I hear people saying that you can find anything searching the internet. This is true as long as someone has posted the info you are looking for…
Having been BBS honored importer for 16 years –mid ’80’s till 2000, I have the technical info that may be helpful to somebody.
As BBS emerged from racing, I will start with the BBS Racing wheels and will slowly add more categories. If you are anxious to find something in particular like RA, RD, RG, RJ, RL, RO, RS, RZ, etc wheels, just let me know and I’ll do my best.
In our days, the BBS motorsport wheels differ between EUROPE, EUROPE2 (independent companies. I could not find official BBS Europe racing link) & AMERICA. (click on the area to view the wheels)
BBS Motorsport official site 2017
ROAD WHEELS
A few days ago I noticed somebody arrived at my blog looking for BBS RO wheels. RO was a non characteristic BBS design, not a cross spoke, but a flat disc and to my opinion it’s sole attractive characteristic was the ease of cleaning.
In 1984 a catalog of the BBS road wheels was published including the Auto Motor und Sport test of light alloy wheels where BBS excelled. Here is this catalog, covering the top of the line forged center 3pieces modular RS wheels, the popular monobloc RA wheels and the monobloc RO wheels.
RS Wheels TUNERLIST 1991
20th Anniversary Edition White wheels
In 1990, in order to celebrate it’s 20th anniversary, BBS produced a limited series of RS, RM & RZ wheels in pearl-white color. Although they were more difficult to keep them clean, they made an impact, because at that time this color was a very exclusive one for some sporty car models.
BBS RS wheels complete list -2000
page0001 page0002 page0003 page0004 page0005 page0006 page0007 page0008
page0009 page0010 page0011 page0012 page0013 page0014 page0015 page0016
This is the best RS photo I found on the web. Thanks EUROTUNER
BBS RS II
BBS RG wheels
The best one-piece wheels produced by BBS, were the RG. They were contructed by forging, becoming much lighter & stronger, just like the competition wheels.
G stands for the German word Geschmieded, which means forged. They were introduced in 1987 and followed the cross-spoke design evolution with a 1992 reintroduction.
They had a distinctive bronze color – not gold, neither silver. All the wheels we imported were marked “made in Germany”, but the forging may have taken place in Japan – just like the F1 wheels and then further treatment/finishing was done in Germany
Commercially, I think they sold less than the modular wheels, because their price was high enough for customers to either hop-up to the multipiece level, or compromise with the similar design of the cast RZ.
BBS RZ wheels
The quality cast wheel of BBS in the early ’90s, was the RZ cross spoke, that offered the RS design in one -piece construction. The RZ built a solid racy profile being the standard fitment on the BMW M3 . BBS, realizing the sportier appeal of wide outside rims, extended the RZ range with some very attractive wheels called exactly this – Breitbett.
BBS RJ wheels
RJs were a very popular model of BBS, both as aftermarket and as original equipment of specific models of various car makers and were available either in silver or in polished/anthracite finish. The polished/anthracite version was introduced with the plain anthracite circle center cap, while later changed to a polished silver/anthracite dots like the one shown in the RM-RJ photo.BBS RJ wheels range data
BBS RM wheels
In the same way RJ was the economical cross-spoke BBS wheel, the RM, was the economical proposition of modular wheels, not with forged centers & 3 pieces like the top of the range RS, but in this case cast and 2 pieces. RM were available like the monoblock RJs, both in silver and in polished/anthracite finish.
BBS Design 5000 – RD & RF wheels
The first & maybe the most successful star shaped BBS wheels, were the Design 5000 (’80s – early ’90s), RD(monoblock) & RF (3 pieces modular) wheels, produced in silver/polisher & anthracite/polished, which offered the advantage of much easier cleaning compared to the cross-spoke designs.
RD wheels list
BBS BUGATTI wheels
BBS BUGATTI wheels pps click to view brochure
BBS PININFARINA wheels
BBS PININFARINA wheels pps click to view brochure
BBS 1995 Product line brochure click to view pages
BBS RY wheels
RY, were the high-end 2 pieces modular wheels of the Sports Line, and were introduced in 1992. There were the only BBS modular wheels, that instead of nuts & bolts, titanium rivets were used to join the wheel center to the rim.19 types of RY were initially planned as you can see from the relative list, but from the RY parts list that follows, we end up with 23 confirmed types produced.
The description of the Sports Line – including the RYs, can be read from the 1995 Product line brochure extract, just below those 2 lists.
BBS RN wheels
I consider RN as the cross spoke evolution of the classic RA monobloc wheels. Although not a long-lived model, they were of high quality and made in Germany as far as I remember. You can see the design in the above 1995 brochure.
BBS Wheels Range 1999 ilustrated catalog – Cross spoke designs click to view pages
BBS Wheels Range 1999 ilustrated catalog – non cross spoke designs click to view pages
2007 VIDEO: PRODUCTION OF BBS WHEELS
BBS 2012-2013 Wheels Catalog – by N.T.P
Googling I spotted this BBS catalog available by the Italian automotive accessories house NTP, providing much more information than the BBS site : BBS 2012-2013 wheels catalog
BBS Wheels Washi
BBS Individual combines the outstanding qualities of two leading aluminum manufacturer – the legendary German BBS forged wheels and the company Washi Beam (Washi_Beam_Brochure), inventor of magnesium forged wheel and wheel-largest supplier to the Formula 1
Accordingly, the newly created company BBS Wheels Washi stands for decades of tradition and experience for unique innovative power and absolute perfection. With the know-how and even more heart and soul we put ourselves daily to make our products even better and to offer our customers even more driving pleasure.
Result: forged wheels of the top class – a leader in design and function.
perfection from motorsport. Created for the world’s streets.
Authenticity hologram on all German produced wheels 2019-on
BBS OFFICIAL SITE 2024 update
BBS USA OFFICIAL SITE 2024
BBS Japan_catalog_stylebook_english_0606 2023
Hello,
I am a big fan of BBS wheels, especially RS and BBS racing wheels (Exx), i have two sets of bbs rs, 003 and 077, and one set of E67 13”. Can you send me some catalogues (i am very interested in sizes of inner and outer rim halfs of every bbs rs model from 001 to 354) and other materials you have.
Thank you
Dario from Croatia
Hi Dario,
Having quit the auto accessories sector more than 10 years ago, I do not have any catalogs to give away.
As I say in my post I welcome info requests and I will try to meet them – no promises.
Your interest is too extended and my files go only up to RS-342.
I understand from your address that you are involved with OPEL, so I e-mailed you the relative page of the 1991 BBS Tunerliste, information available only to BBS parteners.
From the equally hard to find wheels data files, I’m sending you the pages covering your RS-003 (BMW) & RS-077 (MB) wheels.
Those wheels, having been homologated for road use, should not be modified in any way according to the BBS policy. Even BBS would change the damaged parts of a wheel with THE SAME parts (if available) the wheel has been homologated with – no possibility to fiddle with rim sizes.
The racing wheels is an other story. No homologation, no road use approval, therefore freely available spares (if on stock). I’m sure you know: The racing tiefbett rims DO NOT FIT RS wheels.
From the racing catalog already posted, you have all the info about your E67 centers based wheels.
In case BBS cannot supply the needed parts, ask MAD’IN wheels
Keep me posted.
Just fell across your post simply by chance. The BBS Alloy’s are certainly new to me but I can really appreciate why people find this brand so attractive.
Was this brand used solely for racing or was it commercially used as well.
I believe that you once imported them. Was this from a European country or further afield and are they still available.
Thanks
James
Ps Nice blog with some great content!!
Goodnes James!
You want me to believe you are interested about wheels and BBS were unknown to you…
Check their site: http://www.bbs.com/en/motorsports/history.html
Even Wikepedia would unswer most of your questions: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBS_Kraftfahrzeugtechnik_AG
Γεία σου Δημήτρη!
Απ’ οτι γνωρίζω η BMW και η Opel έβαζε τις RS στα Ε30 και Kadett αντίστοιχα. RS είχαν μόνο τα γνήσια Μ3 Ε30
από την μάνα τους αλλά και τα Kadett GT.
Η ερώτησή μου είναι:
Οι RS, όπως έχει γραφτεί και πιο πάνω, υπάρχουν σε 003, 077…
Αυτοί οι αριθμοί έχουν σχέση με το offset της ζάντας ή όχι?
Αν όχι, τι ακριβώς παριστάνουν οι αριθμοί αυτοί?
Δημήτρης
Υ.Γ: Έχετε χαιρετισμούς απ’ όλους!;)
Οι RS δεν ήσαν στάνταρ εξοπλισμός αυτοκινήτων παραγωγής.
Τα Μ3 φορούσαν τις μονομπλόκ RZ.
Οι αριθμοί στις ζάντες που ρωτάς δεν έχουν σχέση με διαστάσεις η όφσετ. Απλά αριθμούν το μοντέλο με την σειρά που αποφασιζόταν να μπεί σε παραγωγή.
Διαβασμένον σε βλέπω για τα χρόνια σου!
Any chance you have some history on the Super RS?
Thanks!
-Shawn
Shawn, please explain what is SUPER RS
The BBS rs’s in an 18″ size.
Sorry , but as long as I acted as a BBS partener, RS was not produced in 18″.
