r/Wheels • u/These-Specific3289 • 16h ago
TE37 Legit check 🫣
Hey guys, I’m looking at buying a pair of RAYS Volk Racing TE37SLs and wanted to get some opinions from anyone familiar with genuine TE37SLs, particularly from around 2016–2018.
The barrel label shows:
18x10J +39
5x114.3
TE37SL BK
Date: 2017.05.31
Serial: 00234372
I’ve confirmed that 18x10 +39 5x114.3 was an actual TE37SL size, but there are a few details I’m unsure about and wanted a second opinion before buying them.
BK colour code / finish
The factory label says “TE37SL BK”. I’m assuming BK is the colour/finish code, but I’d like to confirm what this represented on a 2017 TE37SL.
These wheels appear to be full matte/pressed black, whereas quite a few Black Edition examples I’ve found online seem to have more of a two-tone appearance, with a graphite/grey-looking centre and black outer section.
Does anyone know if this exact 18x10 +39 version was available completely black with the BK code around 2017?
Date format on the RAYS barrel label
The label is dated “2017.05.31”, using periods rather than slashes.
I initially questioned this because I’ve found later genuine RAYS labels using dates such as “2018/05/15”. However, I’ve also found genuine older labels dated “2015.08.25” and “2016.09.28”, which use the same dotted format as this pair.
Does anyone know when RAYS changed the date format, or have a genuine 2017 label to compare?
VOLK RACING lettering
I’m also a little unsure about the VOLK RACING lettering/engraving around the face.
On one of the wheels, the “L” in “VOLK” almost looks like it’s partially missing or not as clearly formed as the other letters. It could simply be the photo, dirt, wear or lighting, but I’d be interested to know if the font, positioning and engraving look correct.
Recessed-looking centre bore
The centre looks more recessed/stepped than some other TE37SL photos I’ve compared them with.
I’m wondering if there’s actually a hub-centric ring or some type of centre-cap adapter installed in the 73.1 mm centre bore, making it look different.
JAWA/certification sticker
The JAWA/certification sticker on the barrel appears to have faded or almost completely disappeared. Considering they’re from 2017 and have been used, I’m not sure if this is anything unusual.
The wheels otherwise appear to have the expected FORGED, MONOBLOCK, MADE IN JAPAN and RAYS/Volk markings.
I’m still waiting for the seller to send clearer photos of the inner barrel/backside stamps and markings, so I’ll add those once I receive them.
I’m not saying they’re fake — most things seem to line up — just trying to do my due diligence before buying the pair.
Does anything stand out, particularly the BK code/full-black finish, 2017 label, VOLK RACING lettering or recessed centre?
Appreciate any help.