the alloy, producing a wheel that is significantly lighter and stronger than a standard cast wheel — without the cost of a fully forged wheel. Many premium brand wheels are flow formed. We also stock a selection of flow formed alloy wheels at OMI Wheels.
Forged Alloy Wheels
The most expensive construction. A solid block of aluminium is pressed under enormous pressure into the wheel shape. The resulting wheel is the lightest and strongest possible but comes at significant cost — typically £500+ per wheel. We stock a selection of forged alloy wheels for drivers who want the very best.
Appearance and Personalisation
This is where the two options differ most clearly:
- OEM style wheels give you the factory look. If you want your A4 to look like it has the RS4 wheels fitted, or your Golf to look like it left the factory with the Golf R wheels, OEM style is the answer. The designs are well known, recognisable and proven to look good on your specific car.
- Premium brand wheels give you something different — original designs that nobody else on your street will have. If you want to stand out and express your own taste rather than replicate a factory look, premium brands like Concaver, Vesser and Carbonado offer that individuality.
Which Is Right for You?
Here is a simple way to decide:
- You want the factory RS, AMG or M Sport look at a sensible price — choose OEM style
- You drive your car daily and want reliable, good-looking wheels without breaking the bank — choose OEM style
- You want a unique design nobody else has — choose premium brand
- You track your car or care deeply about unsprung weight — choose flow formed or forged
- You are replacing a single damaged wheel and need an exact match — choose OEM style from our single wheel replacement collection
Popular OEM Style Wheel Collections at OMI Wheels
- Audi OEM Style Alloy Wheels
- Volkswagen OEM Style Alloy Wheels
- Mercedes OEM Style Alloy Wheels
- Range Rover Style Alloy Wheels
- Ford OEM Style Alloy Wheels
- Porsche Style Alloy Wheels
- Tesla Style Alloy Wheels
- Jaguar Style Alloy Wheels
Frequently Asked Questions
Are OEM style wheels worse quality than premium brand wheels?
Not necessarily. Both carry VIA and JWL safety certification at OMI Wheels. The main differences are in construction method, weight and design originality — not fundamental safety or durability for everyday driving.
Do premium brand wheels hold their value better?
Generally yes — recognised premium brands like Concaver and Veemann retain value better than OEM style wheels, which are more commodity-priced.
Can I mix OEM style and premium brand wheels?
You should always run matching wheels on all four corners of a car for handling and safety reasons. Never mix wheel types, sizes or offsets across axles.
What is the most popular premium brand wheel at OMI Wheels?
Concaver and Vesser are consistently our best-selling premium brands, particularly for Audi and BMW fitments in 20 and 21 inch sizes.
Still not sure? Contact us on WhatsApp at +447753828059 or email sales@omiwheels.com and we will help you choose the right wheels for your car and budget. Browse the full range here.