Hi Zaosan,
as you can see I am also interested on the BBS RS list you have. Would you be so kind and post it to my email address?
Some sizes are missing in my list so I want to compare it.
Shawn: The Super RS in Sizes over 17″ are made all in Japan and were produced after 1991.
thx.
all the best,
Istvan
Hi Istvan,
I realized RS interests quite a few out there, so since I scaned this list, I decided to make it available to everyone.
I hope you will appreciate the full specifications provided, including their spare parts.
Regards
Excellent webpage sincerely, Nana Lovas
How does the BBS wheel fan mount to a BBS RS street wheel? I saw that tubes are included in the kit but are’s really needed for a street wheel? Thanks-Ed Denver, CO
Hi Ed,
If you are talking about the RS street wheels of the 90’s. such an accessory was never offered & definitely it is not needed for street use
The Racing Wheels pricelist I have posted has this ad-on for competition use Tiefbet wheels , where brake ventilation becomes critical. It was Lufter item, offered in 15′, 16′, 17′ & 19′ sizes.
Hi,
i’m looking on info on some old aerodynamic spoilers produced by BBS around 1985-1990. Do you happen to have any info/brochures or anything else on the aerodynamic spoiler/bodykits produced by BBS?
mostly interested in the BMW 3series (e30 , 3/1) since i’ve acquired a set for my 323i lately
i’ve only been able to find 1 brochure until now (from 1987), you can find it here in PDF: http://e30forum.nl/info/Folders/BBS1987.pdf
Regards, and thanks also for the scans in your post 🙂 !
Hi Pieter,
I don’t have much more photos of aerodynamic parts than the ones included by BBS America in the pdf you have, but I do have some real life items still in our warehouse!
Maybe I should post the rare wheels/aerodynamic and spares we still have for sale…
In the meantime I’m sending you privately some material
Hello,
It would be great that you post here everything you got for sale, I like wheels, but everything from BBS is hm…interesting
Regards
Hello Dario,
I will get an inventory list & I will post it. Most wheels are not complete sets, so it will be interesting mostly spares wise.
Well if you’re checking…
any chance you can find me an bmw 3/1 bbs trunk spoiler? (part no. 21.11.014) that’s the only thing i’m missing from the bodykit
First we check what we have. The part no you gave me is not included in the documents I send you. Our list shows just one piece of 3/1 rear boot spoiler, but we should identify the part & check its condition. Then we specify the price etc. This will be done probably next week – you see all these items are stored in a remote warehouse.
I remember I insisted having extra front spoilers for the complete e30 aerodynamic costume, based on the assumption this would be the first item to break…
Hi,
I’m also interested in the heckspoiler 21.11.014
There is only one piece and Mpieter has priority. In case he does not buy it, I will let you know.
That’s fine,
Drop me an email. I’m interested in some other BBS parts for e30
Well, I see 6 front spoilers, but I have to check part Nos, as some of them should be parts of the complete e30 aerodynamic costume. I will revert.
I’ve received the spoiler this week, thx for the great service and effort!
Regards Pieter
Had this link bookmarked ages ago. I’m (pleasantly) surprised this topic is being updated.
Love seeing these old images and catalogue scans. BBS had some amazing stuff, specially the BMW bodykits for the E30/E28/E34/E32 models and of course creators or the most amazing streetwheel ever, the RS.
Stay around Don, there’s more to come!
Also some steering wheel brochures from back in the day when BBS still made steering wheels would be cool, anyone?
mine in my yellow BMW:
Ha nice. Goes well with the Dakar(?) exterior color. (en nederlands ook zo te zien ;))
How can I find bbs for sell. I’m from Portugal and I’m having lots of trouble to find some bbs rs 001 15 4×100 I’ve already tried on ebay and the prieces are to expensive. if someone could tell me were to find it at reseonable prieces I would be really thankful.
Sorry we do not have any left but I will check around,if you become more specific.
Are you after complete wheels, or looking for pieces to repair wheels that you have?
BBS RS’s (still) have a strong demand and are the all time classic wheels. Specially certain model RS’s are more desirable than others, among the “001’s”.
You won’t be finding these for cheap. Unless you buy a set that needs complete restoration, but after that you will have spent lots of money as well + all the time and effort to get the set pristine again.
I was looking for a new ones. But if they were damaged I would repare it my self. I don’t have much to spend on it now.
No, I don’t know of any compete set of wheels and certainly Don is right. Nobody would give away so desirable wheels for a non significant sum…
if you could find some set of them how would it be?
How would it be? What do you mean? Pricing? Condition?
Hello,
I am trying to find more info on a set of 15×7 RJs that I picked up. I am finding very little info stateside on them, especially the size and offset of the ones I got.
Thanks!
There are casting marks on all wheels and if you send them to me as photos or even in writing, I think I will be able to assist.
Hello again,
I got a couple pictures of the casting numbers, and an overall shot of the wheel. Any information on the wheels would be great. I also am curious about the center caps, all RJ centercaps I’ve seen on the internet were not like these. Here is the link to my flickr, the wheels are in the first 3 pictures.
Thank you again!
Hi Lance,
The markings on your wheels clarify everything. These are RJ360, size 7×15, bolt pattern 4×100, center bore 57mm and offset 24mm.
The wheel was very popular among BMW and VW owners, although in the case of VW, the offset was moving the wheels more to the outside of the car, than the original VW wheels .
I just posted the relative info to the BBS wheels post.
Genuine BBS wheels will have all the size/offset/width markings on them. Chances are, that somewhere in time, custom barrel and lips have been fitted, which would mean the numbers don’t apply to the wheel as-is.
So the information on the center section is actually that of the wheel the center section was fitted to in the BSB factory.
Nice wheels! Although I don’t see the “RJ” model designation in any of these pics (they are RJ’s though).
Hi, Im looking for the info on the BBS RS centre disc dimensions. Like disc’s ID in all sizes etc. Can you help ?
Sorry, but as RS were street legal, TUV approved items, no more info than that I have already posted was available outside BBS factory.
Hello zaosan,
and first off all thank You for this amazing share of BBS treasure!!! Being a huge fan of BBS brand it’s safe to say that this is one of the best things I’ve found on the web so far!
I’ve been looking for something like this for a long long time, because my friends and I have an idea to write something similar on our website, eurodubs.com (it’s under reconstruction at the moment, but You can visit our FB page, facebook.com/eurodubscom or Flickr gallery http://www.flickr.com/photos/eurodubs/sets/ and see what we’re all about).
I was wondering do you have some more info on RM’s and RJ’s similar to one You posted for RS’s, and can You please send it to me so I can finish collecting all info and start writing, You’ll be given all the credits for the info off course. 🙂
Thank You very much in advance
Stefan from Serbia.
Hi Stefan,
The requested RJ info was already there but in clickable PDF form: BBS RJ wheels range data
For your favor, I have just added the detailed RM info that I have. Check it out.
You and your Eurodubs friends have a very nice collection of BBS wheels with custom colors & even custom pieces like the rings of the center caps of the RM wheels on Igor’s Polo.
Keep us posted when your site is ready & enjoy the nice customization you do.
Thanks for your kind words,
Regards
Dimitris (ZAOSAN)
Thank You very much for the RM info in such short notice!
And thank You for Your appreciation of what we do, I’ll be sure to inform You of our web site completion.
Yes I’ve totally overlooked that link You’ve posted under the last RJ photo, I was asking for it because I’m a bit confused. See when I type BBS RZ in google search it comes up with several pictures of these http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2577/3021/31441510018_large.jpg so it brings up a question is there a confusion going on, why do people call RJ’s – RZ’s, and are they wrong by doing it?
I don’t want to be boring but do You have any infos on RF’s since we are about to get a hold on one set for our new Golf Mk1 project?
Again, thank you very much for that RM info!
You are welcome Stefan,
The link you give me shows a fine example of silver RJ wheel, cast in a refined mauld , that produce a wheel with slim-rounded spokes edges (just like the RZ), instead of the machined flat edges of the early silver RJs and all of the anthracite polished version – because polishing is done by diamond cut machining. This wheel was fitted as standard with RM center cap with metal ring-plate instead of plastic.
Calling RJs as RZ, is not right, because RZ were a higher quality range of wheels. The center caps of the RJs were always of the push-on/pull-off type, while RZs had a bayonette operated fixating system that required a plastic hexagonal tool. Unfortunately the RZ system, although more elaborate, was not as durable as the simple RJ in the long run…
I will revert hopefully next week with the RF info.
Just as I tought but I needed to hear that from an expert, thank You for Your fine explanation.
No need to rush with RF info, any time is good time for me, thank You in advance!
Here is something I’ve found online, I think it can be useful for anyone who’s restoring his BBS wheels.
Here is direct link:
Click to access BBS-Wheel-Hardware-Guide.pdf
Thanks Dario,This is an incredible job by the SFXPerformance!I think I should include it to the main post instead of having it just in the comments section.
I plan next week to send you the list you asked.
Interesting & a really hard work list. I have not checked it in details, but I am impressed! Thanks Stefan.
You’re welcome!
Really looking forward to it! 🙂
Dario here is what I promised. You asked for the list of the BBS pieces still in our warehouse, but I thought it may be of interest to more of you. It was Pieter who got a few months ago our last BMW 3/1 rear boot spoiler.
