I've been curious about this for a long time, so here goes:

I can understand paying more for lighter wheels and sometimes nice designs. But why is there such a huge difference in how much wheels cost? If one were to compare Volk and BBS wheels, say CE28 and LM both 17x8.5 and the BBS is something like $60 per wheel. But when you look at Work Emotion they're $240 cheaper, and even SSR are like $150 cheaper. All in all, the volk and ssr are probably the lightest. I assume they're more or less similar materials and have 'unique' processes, so what's the difference?

I'm sure you all know the price difference and my point here is not to rant about this. But is there a reason why there's such a difference? Are the BBS better in any way, for example stronger? Is it more a case of cosmetics, etc?

Please, serious answers only.

[I'm a volk fan myself and have a set of BBS and a set of volks. I don't see a lot of difference.]

 

if all is equal...I personally think it's branding.

However, the companies claim all is not equal based on:
1. Forging methods
2. Casting methods
3. materials
4. thoroughness of inspections
5. design

but I personally think it's all business and branding and marketing, not quality and worksmanship. Now I'm talking about "reputable" companies like Ray's, BBS, Enkei and not companies like Aerospeed...etc.

One example that falls into this is Wedsport. Now, I haven't visited their factories or anything, but they appear to be reputable because they are involved in racing series in Japan and all their racing wheels are JWL approved...but this only shows you how much they are spending on branding...so make your own judgements.

Reputable = what it appears on this forum as reputable and widely accepted as quality.


I almost approach this as buying basketball shoes. If you play basketball a lot, then you might be able to relate. Nike has huge advertising and branding operations...everyone on TV wears Nike...but does that mean Reebok/Converse/AND1/Adidas spends less money on R&D and is heavier, and cheaper? Heck no, if I were a professional or college player and change my shoes twice a week, I wouldn't care at all b/c it all feels and perform the same.

 

I feel the same way (wheels _and_ sports goods). Being from an engineering background myself, there's probably some differences between how they cast, forge, machine and heat treat their wheels. But if one company is spending like 40% more on making a wheel that works just as good as another, they're doing something wrong. In this case, BBS wheels are normally quite heavy!
I'm inclned to agree that you're mainly paying for marketing and the logo.... anyone else??

 

I've had both cast and forged rims and IMO BBS wheels are some of the most durable, strong and track tested wheels. I base this on never having a BBS rim ever bend or disfigure on the street or at the track. I had a 94 Porsche RS America that I used to race but was also my every day car. I had aftermarket BBS 18's with 35 profile. I had dozens of track events at Texas World Speedway and one time crossed the median on the street going about 45 and bounced over a big curve. The rims were all scratched up but they were not bent. After the 911 I got a 96 M3 and put Racing Dynamic 18's and bigger brakes. All I did was street driving on the lees than perfect San Antonio streets. When I changed my tires, 2 of the expensive RD rims were bent. I got some cheap revos and they were also bent after about 10k miles from pot holes and bad streets.
Fast forward to when I got my 03 Evo. Some teenager on her cell ran a light and hit me on the drivers side and spun the car around at about and I bounced over a curve going about 25mph. Both stock Enkeis were bent badly on the passenger side from hitting the curve. Sold the wrecked Evo and took over payments for my pops STI with stock BBS wheels. I got run off the road by an old lady going about 50 and went over a curve and had the right side of my car going over serious bumps. I thought my wheels and suspension were toast but there was no damage to my amazement. My pops has had his 05 MR with stock BBS wheels for 15k miles on the bad streets and when he recently changed tires the wheels were perfect. I am convinced that the BBS quality and durabilty is second to none which justifies the price. I've never tried Volks or Rays or any other forged wheel but my luck with BBS has been good.

 

Man, that's some good info. Sorry for all the mishaps and everything, but you've certainly put them wheels through some hardship. By the sound of things BBS seems pretty solid. Perhaps there's something to their price afterall...

Having said that, the roads I drive on are pretty dismal but my Volks are holding up fine, no bend etc. I haven't had idiots running me off the roads etc so I don't know how they would cpe with abuse....

 

Understand a name still carries some clout. Levi's vs. Paper Denim and Cloth. Or, wal mart tennis shoes vs. Nike. Volks are incredibly well built wheels, but I have an issue with BBS ( they are living on there name still)...other brands are hit and miss.

 

In another thread someone said they had trouble with the finish on Volk wheels. Anyone else have input on this for a daily driven car?