Why Forged Magnesium Rims Cost More

Key takeaways

• Forged rims cost more than cast wheels because forging requires specialized equipment, added labor, multiple heat treatment cycles, and precise machining.

• AZ80A magnesium alloy demands precise manufacturing, added corrosion protection, and extensive machining—factors that naturally drive up cost.

• Forged rims deliver lower unsprung weight, faster suspension response, and superior strength for sharper, more controlled performance.

• Caring for magnesium rims involves using pH-neutral cleaners and keeping them protected with the right coatings to preserve their finish and performance.

• The cost of magnesium wheels mirrors the craftsmanship, safety, and performance advantages behind every set.

Forged wheels already sit at the higher end of the pricing spectrum because the forging process requires specialized equipment, multiple heat cycles, and extensive machining. Add magnesium into the mix, an exotic, lightweight metal with demanding production requirements, and costs rise even further.

So when you see forged magnesium wheels priced thousands higher than forged aluminum, the difference comes from the raw material cost, the high-grade AZ80A alloy, and the added labor and technology required to produce rims with exceptional strength, light weight, and the safety standards high-performance cars demand.

In this guide, we’ll explore what makes forged magnesium wheels more expensive, from raw materials and alloy composition to the labor-intensive forging and finishing process. You’ll also see how this craftsmanship translates into real-world performance gains that justify their premium cost.

The raw materials: Why magnesium costs more than aluminum

Aluminum is widely available, inexpensive, and relatively simple to work with. That’s why most aftermarket performance wheels are forged aluminum. Magnesium, on the other hand, is rare and costly to refine.

• Extraction and refinement: Magnesium is often produced from seawater or mined as dolomite. The process is energy-intensive and yields less raw material compared to aluminum mining.

• Strict manufacturing standards: Alloys used for magnesium wheels, like AZ80A, undergo rigorous composition and purity checks to ensure strength and fatigue resistance, which raises costs.

• Corrosion protection: Magnesium is more reactive than aluminum, requiring protective coatings or finishes to ensure longevity.

When you combine these factors, the cost of the raw magnesium billet used for magnesium car rims can be several times higher than aluminum before any forging even begins.

The AZ80A alloy: The industry’s choice for forged magnesium rims

Not all magnesium is created equal. For automotive wheels, the preferred material is AZ80A alloy, a magnesium blend with about 8.5% aluminum and 0.5% zinc (plus trace manganese), with the rest being magnesium itself.

• The aluminum content boosts strength and hardness.

• Zinc improves toughness and helps in the alloy’s mechanical behavior.

• The remaining magnesium delivers the desired lightweight character.

The outcome is an alloy with strong fatigue resistance, capable of withstanding high loads, sharp impacts, and high rotational speeds. Because AZ80A requires careful alloying and quality control and is produced in limited volume compared to generic magnesium, it comes at a premium.

The forging process: More demanding than casting

Forging any wheel is more expensive than casting because it requires massive hydraulic presses, careful heat treatment, and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) finishing. But with magnesium, the demands multiply.

• Press forging: Forged magnesium rims are shaped under pressures exceeding 10,000 tons. This compresses the alloy’s grain structure, giving the wheel exceptional strength compared to cast magnesium or even forged aluminum.

• Heat treatment: Magnesium requires multiple controlled heat cycles to achieve the right balance of strength and ductility. Unlike aluminum, magnesium alloys are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations.

• Machining and finishing: Magnesium alloys are easier to cut than aluminum but pose fire risks during machining, requiring special coolants and safety systems that add to production costs.

Additional machining and coatings

Beyond the core forging process, magnesium rims require additional steps before they can hit the road:

• Protective coatings: Magnesium is vulnerable to corrosion. Each rim must be treated with special coatings or paints, adding time and expense.

• Inspection and testing: Safety is non-negotiable. Forged magnesium wheels undergo rigorous nondestructive testing (NDT), such as fatigue, corrosion resistance, and dimensional tests, and may also use X-ray, ultrasonic, or dye-penetrant inspection where required.

• Tighter tolerances: Because magnesium rims are designed for high-end performance cars, every rim must meet tighter tolerances for balance, run-out, and load capacity than standard wheels.

By the time it’s finished, a magnesium rim has gone through hours of extra machining, coating, and testing.

Performance benefits: What buyers get for the higher cost

That higher investment translates to performance benefits you can feel behind the wheel:

• Reduced unsprung mass: By shedding weight from the wheel assembly, magnesium wheels let the suspension react more quickly, improving grip and handling.