I added the inventory at the end of the BBS wheels info post: BBS AERODYNAMICS & WHEELS inventory 2012 – You click the title and the inventory opens in WORD form.There are some more wheels in the warehouse of a good partner of us, but that will be posted later on.
Please keep in mind the list may have some mistakes as the items were moved to a cramped warehouse back in 2000, when we stopped the BBS representation. Any item should be double checked physically and that needs a lot of work & time…
Hi zaosan,
im wondering if you have any info on these BBS wheels?
they sort of look like theyre a racing wheel, but im not sure and cant find anything about them. theyre in america, if that helps at all.
this post is full of loads of great info, thank you very much.
Kev
Hi Kev,
The wheels in the photo are unknown to me.
Even before the financial problems of the company, the overseas BBS partners BBS USA & BBS Japan, were producing wheels specially for their area market. To this fact, you should always consider that low volume TUNER’S wheels – but also higher volume road wheels for specific market demands – were produced by the BBS plants in Germany, Italy (until the factory was sold), Japan & USA.
I checked both BBS USA & BBS Japan range of today, (I suppose you also did) with no results.
http://www.bbs-usa.com/road-wheels-overview.cfm
http://www.bbs-usa.com/race-wheels-overview.cfm
http://www.bbs-japan.co.jp/pro/pro_i.html
If you are seriously interested I would suggest to ask directly: http://www.bbs-usa.com/contact.cfm
I knew I’ve seen these somewhere before and EUREKA, these are BMW Motorsport WTCC BBS wheels!!! http://www.automobilsport.com/upload/wtcc2/muellerjoergvalencia_500.jpg
Great research Stefan.Thumbs up!
Please guys remember my knowledge only covers the period 1986-2000…
http://www.s14.net/forums/showthread.php?47017-FS-1-set-brandnew-BMW-Motorsport-(BBS)-wheels-in-17-inch/page2&p=434187#post434187
Here they are for sale…
http://www.bmwm3shop.de/product_info.php/info/p440_BMW-E46-WTCC-Alloy-Rim.html
I hope I’ve helped.
Cheers Kev.
Thanks alot Stefan and zaozan! now to i have to start saving!
RE: toyota86uae.wordpress.com – bbs-wheels-catalog
[…] Source: hitthewave.wordpress.com/2009/12/01/bbs-wheels-info/ […]
The gesture of a reference link to the original source of the material copied and presented elsewhere, is the least welcome acknowledgement for the effort & creativity of the persons who made this information widely available.
Those BBS RE686 (DTM) wheel look indeed amazing. Remember seeing these the first time a couple of years ago and immediately fell in love.
I would love these as either a set of winter wheels or as track wheels. Right now my summer/track wheels are a set of RS302’s. But with a -7mm ET value, these will stick out like crazy.
Does look like the backspacing could be machined at least 20mm down.
They also seem like non staggered, which is not what I am a fan off.
I don’t know if it is a right place to post this, but we are looking for someone who has similar bbs wheels catagues and brochures (especialy about motorsport wheels) and is interested to sell. Everything will be used to create a permanent exposition. We will happily pay the right price for this historical bbs data.
Also thank you OP for such a valuable source of information, if our offer interests you in any way, feel free to contact us.
thepartscentral
Hi Muro,
It is interesting to hear that someone wants to create a permanent BBS motorsport exposition.
Please let us know where this expo will be based & under which capacity you undertake this project (Are you related to BBS AG)?
We certainly own some valuable BBS memorabilia racing wheels, but we don’t see why these pieces should decorate premises other than ours.
I hope your message generates the feedback you are looking for.
Dimitris,
You are THE MAN!!!
Thank You for 1995 brochure, I’ll be sure to promote Your blog when Eurodubs website gets back in action!!
BTW, I’m eager to learn more about magnesium forging, what year did BBS started doing it, how did they come up with the idea etc. I’ve read something on BBS Japan page but it was all kind of unundersatdable since I’ve used google translate, they mention Ferrari and year 1991, can You tell me something more about it?
Thanks Stefan,
I just added the description of the 1995 products:)
The magnesium forged F1 wheels were initially made for Ferrari in 1992 (later on more teams switched to BBS). For their production, BBS exploited the advantages of it’s world-wide facilities, so the forging was done in Japan, the machining/structural testing in Germany, while the track testing & the information exchange was followed by Italy.
I added also a 1996 ad of 2 supreme monoblock FORGED wheels examples to the post BBS HISTORY.
Enjoy
Nice, thank You for the answer, and detail description of 1995 BBS line!
Here is something I found, I think RSII fans will love it.
http://217.160.41.106/bbs/gt_a2.cgi?rsii
Fixed, thanks
Hmm very interesting catalog that 1995 one. Never ever seen that street version of the Benneton F1 wheel.
And that RZ wheel listed on the RS page must be a later style RZ as the RZ in my older brochure are like the RS, but single piece and cast. These look more like an RSII wheel.
As Greek importers we demanded all Benetton wheels to be delivered to us with BBS center caps and this way the wheels sold much better.
To avoid confusion it should have been called RZII actually. It is the cast version of the best ever production monoblock FORGED BBS wheel, the RG.
Yeah the RG is great. Basically the RS, but monoblock instead of multipiece.
Stefan: There are many variant on the RC model, but not as much as the RS iirc.
RC 041/042 are nice. I had these wheels on my 328i, but in the end sold them as the lip (dish) on the 7.5″ (041) and 8.5″ (042) size wheel are exactly the same, instead of wider. So I had a staggered setup, but it looked like a square set. Which really annoyed me. So I sold them and bought a custom set of RS wheels, as these were the ones I always dreamed of.
That RZ wheel reminded me more of forged 2 piece RC 041/42 (in my opinion, one of the most amazing looking wheels BBS produced)…
It’s safe to say that I’m very often confused by the names of models of BBS wheels…
For example, they made same name game with RC, please correct me if I’m wrong but, first they made two versions of 2 piece forged wheels RC 009/10 (17 spokes) and RC 0041/42 (10 spokes), and then they gave the same name to single piece cast 8 spoke mesh wheel.
And yes, RS 772 for example, it almost looks exactly the same like RXII or RS-GT, they’ve made such a mess…
Sorry but the discussion extends beyond my BBS representation era, and both my archive & my knowledge cannot help. Maybe I should post details of the RG…
Hello zaosan,
I was thinking of fitting some RZ on my Mk2 Jetta, can You please post some spec. chart on these?
Regards!
Stefan, the BBS Wheels Info post now includes the RZ. I hope you fit a nice set on your Jetta.
Thanks zaosan, great info!!!
Dear Zaosan,
Some time ago, I came across a set of BMW alloys and bought them.
they are marked with “RG” and “RGH-1”.
They are 15″, 8J, et24.
I guess they are just a replica of the metric TRX-1 rims that were originally fitted to the 80’s 5 series BMWs.
Just to be sure, because I can’t seem to find any info on the types/manufacturer on the internet anywhere: do you have any info?
Please find my post on with pictures on below weblink:
http://forum.wheel-whores.com/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=11&start=1530#p208582
Thanks in advance,
Nico
Nico,
The wheels you have are of the Italian brand ERREGI (RG).
I first became familiar with the brand back in 1978, while visiting Italy.
They produced good quality – very reasonably priced wheels and the specific model was very popular among BMW owners.
The brand is no longer operating, while of course they have nothing in common with the BBS RG wheels I refer in this blog.
Thank you very much for your quick reply and info!
My apologies for littering your blog with this non-BBS subject.
I came accross your blog by googling on “RG”. After reading a bit I figured you might also have more info on my mistery wheels 😉
Thanks again, it’s great to read that so much valuable info on those wheels is available.
Gonna google some more with the info you gave me…
You’re welcome Nico,
I figured you ended to my blog because of the forged RG BBS wheels, that’s why I made this clarification, but please do not think I only appreciate BBS or that BBS has never produced wheels of questionable design & average quality.
My Fiat X1/9 is shod with Campagnolo magnesium wheels, made @ times Campagnolo equiped most exotic & competition cars, including F1, while I have a set of Compomotive CXR wheels, to use them in sports events – not risking my Campagnolos.
On my historic F3 Reynard, I use excellent O.Z. wheels.
So you understand I enjoy discussing things like that – not only BBS.
I understand Zaosan, no problem!
The reason that I need more info on the wheels is to check if the quality is any good. After all, they are mounted to a car that goes 200km/h+ (or at least did so when it was new 😉 ) and does have enough power to burn some rubber.
I just read your blog on the F3 reynard by the way. Great stuff!
Hi zaosan,
This blogs seems like a great little treasure trove of BBS wheel info!!
I’m hoping you may be able to shed some light on the mystery I’m currently facing with a set of recently acquired BBS RG wheels;
The wheels are marked ‘RG029’ and seem to be suited for BMW E30 fitment – 4×100, 15×6.5J, et25.
The problem I have is that I bought the wheels without centre-caps, under the believe that the aluminium caps for my BMW E30 OEM 15″ BBS ‘weave’ (RZ) wheel would fit.
But the locking mechanism is different…
Yet the the aluminum centre disc fits fine.
So I’m wondering if you happen to know whether there are any interchangeable caps/ components from more common BBS wheels of the era (i.e. RS, RZ etc) that will fit BBS RG wheels?
