BBS RCs - Cast and Forged Versions? - Auto Union

LoCore · 01-28-2010, 04:49 PM

Were BBS RC wheels available in both cast and forged forms, or just the cast forms?

I'm having trouble tracking down the answer with any confidence.

If there were both versions, how does one tell which version that they have? The set I have is third hand, and were originally purchased as racing wheels. Can't see anything on their markings that indicate their construction.

Thanks for any pointers...

bluefox280 · 01-28-2010, 06:27 PM

Where's Aaron; I think he'll provide a definite answer.

What I know on the VW side with BBS being the OE provider, the 18"x7.5" RC's on the GLI, and 337 were cast.
Only the finishes were different; GLI's was painted, and 337's were shot peened.

Details provided on the current price list too:
* http://www.bbs-usa.com/public/PDF/BB...March_2009.pdf

- Erik

EDIT: Found definite answers on RC's being one-piece cast wheel:
http://www.bbs-usa.com/public/road_wheels.cfm --> then click on "Descriptions and Photos" in lower paragraph.

LoCore · 01-28-2010, 06:59 PM

Cool--thanks Erik.

S14pwrdE30 · 01-28-2010, 10:04 PM

Most after-market RCs, such as mine, were technically not cast (or rather partially cast), but "spun-rim." It is very similar to a cast wheel and it is a one-piece, but the way it is produced is not quite the same. The "spun-rim" process makes the wheel stronger and more durable and is used by F1 cars

There was also a forged version, which was marked with a "J" (RCJ) which are quite rare but pop up in e36 fitment every so often.

Roland H. · 01-28-2010, 10:22 PM

Yep, a friend of mine has RCJs. Spent an arm, two legs, and an eyeball to get them, but yeah.

01-28-2010, 04:49 PM	#1
LoCore Fahrer Lehrer Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Windsor Posts: 595	BBS RCs - Cast and Forged Versions? Were BBS RC wheels available in both cast and forged forms, or just the cast forms? I'm having trouble tracking down the answer with any confidence. If there were both versions, how does one tell which version that they have? The set I have is third hand, and were originally purchased as racing wheels. Can't see anything on their markings that indicate their construction. Thanks for any pointers... __________________ David Jobusch SCR Performance

01-28-2010, 06:27 PM	#2
bluefox280 Flashy-Lighty Things Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Westyfield, CO Posts: 5,408	Where's Aaron; I think he'll provide a definite answer. What I know on the VW side with BBS being the OE provider, the 18"x7.5" RC's on the GLI, and 337 were cast. Only the finishes were different; GLI's was painted, and 337's were shot peened. Details provided on the current price list too: * http://www.bbs-usa.com/public/PDF/BB...March_2009.pdf - Erik EDIT: Found definite answers on RC's being one-piece cast wheel: http://www.bbs-usa.com/public/road_wheels.cfm --> then click on "Descriptions and Photos" in lower paragraph. __________________ • 2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS - 1.8 liter turbocharged 20v I4 [AWP] • 2005 Volkswagen Beetle GLS - 1.8 liter turbocharged 20v I4 [BKF] • 2009 Mini Clubman - John Cooper Works [JCW] - 1.6 liter turbocharged 16v I4 • Pattern Draft Imaging - "...Where Engineering Discipline and Photography Merge as One..."

01-28-2010, 06:59 PM	#3
LoCore Fahrer Lehrer Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Windsor Posts: 595	Cool--thanks Erik. __________________ David Jobusch SCR Performance

01-28-2010, 10:22 PM	#5
Roland H. Will work for track time Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Golden, Colorado Posts: 1,349	Yep, a friend of mine has RCJs. Spent an arm, two legs, and an eyeball to get them, but yeah. __________________ -Roland http://www.euroberge.com

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01-28-2010, 10:04 PM	#4
S14pwrdE30 Yeah... Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Here, there and everywhere Posts: 1,040	Most after-market RCs, such as mine, were technically not cast (or rather partially cast), but "spun-rim." It is very similar to a cast wheel and it is a one-piece, but the way it is produced is not quite the same. The "spun-rim" process makes the wheel stronger and more durable and is used by F1 cars There was also a forged version, which was marked with a "J" (RCJ) which are quite rare but pop up in e36 fitment every so often.