YouTuber’s Controversial $160K Wheel Swap Raises Questions About Supercar Parts Pricing originally appeared on Autoblog.
Is a $160,000 tire swap pushing the limit?
VINwiki founder Ed Bolian has stirred the hornet’s nest by replacing his Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport's factory wheels with Chinese-made alternatives, saving nearly the cost of a Corvette ZR-1 in the process. Rather than paying Bugatti's $160,000+ for OEM replacements, Bolian opted for $3,700 Chinese-manufactured wheels and Chiron-spec Michelin rubber that meet the $2 million hypercar's demanding specifications.
This dramatic cost difference isn't unique to just Bugatti wheels, it extends to the entire parts catalog. The Veyron's tires alone cost $42,000 per set, with Michelin having developed the Pilot Sport PAX specifically for what was once the world’s fastest car. The tires essentially pack run-flat technology and are adhesive-mounted to specially designed Bugatti OEM wheels, wheels that won’t take any other tire but the Sport PAX.
Supercar Parts Pricing Is Unreal
Bugatti recommends owners change out tires every 18 months, regardless of how much running they’ve done. Bugatti also recommends switching to fresh wheels every third tire change. With each wheel carrying a sticker price of around $40,000, you can see why Ed Bolian took the Silk Route instead. Veyron turbos can cost over $42,000 to replace, while a set of Chiron headlights cost $164,000 to replace, the price of a new Porsche 911 Carrera 4S.
The luxury car industry's pricing structure extends beyond Bugatti. Ferrari owners, for example, face their own wallet-draining realities, though generally less extreme. A typical Ferrari service can range from $1,500 for basic maintenance to over $15,000 for major services. While Ferrari parts are expensive, they rarely reach Bugatti's stratospheric levels.
Is Close Enough Good Enough?
Bolian's experiment challenges fundamental assumptions about OEM pricing. His Chinese wheels underwent rigorous testing to handle the Veyron's 253-mph capability, proving that performance standards can be met without the premium brand markup. While many owners may not have the confidence in Chinese-spec wheels that cost a fraction of the price of OEM, most owners aren’t likely to go testing the Veyron’s top speed either. The success of his $160,000 gamble suggests that much of supercar parts pricing reflects exclusivity, rather than proportional engineering value.
When headlights cost more than sports cars, it raises questions about whether owners are paying for performance or prestige. This YouTuber's willingness to challenge conventional wisdom suggests that performance and exclusivity don't always require identical price tags.
YouTuber’s Controversial $160K Wheel Swap Raises Questions About Supercar Parts Pricing first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 16, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
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