Thanks in advance!
cheers, Nils
Hi Nils,
RG 029 information is missing from my files, but if you send me photos of both types of the wheels you have, plus front/reverse photos of the caps of your OEM wheels, I think I will come up with a suggestion.
It is a tight fitment also for Golf 2 & 3 and the rest of their variants.
hello, can you give me more details about this kind of wheel? I found out it’s bbs rc, what after that I saw there are more types of bbs rc, which one is it? I also know it’s from an e46 bmw. http://img02.mercador.ro/images_mercadorro/16562209_2_1000x700_jante-bmw-17-inch-fotografii.jpg
Study more the material I have already posted.
This is NOT an RC, but a much cheaper RB wheel https://hitthewave.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/bbs-wheels-range-1999-ilustrated-catalog.ppt
Hi Zaosan:
I have a set of 16″ RA’s on my e24 BMW coupe. Looking for center caps. Do you know a part number/style or diameter for them? Thanks!
Hi Bill,
You can see the caps (Nabencappen) in the Racing wheels spares page: https://hitthewave.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/bbs-rennfelgen-racing-wheels-6.jpg
You could have them either in black plastic 0923002 or chromed metal 0923041. Diameter is 73mm. RA’s shared the same caps.
BMW dealers would also provide such caps, but with the BMW emblem instead of the BBS and would have a different (BMW) part no, but if you specify the 73mm size and they still have them I don’t think you can go wrong.
Hello Zaosan,
I haven’t been here for a long time, I see there were no major updates since my last visit. If it’s not to much trouble for You, can You share some more knowledge on rennsport wheels, maybe reveal few more pages from that (I belive it’s 1990?) motorsport brochure You first posted.
Best regards! Stefan
Hi Stefan,
Look again and you will see the pages of the 1991 Motorsport brochure with photos of R-wheels.
Visiting your Eurodubs site, I was impressed by the high standard of the whole presentation and the very nice photos.
Congratulations to the Eurodubs Crew and wish you a wonderful 2014.
Dimitris
Thank You for such a fast reply Dimitris, and for the brochure, I need to start learning german, using OCR software and google translate just won’t cut it any more. Do You have something more, beside posted, on the all time gratest Motorsport wheels, the E series, like e30, e49, I would love to know the diferences between e48,50 and 53 (since they have basically same design?), e57, 58, 59 and such…
Thank You for the kind words regarding Eurodubs, we really try hard to go quality over quantity, Eurodubs Crew wish You all the best in 2014, and all the years to come!
Stefan
Unfortunately Stefan, my knowledge about the racing wheels is almost nil. I would suggest to check the 3 links already existing in my post, as these companies provide plenty of information:
http://www.bbs-racing.de/
http://www.bbs-racing-wheels.com/seiten/framee.htm
http://www.bbs-usa.com/race-wheels-overview.cfm
Thank You Dimitris, I’ve already checked those links, I will continue my research and share any new info I find.
Regards!
Hey there,
This article was a good read for a wheel whore like myself, but I stumbled upon it while searching for the RN’s model of yesteryear. The old school ones, probably from the late 90’s.
Its just… i bought a set of RN002 and i couldn’t find any information about them. Not just the 002 model, but all of the RN line. So, that said I will remain eternally gratefull if you can spare some details.
Best regards!
I just uploaded the RN info. Have a look.
Hey! Some information about RY?
When you ask for something, this should be done in a kind way, so that you motivate for the desired feedback.
Hey there! I found in my old parents house BBS rims and I want to know something more about them, going through the article I found that they are from RS line, but I couldn`t find the model 007. Maybe I miss something, but here are some photos could you tell me something about them?
I do not usually reply to queries that their answer is already in my posts.
In this case, just because of the RS-007 being crossed out as discontinued in the posted list, and because these wheels were of the METRIC TRX Michelin type, I will make an exception.
Go to the first page of the RS wheels list, and you will have all the details: https://hitthewave.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/cf83ceaccf81cf89cf83ceb70001.pdf
So, these are original equipment of BMW (that is why you also see the BMW marking next to the usual BBS ones), fitted to the M 635 csi – a great car by all means.
TRX tyres are still available – no ordinary tyres can be fitted on TRX wheels, while here is a short historical review about them:
The invention of the TRX by Michelin in 1975 permitted a more even distribution of tension in the whole tyre casing, which is where the name of TR standing for “Tension Repartie” (“distributed tension”) comes from. The TRX reputation was earned in Formula 1 racing with Renault and Prost and in the world rally championship on the Audi Quattro, 205 Turbo 16 and R5 Turbo.
For the first time, the tyre and its rim complemented one another perfectly, working as a single unit. The Michelin TRX rim underwent a fundamental transformation, the essential characteristic of which was a flatter, lower flange. This new design of the TRX rim and tyre bead resulted in a gradual curvature of the casing, without the “5” shaped flexing inherent in traditional designs.
Thanks to this innovative construction, the TRX tyre offers:
Better directional stability and makes a great contribution to the active safety of the vehicle, thanks to its exceptional handling close to the limit, especially when cornering.
Remarkable grip thanks to the ideal distribution of pressure in the contact patch.
Excellent comfort due to increased useful flexing zone.
New look to the tyre/wheel assembly and the heavily sculpted tread pattern.
The 70’s saw the dawn of increased awareness of the importance of vehicle safety. In many countries it became compulsory to wear seat belts and speed limits were introduced on main roads and motorways.
For the tyre, this led to improvements in grip, more precise steering, increased stability and better levels of comfort, thus avoiding excessive driver fatigue on long journeys. This decade witnessed the advent of high performance vehicles capable of covering hundreds of miles in one go, with exceptional levels of safety and comfort, such as the BMW 7 series (1977), 5 and 3 series which followed the same trend, ex 2400 GTI (1977), 604 (1975), R30 …
Sports cars also benefited from this progress. Examples were the Ferrari 308 GTS and GTB (1977) and 512 BB (1976), Alpine A310 V6 (1976), Renault 5 Turbo (1979), BMW M 635 (1984),205 Turbo 16 (1985) …
All theses cars (and many others) had the Michelin TRX fitted as original equipment. Nowadays, such cars can still roll on tyres true to that era, but manufactured using today’s techniques and materials.
Hello, please can you tell me something about BBS RG series? (not RG-R or RG-F).
I find them only in Japan and i can’t find information on the web.
Is it possible to have a list of all versions produced?
Thanks in advance
Stefano – Italia
Dear Stefano,
At the moment, I’m away from my files, windsurfing in Paros.
I promise to upload upon return the complete RG list/technical info that I find, but remember my material covers the period up to 2000.
Saluti,
Dimitris
Ok thank you, and happy holidays 🙂
Stefano
Hello Zaosan, have you found something about bbs rg series? I think they were built in Japan in the ’90 bit i can’t find informations on the web. Thank you, Stefano.
Stefano,
I just returned & posted all I have about the RGs of my time.
I hope you find the info you are looking for.
Hi Zaosan, thank you very much!
On the published tables i’ve seen that the first page ends with RG 022 wheel, the next page begins with RG 089 wheel; did you perhaps missed the intermediate pages?
Anyway thank you again, you’ve been great!
Kind regards
Stefano
Thanks Stefano.
The 3 pages are stapled since that time, so I doubt anything is missing. On the other hand, if you come across any RG type of that period (1984-2000)- other than the ones I know, you are welcome to contribute.
Saluti
Dimitris
WOW!!! Thank you very much for this BBS “guide”!!! I am looking for a (used) set for my Jetta MK2 and this definitely came in handy!!!
Nice to hear once in a while such comments.
Hope your Jetta will be soon rolling on the wheels of your dreams Francisco.
Hello Dimitris, I haven’t visited this page for ages, just wanted to say hello and thank You for posting more BBS goodness!
Best regards, Stefan
Hi Stefan,
I’m still looking for a chance to visit you.
Regards
I own a 2006 VW GTI and believed my rims were called VW Classix. When taking them off to deep clean I found “BBS RZ525” labeled on the inside but found nothing when searching that…..are these BBS’ ? Appreciate any help!
As I state in the BBS info post, my involvement with the brand was mid ’80’s till 2000.
After that I do not have any documentation, but on the other hand, I don’t see why your wheels should not be original BBS. At least the RZ525 codification sounds convincing.
If you also find some VW markings, this will confirm that the wheels were specially made by BBS for VW.
That is strange, Classix are made by Ronal, their specs are: 17x7J, 5×112, ET 54, CB 57,1, weight: 10,4 kg. I suggest you to look for a part number, and use it to find more info on your wheels here -> http://www.partsbase.org.
Hello! I have purchased a used set of BBS RS 352 and 353. I can´t find any info online about these. What car were they on, and when they where produced? Any info is welcomed!!
Hi, amazing website, but unfortunately I can not find the information I need. Would you please have any information on the BBS RY wheels? Thank you for your time.
Hi Paul,
Everything you want to know about… RYs, has been included – as you was not afraid to ask!
Dimitris
Hi Dimitris, thank you very much for the info, but it has left me even more confused! I’m about to buy a set of the RY, but they are 8.5×16″ 4×114 ET55 3 piece. Any ideas?
