BBS

Motorsport heritage meets precision engineering

Est. 1970•Germany

History & Overview

Founded in 1970 in Schiltach, a small town in Germany's Black Forest region, BBS was created by Heinrich Baumgartner and Klaus Brand. The name comes from their initials (the 'B's in BBS) combined with 'S' for Schiltach. Both founders were amateur racers seeking performance improvements, initially producing fiberglass body panels before pivoting to wheel manufacturing.

BBS pioneered the three-piece wheel design for racing in 1972, and by 1983 launched the iconic RS mesh wheel that remains an industry benchmark today. The company entered Formula 1 in 1992, supplying forged magnesium wheels to Ferrari and supporting Michael Schumacher during his championship-winning era.

Today, BBS operates a global manufacturing network with facilities in Germany, Japan, and the USA. In October 2024, KW Automotive acquired BBS's German production plants, strengthening the brand's European presence and manufacturing capabilities. BBS became the exclusive official F1 wheel supplier in 2022 when the series transitioned to 18-inch wheels, with all F1 wheels manufactured in Takaoka City, Japan. This exclusive partnership with Formula 1 underscores BBS's position at the pinnacle of wheel engineering.

For official specifications, visit BBS's official website.

Popular Wheels

LM (Le Mans)

2-piece Forged

The most iconic BBS wheel ever made, introduced in 1994 and inspired by 24 Hours of Le Mans racing wheels. The classic cross-spoke mesh pattern defined a generation of tuner cars and remains a status symbol. Available in 17"-21" with finishes including gold and diamond silver/black.

RS-GT

2-piece Forged

The lightest of BBS's 2-piece wheels, featuring titanium bolts and a specially processed rim. The RS-GT is the modern evolution of the legendary RS with improved forging technology. Available in 17"-20".

Super RS

2-piece Forged

The 17 cross-spoke design unchanged since 1983, representing pure BBS heritage. Weights range from 10.7kg-12.2kg in 19"-20" sizes.

FI / FI-R

Forged Monoblock

Lightweight forged monoblock wheels designed for supercars and high-performance vehicles. Features cross spokes with weight-reduction holes. Often OEM equipment on Porsche, McLaren, and Ferrari. Weighs 7.7kg-10.4kg in 19"-21" sizes.

RI-D

Extra-Super Duralumin

The world's first extra-super duralumin wheel, introduced in 2011. Uses aerospace-grade material for ultra-lightweight construction at 7.3kg-8.7kg. Available in 19"-21".

CH-R / CH-RII

Flow Formed

A more affordable entry point into the BBS lineup. Counter pressure cast with flow-formed rim and back-milled spokes. Includes stainless steel rim protector. Available in 18"-20".

New to wheel construction types? Learn the differences between forged, flow formed, and cast wheels.

Price Range

$2,000 - $6,800+PER SET

How to Spot Fakes

BBS wheels are frequently counterfeited. Here's how to verify authenticity:

  • Genuine wheels have 'BBS' stamps engraved beneath the center cap, along with 'Made in Germany' or 'Made in Japan'
  • Look for model number (e.g., 'CH-R') stamped between the spokes in consistent, professional font
  • Authentic BBS wheels have consistent, high-quality machining with no rough edges
  • Weight should match published specifications. Fakes are typically heavier due to inferior materials
  • Genuine multi-piece BBS wheels use high-quality stainless steel or titanium bolts
  • RS/LM series should have matching part numbers on all pieces

Brand Highlights

  • Multi-stage forging applying thousands of tons of pressure using aircraft-quality aluminum
  • Flow-forming technology reducing weight up to 15% vs standard cast
  • FEM (Finite Element Method) computer optimization for ideal weight distribution
  • Dynamic cornering fatigue testing at 2,000,000 cycles (10x industry standard)
  • Exclusive F1 wheel supplier since 2022
  • 250+ racing championship wins across F1, touring cars, rally, and endurance

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