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BBS Wheel Germany went Chapter 11 ..and I can't buy spare wheel
DAMN !!!!
Last year when my 2nd spare BBS CH-R Nurburgring edition was "consumed" by Uncle Murphy second visit, I called the local Indonesian dealer for
ordering at least 1 or 2 more for spares non-urgent.
Last night I had a near visit for the 3rd time by Uncle Murphy, but this time my wheel was not bent, speed too slow at 62KM-H or 38MPH.
So I called my BBS dealer and asked him what's up with my soft pre-order.
I was told, BBS Germany is not selling anything because of the Chapter 11, so me can't get spare wheel
So I best buy new set and forged one, hoping it will be stronger.
However, I checked the weight and it is actually A LOT lighter, the forged one.
I know forged is lighter, but if it is same strength for impact compared to CH-R but is lighter... its opposite to what I am looking for. I am hoping the weight savings only a tiny bit or even NIL...but strength increase a lot.
I guess like buying a rally wheel... LOL.
My CH-R 18 x 8.5J ET47 is 10.1 KG.
BBS Forged, single piece wheel.
Option 1 RE-V7007 , 18×8.5 , ET42, 5/112.0 , PFS , adapter 66.5mm, 8.7kg, / 19.1 Lbs, Diamond Black. 16% lighter than my current CH-R.
Option 2 RI-A041 , 18×8.5. ET40, 5/112.0 , PFS , adapter 66.5mm, 8.0kg, / 17.6 lbs , Diamond Black Almost 22% lighter than my current CH-R. Scary !!!
Good thing my Right Front wheel is OK. I measured it with dial gauge and also laser pointer.
The laser pointer as a marker when and if the wheel is no more proper round, the laser spot landing will be easy to see its "shift".
It is easy to measure if only the aluminum wheel and no tire installed, so me try to use the laser since the tire is still on the wheel.
The dial gauge is also similar function, but to detect minor outwardswelling, if any. Techy call it Lateral Runout measurement.
Dial gauge reading is OK, 0.5mm ( 0.019 inch ) tolerance as highest at outer side of rim/wheel and 0.38mm ( 0.0149 inch ) at inner side.
....
Dealer told me BBS Japan typical order need at least 8 months...Dugghhh !!!
Price wise its decent, 4 pcs for US$3,400 landed with sales tax, price the same for both types, RE-V7 or RI-A.
I read about HRE and they have local dealer in Indonesia.
But BBS been a very old proven company and their Japanese factory ones are the forged wheels, not the German factory.
I am old school, I trust more older brand/s and more so if they are much into racing sports, at least the proving grounds are plenty obvious.
My BBS CH-R is a flow forming, I like it that it only bend but never crack. I did not loose any air.
I am hoping the forged ones can hold better at pot holes.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
There is something squirrely about that letter. First, as a corporate communication on corporate letterhead, the text is full of grammatical and spelling errors. Second, BBS Germany filed for bankruptcy in 2020, over four years ago. 3rd, BBS is currently owned by NICE Holdings Co. based in South Korea, not BBS Japan. BBS Japan is a wholly owned subsidiary of BBS Kraftfahrzeugtechnik AG (the proper name for the company). The letter looks unofficial to me or at least I hope so. Such inattention to detail could explain a lot. Things like improper capitalization, grammar, spelling, and names remind me of scam emails I find in my junk folder.
That said, it doesn't mean the gist is wrong. But I always thought BBS wheels were forged and not cast. Allegedly, forged wheels are stronger and lighter weight when compared to their cast versions. The forging process aligns the molecules in the materials to give the greatest directional strength, which allow less material (ergo, lighter weight) for the same amount of strength.
BBS Chapter 11 is not only once, in 2020 and in again 2023. That is what I read.
As for grammar, I would not worry so much, more so coming from a small Japanese company, the BBS Japan.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
And apparently, they filed bankruptcy in the early 2010s. I don't doubt the letter is legitimate. But I would think it would have been reviewed by someone fluent in English since it was written in English. I mean, I would think Google translator would have done a better job. But I know we're not here to talk about grammar and such. Sorry for hijacking your thread.
And apparently, they filed bankruptcy in the early 2010s. I don't doubt the letter is legitimate. But I would think it would have been reviewed by someone fluent in English since it was written in English. I mean, I would think Google translator would have done a better job. But I know we're not here to talk about grammar and such. Sorry for hijacking your thread.
I disagree... I think the letter is suspect. Possibly due to the language translation, but even still, official letters from the largest corporations go through several editors, looking for errors, etc. I know this, because I was one of those writers who had my words mercilessly inspected.
Sorry to read that BBS is belly-up. But there are a dozen other name brand wheel makers worth looking at.
And apparently, they filed bankruptcy in the early 2010s. I don't doubt the letter is legitimate. But I would think it would have been reviewed by someone fluent in English since it was written in English. I mean, I would think Google translator would have done a better job. But I know we're not here to talk about grammar and such. Sorry for hijacking your thread.
And apparently, they filed bankruptcy in the early 2010s. I don't doubt the letter is legitimate. But I would think it would have been reviewed by someone fluent in English since it was written in English. I mean, I would think Google translator would have done a better job. But I know we're not here to talk about grammar and such. Sorry for hijacking your thread.
No worry Jet....
Last edited by S-Prihadi; Jul 8, 2024 at 12:37 PM.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
.... good one...