Thanks again
Paul,
On the basis of the photos you send me, I can say that those wheels are the epitome of free wheel assembling expression!
– The center must be a RY one, but not having all stamped markings,I cannot specify the donor type, just that were produced in 1992.
– The rims are 2 pieces instead of the original single piece and this allows any size/offset deviation from original.
– Fasteners are nuts & bolts – not the titanium rivets, not even the special RS nuts/bolts.
– The center caps fitted come from the very first RAs and are way less attractive than the flush fitting 3D logo BBS emblems -and much cheaper.
Conclusion
If you are after original BBS wheels, forget these.
If you like them and get them cheap, have them checked for correctness and sealing, ask for the right center caps and fit them to your ride provided you can rely your safety to the guy who undertook the project, as long as he/they can provide the needed certificate to satisfy the MOT authorities for use on public roads.
Thank You very much for all the information posted here. Very useful for car nuts!
You’re welcome.
Extensive info here, extremely useful especially with all the brochures and model listings. Much appreciated for sharing mate!
Thanks Ray🙂
THX from Czech Republic 🙂
Thanks amigo 🙂
Hello,
In looking at your site and the brochures that you posted, it would seem the only colors that you can get with the RA’s are Silver, Gold/Polish and Silver/Polish.
I have a set of RA238’s that I do not know the history. I always thought they seem to be in original 1984 factory excellent condition. But now I should assume the centers have been painted. I am I correct?
[img]http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh36/DeliveryValve/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07-07%2010.20.15-1_zpsbvseeucb.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh36/DeliveryValve/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07-07%2010.24.58_zpsfqgp1acy.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh36/DeliveryValve/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07-07%2010.20.15-1_zpsbvseeucb.jpg[/img]
Look forward to your response.
Richard
Hi Richard,
This is a great set of wheels you own.
You are right about the standard production colors of the RAs, but important dealers and tuners could also request special colors.
Sorry I cannot clearly specify your case, but the paint job on them is definitely of highly professional standard.
Dimitris
PS Cross your fingers about the econo/political turbulence Greece is going through…
Hello,
I have a set of BBS E28. Two of the centers are cracked. They are magnesium. I wanted to know, when was the last production date on this centers. I want to change the 2 centers that are cracked but cannot find any. Can you direct me to somebdy that can help me.
The new centers are made out of aluminum but looks different form the E28 centerc due to its concave spoke.
Thank you in advance,
Ray
Hi Ray,
The only reconditioning houses I have come across for racing wheels, are the EUROPE & EUROPE2 links I have below the image of the racing wheel:https://hitthewave.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/bbs-racing-wheel.jpg
This does not mean you should not search further.
If you find a good service, please share.
Good luck
Dimitris
What is the difference between the road and race version wheels. Can you use the race wheels for everyday driving? What makes them different?
Road wheels, are homologated for road use and specific application. The bodywork/suspension/brakes clearances are taken into consideration, in addition to vehicle weight.They should not be modified in any way. Even BBS would change the damaged parts of a modular wheel with THE SAME parts (if available) the wheel has been homologated with – no possibility to fiddle with rim sizes. In strictly monitored countries, the compliance documentation should be presented, otherwise the car may fail to pass the regular technical national check.
The racing wheels is an other story. No homologation, no road use approval, therefore freely available spares and the responsibility of the application is up to the racing team/driver, who should know well what they are after and how to achieve it.
Racing wheels are usually lighter and more expensive.
Hi DImitris,
How about some BBS RD list, of course if you have it?
Thanks
Dario
Here’s my gift for the new year Dario. Check the list.
Thank you, kind as always!
Happy New Year!
🙂
hiiii i am from Guatemala
i have a BBS RS 222 15″ 5X112 and I need the center caps…. you can tell me the correct number of parts… Hex , center ring, Plate all the center caps parts please…
i found the Nut with part 09.24.005 is it correct part for bbs rs 222 ?
thank you
Hi , all information about your wheels is here: https://hitthewave.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/cf83ceaccf81cf89cf83ceb70010.pdf
Have someone who speak German to tell you every part.
It is a long time I have not dealt with the spares, so I cannot give you an outright answer. In addition, the same wheel could fit 3 different height center hexagons (a matter of taste I would say), the cross-spoked pattern metal cover, could be of 4 different colors to suit the color of the wheel (but this is something you can respray), while the 3d emblem was either in gold or silver.
Hi from New Zealand. Can you tell me any details about BBS RG065. I can’t find any details anywhere.
Thanks.
Hi Cam,
I’m afraid that not having uploaded a page including them, the page in question may be missing. Thank God, this is windsurfing time for me, so unfortunately I will be away from my old files for more than a month to check.
If you have the wheel/s, size and offset info, is stamped on them.
Sorry Cam, but all I have about RGs, I have posted it. It seems the page in question is missing…
what a site! some much information.
I have a Mazda MX5 that has the BBS specific wheels in 15″, 6.5J15 ET45 4×100, they look very close to the RG but I don’t see them on the listing. The 14″ is there but not the 15″. I would like to restaure them but can’t sem to find the real color references. The edge is polished, the center part looks like a silver but the cap is a slightly darker silver (BBS script in a “3D” fashion). Would you have the exact color references by any chance?
Thank you for this blog.
Hi Clive,
Thanks for appreciating my archiving effort.
Well, as I have stated before, my files cover the period up to 2000. As your wheel type is not included, I have no info for them.
About the restoration, any serious reconditioning shop, should be able with the use of a color analyzing computer to match the original finish.
I wish you a great result with your project.
Hello Clive, i have your same wheels and they are definitely RG’s; for the colour type, you’ll need to use a spectrometer. I confirm that the outer edge is polished, but I’m not sure if it’s painted in transparent or not.
All BBS polished/diamond cut wheels, were getting a transparent anti-corrosion protective layer. By doing it you secure long lasting glowing appearance.
Zaosan, Stefano
Thank you for answering. I made a mistake, my wheels are not 6.5J but 6J. The previous owner painted the middle section black and I would like to get them back to original state.
Yes, 6×15 ET 45 😉
Hello, can someone tell me if there are original BBS wheels mark on the back made in Italy.
Regards Rodrigo
Yes, there was an Italian factory of BBS, producing several models of wheels, which of course were marked “made in Italy”
Read :https://hitthewave.wordpress.com/2010/09/15/bbs-history/
Thanks for your blog on BBS wheels. I’m eyeing a set of BBS RS2 (703’s) 17×8″, +40mm offset in 5×120. They still have the stainless steel “rim protector” on them, however one is badly corroded. I’m interested in refurbishing these wheels, however I’m not sure what tool is the correct one to use to remove the Titanium bolts as well as the Stainless rim protector. My plans were to paint the center, and remove the stainless steel rim protector and then media blast and polish out the rim. I’ve read that the bolts require an M8 Torx?
Sorry I cannot assist.
All road wheels we were trading, had to be returned to the factory for any kind repair, and spares were provided on an exchange basis, so we had no experience nor information about the tools required. I’m afraid you will have to seek advise from the various forums….
Hi, really fantastic source, thanks for posting all of the images and info. I am trying to find out more about the wheels in the second imagine from the top, on the right hand side. I believe they were used on E30 M3 DTM cars; what model are they? Were they ever available to the public?
Thanks so much!
Thanks Dan,
We were not familiar here in Greece with the racing BBS wheels, so I would suggest to contact the companies I have linked to this post. “In our days, the BBS motorsport wheels differ between EUROPE, EUROPE2 (independent companies. I could not find official BBS Europe racing link) & AMERICA. (click on the area to view the wheels)”
Hope you find out.
You mAy be the person I’m looking for . I need help find a deep dish ceter lock E50 vintage GOLD BBS WHEEL. To be used for a table base for my bar. If not available at an affordable rate possibly a Current BBS PORSCHE CUP 18 inch slightly worn or damaged race take off wheel could possibly do.If worn matching slicks are available even better.Kind regards Tony Dempsey
Hi Tony,
Sorry, but we do not have any such wheel. You may check with the repair companies I have linked to the BBS Racing Wheels post (The same ones I suggested to Dan). They should occasionally have useless wheels that look good. Of course, racing teams are also a great source – if you have any contacts.
Maybe somebody else will also see your request here.
Wish you luck,
Dimitris
What an interesting piece of information !
Great job !
Greetings from Austria
Werner
Thanks Werner 🙂
Regards
Dear Zaosan
I have a 15″ BBS RF 015 set without caps and plates. Can you told me if are the same with those of BBS RD (15″)? Because I find one set of RD and I want to buy it for plates and caps. Thanks for your answer!
Best regards, Vlad from Romania!
Hi Vlad,
Sorry, but although they look identical, they are not the same…
Wish you find the right RF ones.
Regards
Thank you for sharing such valuable information and insight. A great source of knowledge for sure. I was hoping to find information (center bore and weight) of the wheels RG136 and RG138. Any chance to dig this out?
Your support is greatly appreciated.
Keep up the great work and million thanks
Axel
You’re welcome Axel 🙂
Unfortunately the wheels you ask are more recent than my time with BBS, so I would suggest to contact the company’s customer service which I hope it exists…
Regards
Dimitris
Hello, do you know the color code for gold? I have RS wheels on a 1986 Porshe and wish to restore them to their original condition. Thanks for your assistance.