• Lower rotational mass: With less weight to spin, the engine and brakes don’t work as hard. That translates into quicker acceleration, shorter stopping distances, and, in some cases, better fuel efficiency.

• Exceptional strength: Forged magnesium wheels withstand intense driving demands yet remain remarkably light.

• Style and exclusivity: Magnesium rims aren’t just about performance—they’re crafted for distinction. When you see magnesium wheels for sale, you’re looking at components built for serious enthusiasts who value engineering and prestige.

Forged magnesium vs. forged aluminum

To understand pricing, it helps to compare forged magnesium directly with forged aluminum wheels:

Both options deliver performance far beyond cast wheels, but magnesium remains the ultimate choice when every ounce and every fraction of a second matters.

How to tell if rims are aluminum or magnesium

Since magnesium rims are rarer and more valuable, many enthusiasts want to confirm what they’ve got. Here are simple checks:

• Weight test: Magnesium rims feel significantly lighter than aluminum of the same size.

• Markings: Look for “Mg” or “Magnesium” stamped on the inside of the wheel.

• Vinegar test: Apply a small drop of white vinegar on an inconspicuous area. If it bubbles slightly, the rim is likely magnesium. (Wipe clean immediately after.)

• Finish: Magnesium wheels often have thicker coatings to protect against corrosion.

When in doubt, consult a professional before assuming your wheels are magnesium.

How to clean magnesium rims

To keep your magnesium rims in top condition, follow these maintenance tips:

• Use a pH-neutral wheel cleaner: Harsh acids or bases can strip away protective coatings and leave the metal vulnerable.

• Choose soft brushes only: Steel or abrasive pads can scratch the surface and weaken the finish.

• Rinse thoroughly: Any cleaner left behind can seep into microcracks and cause long-term damage.

• Dry completely: Even small amounts of moisture can accelerate corrosion if left on the surface.

• Apply a protective wax or sealant: This adds an extra barrier against oxidation and helps the rims stay cleaner longer.

Taking the time to care for magnesium car rims not only preserves their finish but also ensures years of safe performance.

Magnesium rims for sale: Why buyers pay a premium

When you see magnesium rims for sale, the sticker shock makes sense once you break down the costs:

• Scarce raw material

• Expensive AZ80A alloy

• Demanding forging and machining process

• Additional coatings and inspections

• Tangible performance advantages

For drivers of Porsche GT models, C8 Corvettes, or other supercars, forged magnesium wheels represent an upgrade that doubles as an investment in performance, safety, and style unmatched by other aftermarket performance wheels.

Looking for the right specs for your build? Contact MP Wheels today to learn more.

Buying forged magnesium rims: FAQs

Why are forged magnesium rims more expensive than aluminum rims?

Forged magnesium rims cost more because magnesium is rarer and more energy-intensive to refine than aluminum. The high-grade AZ80A magnesium alloy used in performance wheels is costly and produced in limited quantities.

While magnesium is easier to machine, it requires specialized handling, heat treatment, and corrosion protection. Combined with strict safety standards and lower production volumes, these factors make forged magnesium wheels more expensive than forged aluminum.

How do I tell if my rims are aluminum or magnesium?

If you’ve ever lifted a standard aluminum wheel, a magnesium one will feel significantly lighter in comparison. You can also look for “Mg” or “Magnesium” stamped on the inside of the wheel. Because magnesium rims need thicker protective coatings, they may have a slightly different sheen or texture compared to aluminum wheels.

When in doubt, the most reliable option is to have a professional inspect your wheels.

What are the benefits of forged magnesium wheels compared to forged aluminum?

Forged magnesium wheels reduce unsprung and rotational mass more than aluminum, allowing faster suspension response, sharper handling, and quicker acceleration. Both forged aluminum and magnesium offer exceptional strength, but magnesium’s lighter weight makes it the premium option for track and performance applications.

How do you clean magnesium rims safely?

To clean magnesium rims, always use a pH-neutral wheel cleaner with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly, dry completely, and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads. Applying a wax or protective sealant helps prevent corrosion and keeps magnesium car rims looking their best.

Where can I find magnesium rims for sale?

Magnesium rims for sale are usually offered by specialist manufacturers and high-performance aftermarket wheel retailers, often for supercars like Porsche GT models or C8 Corvettes. MP Wheels is a leader in this space, producing forged magnesium wheels with the strength, lightness, and safety demanded by performance cars.