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I am doing this review on BBS 18 inch 5 stud alloys, although most of the information also refers to all other alloys in general.
Alloy wheels are actually alloys of aluminium, which contain copper, zinc, manganese, silicon, or in this case magnesium. This makes them strong, and fairly ... Read review
(+) look amazing and individual, handle the road well, ooze quality (-) Over time the standard look will corrode easily, they are bloody expensive brand new!
Advantages: Looks fantastic. Disadvantages: Costs a fortune.
...am doing this review on BBS 18 inch 5 stud alloys, although most of the information also refers to all other alloys in general.
Alloy wheels are actually alloys of aluminium, which contain copper, zinc, manganese, silicon, or in this case magnesium. This makes them strong, and fairly corrosion resistant, but not completely, They can suffer from corrosion, but not rust like steel does.
BBS is a world renowned manufacturer ... ...in the world of motorsport. BBS supplies various F1 teams & their famous split rim alloy wheels, which are available for VW, BMW and Porsche and are amongst the most famous in the business.
Although the company has been in the business for some considerable time, they have just recently (August this year) been taken over by a Belgian firm, Punch International NV. They were operating in receivership earlier this year, having problems ... more
. . . I am doing this review on BBS 18 inch 5 stud alloys, although most of the information also refers to all other alloys in general.
Alloy wheels are actually alloys of aluminium, which contain copper, zinc, manganese, silicon, or in this case magnesium. This makes them strong, and fairly corrosion resistant, but not completely, They can suffer from corrosion, but not rust like steel does.
BBS is a world renowned manufacturer of alloy wheels, and their reputation has reached monumental proportions in the world of motorsport. BBS supplies various F1 teams & their famous split rim alloy wheels, which are available for VW, BMW and Porsche and are amongst the most famous in the business.
Although the company has been in the business for some considerable time, they have just recently (August this year) been taken over by a Belgian firm, Punch International NV. They were operating in receivership earlier this year, having problems because of the price of the raw material, aluminium. Let us hope these troubles are behind them.
The RC range being reviewed here, consists of eight "double spokes" if that makes sense (see the pic).and are made for a wheel bolt pattern of 5/100 This configuration makes it easy to clean the wheels, something that is very important where brake dust is involved. Also the wheel does not stick out too far (if it does, you are going to "kerb" them) Any damage can be repaired but at a great cost.
These are available in a great range of colours, all alloys are painted, usually in metallic paint. Here are the colours available: -
Bronze Black, also Hyper black and Gloss Black Chrome Gold Graphite Gun metal Silver, also Hyper silver Titanium and of course White.
Size matters: - The bolt pattern AKA bolt circle or Pitch Circle Diameter, is the diameter of an imaginary circle formed by the centres of the wheel studs. The circle being 100mm and having 5 bolts or studs. The wheel size is the diameter of the wheel, measured in inches, not counting the tyre. It also means the width of the rim, again without tyres. This means our wheels are a massive eight inches wide and eighteen inches across, they will fill your arches nicely.
The centre bore of the wheel is simply the hole in the middle, this is filled by a plastic cap, in our case with a very nice cap displaying the BBS logo. It also has imitation flats, as if it is to be removed with a spanner, not so, but very nice. These caps are often lost or stolen, and are available but at a price.
Offset: - This can be negative or positive, and is the distance from the mounting surface to the rim's true center line. Usually expressed as ET and a number, the number being the distance in mm from the centre line.
Weight: - These wheels weigh just 20 Pounds, although tyres add to this weight. They are heavy, but a steel rim would be heavier.
Used by : - F1 cars, BTCC touring cars, many rally cars, as well as literally millions of cars on the road.
These are not cheap, and the brand new price puts most people off so they either opt for a cheaper make, or look on the likes of ebay, just remember though, if buying by mail order, allow for the cost of shipping or courier, which can be quite a lot. You also must allow for the cost of fitting the tyres.
The company does have a web site, have a look for yourself : - http://www.bbs.com/ You can even download a BBS film showing the detachable stainless steel rim protector.
There you have it, pick yourself a set of lovely new alloys, sell your soul to get the money - BUT - You then need tyres! You will also require locking wheel studs! I can recommend these alloys, but not the price, personally, my car is on Irmschers!
Contact details are as follows:- BBS International GmbH Postfach 1152 77757 Schiltach