Jon
Hi Jon,
We never had the BBS color codes, but any reliable reconditioning shop should be able to scan, analyze and recreate the original color.
Wish you a fine result.
Yeah my bad, I meant small container. Like these:
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l147/matty46/PC283593.jpg~original
I guess they stopped offereing these.
That looks like a small can, but it was not available at my time. Thanks for the info.
BBS used to sell cans of their silver and gold paint, but I see it’s no longer listed. You might send them an email and ask them about it.
http://www.bbs-racing-wheels.com/seiten/framee.htm
I don’t remember cans. In the accessories list, there were silver, gold and anthracite small containers with a brush, just like the make-up nails enamels.
These were codified spares, but no RAL color codification was provided.
You may see them in the bbs-1995-product-line-brochure1 – search my files.
For sure you have nothing to loose asking them.
Hey there what’s the best email address
To send you a BBS rim picture that I’m looking for,I’ll be happy if can find it
Thanks
Send it to ddsavidis@yahoo.com, showing all casting markings (if possible). I remind my knowledge stops at 2000, while I have already posted most of the technical details I have on file.
Alternatively, posting the image here in the comments section, you can get help by others.
As I am away from my files – this is windsurfing time for me, I would deal with it not earlier than August.
Hello I am seeking information for BBS RS 725 & 726 wheels. These appear to be part of the RSII/RS2 family but I can not find much information on them. I own a set so I know the specifications, but I am looking for production and sales information such as date offered and if they where offered as an OEM option. Thank you for any information.
I hope someone who knows, will reply. These wheels were produced after I dropped BBS dealership.
superb documentation of BBS styles and designs !!!
:)Thanks!
I bought 4BBS 15′ to put on my E30, how can I confirm the model?
By providing photos where all markings (front & rear) are visible, to someone who knows the subject🙂
How do I remove the permanent rivers in my used BBS RS2? I can’t find anything.
Thanks
No idea, sorry.
Hi Zaosan,
i recently came across those wheels : https://www.2ememain.be/auto-pieces-accessoires/accessoires/jantes/new-15-bbs-rp403-designline-435065194.html
BBS Design Line RP.
They were produced in 1995, so that’s right up your the alley 🙂
Would you have any info on those ? the orginal packaging of the wheels BBS Bugatti if that can helps.
Thanks for your magnificient work, it’s very helpful !
Adrien
Hi Adrien,
You are right, these are RP BBS wheels, a design I never imported in Greece, as they did not seem to have the same market potential as other BBS models of that period.
They were made in Italy, like most of the “design” wheels ( Bugatti, Pinninfarina, Nardi, Flying, etc
They are multifit , requiring the appropriate centering rings (BBS were always in metal – not plastic), plus the relative nuts or bolts.
At vthe moment I am away from my files, windsurfing in Paros. In August I may check if I have anything more about those wheels, but the seller provides as I see, all the details.
Thank you for your kind words and they value more, coming from somebody digging deep in wheels.
Regards
Dimitris (zaosan)
Hi Dimitris,
Funny thing is, i forgot to log off my non car related account before posting my comment, but you were absolutely right 🙂
So they were made in Italy, good to know ! Nowadays bbs has a design line for its cast, entry level wheels, is it safe to say that the bbs RP were the entry level wheels for bbs at the time ? Nevertheless those wheels pictured are in pristine condition, and i’m surprised a connoisseur hasn’t snatched them yet.
Well thank you for your nice words, although i don’t think i deserve those yet, i’ve been interested in wheels ( and in this trade) for only a couple of years, compared to your experience and knowledge, that’s really not much.
Since we are talking about BBS and Italy, do know of any partnership between BBS and Speedline ? i’m interested in a rather recent type of wheels, a factory option for most Audi’s, the so called “BBS SPEEDLINE”, altough tangible information on this matter tend to prouve that BBS never was involved in their production.
Regards,
Adrien.
PS : Paros looks like a lovely island ! i’m on a slightly bigger one, Luzon, in the Philippines.
Dear Adrien,
There was no relationship of BBS & Speedline that I know of. Actually, if I recall well, BBS started providing wheels to Ferrari F1, replacing Speedline.
I checked the net about the wheels you mention and I understand there must be original Audi accessory wheels made by BBS for Audi exclusively and as such, distributed only through the Audi network.
The main reason I stopped doing business with BBS, was the fact that they put emphasis on supplying car manufacturers with plenty of wheels, neglecting and spoiling the independent accessory market.
I believe we are talking about a line of BBS wheels, labeled “Speed Line”, in the same way we have “Design Line”, “Benetton Line”, etc – not BBS/Speedline brand wheels.
Never been in Philippines, but I look forward to 🙂
Hello Zaosan, and thanks for your help !
I’m thinking of buying 15″ BBS Mahle for my 1982 280CE. I guess the right ones are 7×15 ET23 5X112.
Yet, I want wider rears. Just like AMG Pentas and Rial wires, that were offered in 7×16 and 8×16 for W123s (not W126, I already have a set of those).
Do you know if Mahle 8×15 have been produced ? I found them only for Porsches.
Thank you !
Hi Bens,
Sorry, but we started representing BBS after they stopped producing wheels at Mahle, and I have no documentation for those wheels.
I hope you get the wheels you are after. 🙂
Hallo Zaosan, first off all congratulations and my appreciation for sharing all your knowledge with all of us overhere,
To introduce myself to you , I am a Belgian man who retired few years ago and now living in Split,Croatia.
I was always interested in the old cars and now when I became finally retired I recently bought myself a Miata 1990.
As good as I can I want to take care of him (or her) and keep it as original as possible … except for some interior things and … the wheels.
I don’t know so much about wheels but I think the BBS wheels are my best choice to give the car even more that ‘retro’ look.
This way I discovered your interesting site and I learned already something about all the different types, really a lot of information … specially for someone like me.
So recently I bought a set of RJ …maybe basic but they look great to me.
They are straight but I will need them to be repainted to bring them back to their former glory. I will try to get them back just the way they were.
And of course there is always a BUT …. center caps were missing, I can guess for the reason so many BBS wheels are being sold without the caps.
In order to find the good center cap numbers I was going to consult your listings.
Unfortunally the listing stops at RJ423 … and my wheels have number 424.
By the numbers of the centar caps on the RJ listing I assume all RJ models have the same centarcaps. I am wright on this ?
Do you have maybe a listing of RJ rims were all numbers are on ?
Finally I could buy few days ago original center caps for the RJ but when I asked the man to make a picture of the numbers inside the rim … there was number 409 …. and this number is not on the listing neither. Anyhow I bought the caps to take the chance … I think you can not find them so much anymore original.
Do I make somewhere an error here … or this numbers came after you published the list ? I really have no idea.
I bought also a set of reproduction caps in a kind of hard plastic … someone from Zagreb who produces them special for RJ … I prefer the originals but I will see what it brings when I get them next week.
If it is possible to you can you send me maybe the listings with the specifications (even if they are the same) … if I see on the listings by laptop it is very hard to see good on the small numbers of the parts.
Anyhow thanks for all the information here and success in the future
Greetings
Paul
Hi Paul,
Thanks for your kind words.
The first series of Miata, is the original & nicest. Good choice for a classic.
All aftermarket RJ wheels (14″ & 15″), have the same center caps:
0932053 in Silver
0932070 in Anthracite/Polished (diamond cut varnished alloy)
You are right, RJ424 was not in the regular production list, because they were a special order, made for Opel tuners.
As far as I know, they were finished in A/P color, 7×15 et40, part No 03.53.060
The differences in the application are:
A – That they were drilled with a center bore 56.5 (Opel), while Mazda has Center Bore: 54.1 mm. So as the wheels must be centered by the center hole and not the bolts, this must be adjusted properly.
B – That they had bolts seats to use the Opel standard bolts, and you maybe need to get bolts compatible to the seats of your wheels.
One last remark. The wheels being 7″ wide, you should check there is adequate clearance, both the exterior (fender) and the interior (suspension).
Number 409 given to you is not an ID number. There must have been more numbers than that…Do you have a photo of all the numbers on these wheels?
Hope you soon enjoy you joy on the BBS,
Regards
Hello
Is there a way to determine production date of BBS RS wheels?
To tell you the truth, I cannot recall, but if you send me a photo of all the markings (front & rear) of the wheel, I may try…
Why is the production date important to you?
Hello Zaosan,
The listing on the RJ rims contains all the information about the RJ rims on the regular production line.
Is there such a listing on the RJ rims for all the special orders made for the different car factories ?
In opposite with the rims produced on the regular line, these ‘none regular’ RJ wheels seems to have all different center caps with their own different part numbers. Sometimes there are even 2 or 3 part pieces.
So in my search for the good replacement center caps for my rims RJ424 it becomes very difficult without such a reference listing. Unless of course I only concentrate on the wheels RJ424 (Opel)
I may hope however that some of this ‘none regular’ RJ rims have the same center caps ….
And what is also important in these : the numbers on the center caps of these wheels … these are official BBS numbers or just given by the involved car companies ?
Thanks in advance
Greetings
Paul
Hi Paul,
RJ wheels were strictly one piece cast wheels. Their 2 pieces brother wheels, were called RM. No 3 piece wheels were ever included to this line.
The first RJs in athracite/polished, had plain antracite ring on the caps.
Later on, their caps were diamond polished (like the face of the spokes), with antracite dots.
The 2 types of RJ we were talking, come from different castings.
The mοld of the wheels for the car manufacturing companies, was a more refined one with slim rounded top of the spokes and slightly smaller cap opening (and different attaching construction), while the aftermarket wheels like the anthracite polished of yours, came out of a less detailed mοld and were therefore machined flat, either painted silver or anthracite /polished.
In addition many of the RJs were made in the Italian subsidiary of BBS.
The 409 wheels were original VW accessories, sold only through VW and for this reason, they have the VW markings both on the wheel casting and the cap, and of course do not appear on the aftermarket lists we were getting.
Finally, it is impossible to identify the center caps by checking the various numbers on them, because each cap has at least 3 numbers on the pieces that assembled, form a complete center cap.
One number goes on the emblem, another on the hexagonal base and a third for the decorative ring around it. The complete caps spare numbers, do not appear anywhere, but to the BBS warehouse inventory and the relative spares list available to the partners, in order to be able to ask for the correct item.
Yes, I know all this information does not make the life easier to those in search of the needed caps, but only the combination of all numbers will guarantee the right acquisition…
On the basis of the above, I hope you soon find the caps you need.
Hi zaosan,
Respect for your Work man! I search the Detail´s from the BBS RS722. Can you Send me this please? Thanks a lot. Best regards
Thanks.
As I have repeated several times, my involvement with BBS, covers the period 1984-2000
During my time RS wheels ranged from 001 to 345 – and definitely no 722.
Sorry, I have not any documentation on those wheels.
Regards
Hi. I am looking for period wheels for a 1993 Cadillac Eldorado. 5×115 or 5×114,3 would fit with a minimum 70,2mm center. There are a lot of copies for BBS-wheels around, and it is hard to find information of the real ones that were actually manufactured. I have found a set that the seller claims to be original 90’s wheels – BBS RY 060 7,5×17 ET30 with 5×114,3. The rims are newly powder coated a bit too dark silver, and the rim was painted even before – not polished. There are no real rivets, but a rivet-looklike bolts and nuts. Did BBS manufacture a RY-wheel in these specs? What product lines did BBS manufacture in the 90’s in sizes 7-9×17-18 and with a bolt pattern 5×115 or 5×114,3?. If you have scanned catalogues from the 90’s I would be very happy to receive those via email. =)
American cars were non existing in our market and wheels for them, were handled by BBS USA.
As BBS USA was an independent company, it escaped the bankruptcy that troubled BBS AG, and so their archives should still be of help.
RY 060 was not included in our European lists, but that does not mean such an original wheel was not available in US.
As you will notice in the RY section of my post, RYs were always polished rim/painted center, fit together with titanium rivets – no bolts or threads whatsoever. Possibly, the wheels you found, have undergone a modification. Any alteration on items destined for use on public roads, should be accompanied with the relative safety certificates, so that an aesthetically appealing product does not turn out to a potential danger.
All my brochures have already been posted here.
Hello, we have recently purchased a Porsche 928 with BBS 018 and 131 wheels. Although we like them, we are interested in selling them and replacing them with the original phone dial wheels. I can see the 018s are discontinued, and am having difficulty finding info on the 131s. I think they were originally made for a 928 s. Can you tell me the manufacturing year for these models and when they were discontinued? I would like to have information to share when we sell them. Thank you.
Yes the RS 131 were for the 928s. The details are on the posted page 0006 of the year 2000 RS list.
Please do not ask for information already made publicly available. Take some time going through what I have posted.
Dimitrius:
Thank you pointing me in the right direction. This site is a wealth of information, and has been very helpful. I assume that because the RS131 is not marked off, it may still be in production? The reason I ask is because the wheels are mismatched and I wanted to let others know if it possible to get a match for either set. I will reach out to BBS to get an answer for the RS131.
After exploring this site, we are interested to see that the BBS wheels were manufactured for a Porsche. The dates on the wheels are a bit confusing, 50.86 (or 50.85) and 02.89. I figured the first value was the month, but 50 wouldn’t make sense. Our car is a 1980, the 018s look great but the 131s are too big. Thanks again.
Stephanie,
Thanks for your good words. As I have repeated several times, my involvement with BBS, covers only the period 1984-2000.
I hope BBS responds.
If Dimitris doesn’t mind my intervention, please Stéphanie kindly let me know when you plan to sell them. I’d be interested.
Thanks,
Adrien
Be my guest Adrien. I hope you get a deal.🙂
Thanks for reaching out, we would be interested in discussing a sale. They are in great shape. Please let me know how to reach you.
Hi Zaosan,
Firstly, congratulations on a wonderfully detailed piece!
Secondly, I was wondering if you had any knowledge on repairing BBS rims? Unfortunately my partner had an accident, and has bent the rim lip quite substantially and it’s even started to tear.
Do you know if a good aluminium welder/metal worker might be able to salvage these at all? Or are they irreparable?
Unfortunately the car is a Japanese import (Eunos/MX-5/Miata depending on your location), so the BBS RG034s that are on it are extremely rare over here.
Cheers,
Matt
Hi Matt,
Thanks for your kind words & apologies for the delay in answering, but I just returned from a full month trip in US.
In most places around the world, where motorsport is blooming, you should be able to find a competent repairer.
Best Regards
Dimitris
Γειά σας και συγχαρητήρια για τις υπέροχες πληροφορίες που έχετε αναρτήσει. Είμαι κάτοχος μίας τετράδας ζάντες BBS οι οποίες έχουν τα εξής στοιχεία GY 065 7,5j ×16 H2 et 5×120 made in Italy και ένα αριθμό 7256060 και δεν μπορώ να βρω καμία πληροφορία η φωτογραφία με αυτές τις ζάντες. Σας ευχαριστώ εκ των προτέρων
Ευχαριστώ για την αναγνώριση. Τα χρόνια περνούν και χωρίς τεκμηρίωση, οι πληροφορίες τελικά χάνονται.
Όπως η BBS κατασκεύαζε κατα παραγγελία μικρές παρτίδες ζαντών για διάφορους βελτιωτές και μεγάλους ντήλερς αυτοκινήτων, έτσι -αν θυμάμαι καλά- έφτιαξε για ένα διάστημα ζάντες για την Goodyear – GY, διαθέσιμες μόνο μέσω του δικτύου των μεγάλων συνεργατών της. Νομίζω πως ήταν βασισμένες στις ζάντες παραγωγής RJ – δες σχετική ανάρτηση, ή στις Formula 1 Benetton (καμμία σχέση με αγωνιστικό εξοπλισμό), βλεπε σελ 9 BBS 1995 Product line brochure.
Στη συνέχεια (όταν σταμάτησε η σειρά Benetton, μετονομάστηκαν σε RB, βλέπε την πρώτη ζάντα BBS Wheels Range 1999 illustrated catalog – Cross spoke designs –, μέ μόνη διαφορά το κεντρικό καπάκι. Ναι ήταν πάντοτε παραγωγή του Ιταλικού εργοστασίου. 🙂
HI Dimitris:
MANY THANKS for your website – I was beating my head trying to figure out these vintage BBS wheels information and like you said, the web is only useful if someone actually posted the required information (and you did).
Question: I have a set of BBS RA 112 wheels – the JPEG you posted says:
RA 222 – tire size 205/55-16 but RA 112 “(225/50-16 nur Typ 7”. Google translate says the wider 225 tire is useable on RA 112. But the table seems to indicate RA 112 vs RA 222 is ‘gold polished’ vs. silver? Why would Type 7 support a wider tire that Type 6 (RA 222)? The only different appears to be finish?
Thanks – Eddie
Hi Eddie,
Both wheels can accommodate the 225/50 (and of course 225/55 or 225/60), as long as you are sure there is adequate space under the wheels arches of your car.
The note “only type 7”, means that this wide size had been homologated only for the largest BMW car, which at that time was BMW series 7 🙂
Regards
Dimitris
Hi, thanks for an informative read on all things BBS. I am struggling to identify my Split rims and was hoping you may be able to identify them. I am sure they are genuine as each small bolt has BBS engraved on it. Any help would be most appreciated
I can give it a try, if you send me photos including all stampings on front & back of the wheels. If they were produced before 2000, I may com up with an ID 🙂
ddsavidis@yahoo.com
Hi Dimitris,
I am reaching out this time because i have made a very interesting discovery, a crossover of sort. I recently purchased a set of BBS RT045s for AMG. 2 piece wheel, classic AERO design, i love them. I first checked thoroughly the castings on the inside, and i found the iconic Fuchs stamp (who looks like a fox, hence the name) stamped beside the AMG part number. Incredible ! Does that mean Fuchs was doing the forging part for this wheel ? Can this reasoning can be extended to more 2 piece forged BBS wheels of the same era ? They were produced between June and August 1992.
Fuchs and BBS for AMG, it is like the Dream Team of …’92 Barcelona Olympics.
Best regards and happy surfing 🙂
Adrien
Happy New Year Adrien!
Well I’m sure you got hold of some special wheels, but I’m not in a position to provide any information.
Before my BBS representation time, BBS was producing Mahle-made(and stamped) wheels, but any collaboration with Fuchs, is unknown to me.
Although I have never received any credits or wheels information by ex-BBS personnel and distributors (as if they want to forget their enthusiasm & achievements of that era), I would suggest you ask Fuchs.
By visiting their site, I understand they are proud of their history.
Give them a try.
Thanks for sharing
Dimitris
Happy new year Dimitris ! Thank you for that tip, hope to get to the bottom of this 🙂
Btw I have hopped to a different island, Japan, where the winter is warm and the snow is powdery, perfect for snowboarding. Best of both worlds 🙂
If you are in the area, maybe you can visit the heart of BBS forging, and then afterwards give us a nice review:
Tokyo Main Office
(Sales Department)12F Shiba Park Building A, 2-4-1 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0011 Japan
TEL.+81-3-6402-4090 FAX.+81-3-6402-4110Takaoka Main Office
(Main Factory)525,Fukutarokke, Takaoka-city, Toyama-pref., 933-0313 Japan
TEL.+81-766-31-0021 FAX.+81-766-31-1403
In the meantime enjoy snowboarding.
That’s definitely on my list as I know live in the borough as BBS JAPAN. Talk about luck ! Any chance those gents speak English ?
And thank you, yes I will !
Regards,
Adrien
Hi buddy, thanks for sharing the great information on bbs wheels. I recently bought a used BS RG-F rg361 rims. The specs are below:
7J x 15
+35
114.3 x 5
I have been trying to find more information on the internet regarding this model and I came across your blog. I know nothing much about this model rg361 and it is not on the latest bbs website as I think this is a old model. I have seen a lot of these model appearing on Japan auction websites. Hope you can help shed some light on this BBS RGF rg361.
Thanks.
I have repeated many times, that my involvement with BBS covers only the period 1984-2000.
During my time, RG wheels reached codification 129 – and definitely not 361.
In any case, RG-Fs are current wheels of BBS Japan (as I just updated myself from their site) and they should be eager to assist you.
This BBS guide is amazing! Thank you.
I have a BBS RG 138 – as pictured here: https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/q303774119
However mine are in 18×8/9 sizing. Would you have any info on what model or time this came with?
This must have been after your time in the year 2000.
Cheers!
You’re welcome, thank you.
I have no info about your wheels, although they are an RG design from the time of my involvement. Maybe BBS Japan can help.
Hello i am looking for a set of vintage BBS race wheels. The wheels I am looking for where the ones used In the 80s and early 90s trans am series race cars. The car in particular is the roush racing Motorcraft and Folgers race cars they are BBS gold mesh three piece single lug 16 inch wheels do you think you could let me know as I have searched and found some wheels the are similar but not sure they are the same. Anyways thanks I hope to hear from you soon.
Hi Valentin,
The info you need cannot be found in my files, not only because it is about racing wheels , but also because of the US racing program they were used.
As I have said in previous queries about racing wheels, we were not familiar here in Greece with the racing BBS wheels, so I would suggest to have a look at the companies I have linked to this post. “In our days, the BBS motorsport wheels differ between EUROPE, EUROPE2 (independent companies) & of course AMERICA. (click on the area to view the wheels)”
The official BBS Europe racing link is here, but I would start from the US branch.
Have you contacted BBS USA Motorsports?
Hope you find out.
Hi Zaosan,
This may be a bit of a long shot, but I was wondering if you could tell me more about the wheel on the front page of the magazine. It is also in one of the first picture that you linked with the words “Auf Vollen Touren”. I am really interested if you may have any history on the wheel on the Left. I have been searching for a while on any information on them; however, I still have not even been able to find what the model name for that wheel is called. Any and all help is much appreciated. Thank you for your time!
Hi Saber,
Do you mean the silver wheel on the cover of Auto Motor & Sport? If not, please send me the photo: ddsavidis@yahoo.com
I got the photo Saber.
It comes from the Motorsport brochure and not a magazine.
It is a 1991 central fixing modular racing wheel, an item ordered with custom characteristics and not homologated for public roads use.
I don’t know more about it, but if you are sure this is what you need, BBS motorsport dept, with the use of the photo I have posted, should be able to meet your request: http://bbs-motorsport-gmbh.com/kontakt/
hello sir. your post 11 years ago is quite helpful up to now. i have a question and i hope you can help out. i have come into possession of a set of bbs rn 009 rims. i have a friend who keeps offering to buy them from me but we can’t agree on a price. how much would be a fair price for a set of these rims? they are in fairly good condition.
Hi Deo,
Not having traded wheels for the last 20 years, I’m not a good source for prices. I think your local market & Ebay should guide you for the deal…
Hello, I dont know my chances of you knowing anything about a set of BBS wheels I have purchased, but you seem to be incredibly knowledge able so hopefully you have a tiny bit more than I can find.
They’re stamped as being a set of BBS RS787/RS789, however they are 2 piece, with FORGED marked on the faces, and what is confusing me the most is a bridgestone logo cast into the rear of the faces. I believe theyre japanese market only, but beyond that I have no idea. Any information is appreciated in terms of what range they fall under (RS, RSII, RS-GT etc) Marketing information, basically anything really.
Thank you.
Thanks.
As I have repeated several times, my involvement with BBS, covers the period 1984-2000 only.
During my time RS wheels ranged from 001 to 345 – and definitely no 787/9.
Sorry, I have no documentation on those wheels.
There were wheels branded by tyre manufacturers, that were coded and distributed only through their network.
I recall Goodyear and I hear from you Bridgestone.
I would suggest you focus your search on their data.
Regards
Zaosan I picked up a set of BBS RG 226 wheels and can’t find much info on them. They’re stamped 17×8 +35 with an 8 mm valve stem and a 70 mm three tab center cap with a 48 mm ID. One person told me they were old set from BBS Japan not sold in the US. Google shows a few listings from overseas but not a whole lot of information about them. I’ve got them going to the media blaster this week and plan to clean them up and paint them. Would love to know the history of these wheels if you’re familiar with them. Thanks!
James
Sorry James, but as you may have already checked, the 226 was not included in my BBS lists at the time I was representing them. If you have the indication they were offered in Japan, I suggest you check with them.
Do you know what year the e88 was released. I seem to be getting conflicting information. I’ve heard 1998, and 2001. With the new aluminum release in 2015
Zao bit of an update on the RG226 wheels thanks to rare wheel FB group. The RG226 was a japan only model sold in the mid 90s with R32 GTR and FD RX7 fitment. The line was branded as the DTM line. if you google BBS DTM wheels you can find way more info. 17×8 +35 67mm bore 18.2 lbs each. Few places i found discussing the DTM RG lineup talk about a company progit that was super discerning with extra quality control beyond the standard forged BBS QC. looks like google brings people to this website when you search BBS RG226 so hopefully this helps other people. now i just need to get a free weekend to paint them.
Hi James,
Thanks for the update on the RG 226. Good research & maybe it will also help others as well.
Regards
[…] you Dimitris or Zaosan, author of this seminal post back in […]
This must be without doubt, the best library of online information for BBS rims!!
Thank you so much Mr. Dimitri.
Google doesn’t make you justice, because when I put together “BBS by Pinifarina” you page should come on top, such is the amount and quality of information here contained.
I really don’t understand how a brand such as BBS apparently doesn’t invest that much on it’s history, being what most car enthusiasts would consider a brand of passion. They should take this information, reward you for keeping it safe all these years, and put it all in their website.
This being said, I recently bought a set of much used 3 spoke 13″ Rims “BBS by Pinifarina” for my 1992 Fiat Uno (I know, a very common car, at least at that time), and although I wasn’t looking for 3 spoke rims, the “BBS by Pinifarina” undoubtedly seduced me. I’ve been searching the web for weeks, and I only found a picture off an 80’s or 90’s Triumph, with this same Rims, with Bugatti centers.
In your documents I found some almost identical(but not quite) “Benetton” type Rims.
Could you eventually have any more information about such rims? The 13″ size isn’t very sporty, but the design is quite “off” specially for a product from BBS.
Again, thank you very much!!
Greetings from Portugal!!
Olá Jose,
Thank you for your words of appreciation for the information I have saved & made publicly available.
BBS AG of Germany has very weak connections with its past after so many changes of ownership, but yes, that does not justify their lack of archiving interest.
You cannot claim you are proud of your products, without showing respect for your past.
Anyhow, nice you got those 3 spoked Pinin wheels for your Uno.
Since you have the wheels, all of the technical info is stamped on them.
Tomorrow, I will try to send you the image of your wheels that is missing from the already posted BBS 1995 Product line brochure (page 8). I just checked and realized, that the 3 spokes Pinins, were only shown on the Spanish brochure…
Do you have the Pinin emblems on your wheels?
Best Regards from Greece,
Dimitris
Such a great compilation of information! Do you have any information and or catalogue images with part numbers for more BBS Motorsport styles like E16/E26/E28? Im trying to properly identify a collection of Porsche Centerlock wheels.
Am I correct that the 4 digit number stamped in the face is the date, with the last 2 digits being the year? If so the dates I have range from 1993-2001.
Thanks!
Unfortunately, the only racing wheels catalog I have is the one already posted, and I do not know the meaning of the stamps on such wheels.
I suggest you either contact the BBS racing department or any of the racing wheels reconditioning shops.
Regards