BBS Vs. HRE (Compared)

Car owners in the market for new wheels should lean toward brands that utilize the most advanced manufacturing and engineering technology. Examples of brands that tick these two boxes are HRE and BBS.

Everyone in the car industry has heard of either BBS or HRE. These two are considered industry leaders in the wheels market.

Their wheels are built for performance and elegance. For most car owners, choosing these two brands is usually a matter of preference.

However, if you are here comparing BBS and HRE, then you are interested in the specifics and not just brand names. Well, you have come to the right place.

BBS vs HRE
“Prima Donna” by Rick Flores, Flickr is licensed under CC BY 2.0

What are BBS Wheels?

BBS was born when Klaus Brand and Heinrich Baumgartner came together to set up a manufacturing facility for plastic body parts.

The name was coined from the last names of these two founders and the city in which the company was conceived, Schiltach. Since this isn’t a history class, allow us to head into the actual definition of BBS wheels.

BBS isn’t your average wheel. Ever since the company’s conception, these wheels have conquered race tracks. Thus earning BBS the title for making wheels for champions.

The fact that they are popular on race tracks doesn’t mean that they won’t serve a regular car owner. On the contrary, these wheels perform exceptionally on roads.

Designed to be lightweight and reliable, a set of BBS wheels will allow you to enjoy a comfier and safer ride. Performance aside, BBS wheels look elegant.

If you are a wheel person, one glance at BBS wheels will have you falling in love with this beautiful brand. With a wheel that is configured for performance, BBS wheels will help you achieve efficient gas mileage and, in the process, lower the impact of your car on the environment.

BBS wheels are available in a wide range of models. Therefore, you are assured of finding something that meets your expectations in terms of performance and aesthetics.

Having focused a lot on performance, let us introduce you to BBS design. After all, looks are equally as important. It wouldn’t make sense for you to have a set of ugly-looking performance wheels.

Starting with the design factor, you should know that BBS wheels are available in many finishes. You can choose from Gunmetal to Black and Silver, amongst others.

The craftsmanship on these wheels is exceptional, and if you have a taste for finer things in life, BBS wheels will exceed your expectations.

BBS wheels are known to fit a wide range of cars. The installation process is pretty simple. However, to avoid damaging the wheels during installation, you should have them installed by an expert.

Besides being an excellent fit for most cars. BBS wheels are easy to maintain. They don’t have to be washed all the time, but as long as they are cleaned regularly, the wheel should look dazzling for a long time.

You should know that BBS wheels have a durable finish that will withstand the test of time and exposure to various elements. However, splashing a layer of wax helps prolong the lifespan of the finish.

If you still need more reasons to buy BBS wheels, then here is another. BBS wheels are endorsed by automakers from all parts of the continent.

From a company that made plastic body parts, BBS has risen in ranks and is today a brand that popular automakers endorse.

This recognition didn’t stem from luck but from years of research and consistency in making high-performance wheels.

We can’t help but applaud BBS for combining science and style to create a wheel that meets the taste and preferences of every car owner.

As we wrap up our introduction to BBS wheels, you need to know that these wheels don’t come cheap. Make sure that you dig a little deeper into your pockets.

What are HRE Wheels?

The BMW Blog refers to HRE as a manufacturer of high-end killer wheels for vehicles. For a brand to acquire such a title, they have done an exceptional job.

Located in San Diego, California, HRE wheels are available in four types. First, we have the 1-piece, 2-piece, and 3-piece forged. They also make cast wheels in the FlowForm line.

All four HRE wheels are made to perform and look much better than the typical wheels. HRE wheels also offer customization options.

This means that you can get a wheel made to suit your exact preferences. If you are a very choosy car owner, we recommend utilizing this HRE wheels feature.

Similar to BBS, HRE makes very light wheels. As we all know, a light wheel has its perks. You are assured of better performance and reliability.

Though light, these wheels are very durable. A feature that you won’t find in most cheap wheels. You should also know that there are plenty of knockoffs in the market. It would be best to familiarize yourself with how to tell the original from fake wheels.

Another feature you will get from HRE wheels is lower rotational inertia. This enhances the car’s stability in case you come across an obstacle.

Looks-wise, HRE wheels do not disappoint. Considering they are available in four different models, no matter how specific your preferences are, you will find a design that pleases you.

Except for the cast FlowForm, these wheels undergo forging. It’s this process of manufacturing that makes HRE wheels look better than typical options.

Also, through forging, the wheels made are lighter and more durable. Car owners interested in HRE need to know that these wheels are tested for safety and performance.

Therefore, the wheel delivered to your doorstep will be the best wheel your car has ever run on.

HRE wheels are also expensive. Therefore, if you weigh these two options, prepare to spend an adequate amount of money on either. Whichever option you go with, you are assured of getting value for money.

How Are They Different?

• BBS is More Popular than HRE

Of these two brands, BBS is more popular. Their popularity stems mainly from making wheels for race tracks. HRE primarily focuses on daily drives.

With daily drives, HRE doesn’t receive the recognition and fame that comes with race cars. That, however, doesn’t mean that HRE wheels are inferior in terms of performance and aesthetics.

• BBS Wheels have a Motorsport Look

When you check the wheel designs of these two, BBS tends to have more of a motorsport look. Therefore, if you are a race track enthusiast, you may lean towards BBS. However, if you prefer an authentic and elegant look, we recommend HRE.

• HRE is Made in the US, and BBS is in German

Even though the geographical location has no impact on the design and performance of a wheel, it’s a notable difference that we saw fit to add to this list.

BBS wheels are of German heritage. As we all know, German is a country known for its contributions to the auto industry. The same can also be said for the US.

How Are They Similar?

Both brands are;

• Light

Irrespective of the option you settle on, you are assured of a light wheel that will offer the best performance. BBS and HRE wheels boast a lightweight design. No wonder they are considered the best in the game.

• Durable

Though light, HRE and BBS wheels are made with quality materials. These wheels will withstand harsh road conditions. If taken proper care of, these two wheels can serve you for the longest time.

• Industry Leaders

BBs and HRE are industry leaders. Very few brands can compete with HRE and BBS in terms of wheel performance and design. With any of these wheels on your car, you are assured of nothing but the best.

• Expensive

Indeed, good things don’t come cheap. BBS and HRE wheels are more expensive than the typical wheels in the market. The added cost is due to the premium features you get from either wheel brand.

• Have Great Resale Value

When you decide to sell the car or the wheels, as long as you have taken proper care of them, they will have a decent resale value. You won’t have undergone a total loss.

What’s Better about BBS?

BBS wheels are known for their performance on the road. Due to their lightweight and durable design, BBS wheels guarantee better gas mileage, quality ride comfort, and stability.

What’s Better about HRE?

One of the things that makes HRE wheels stand out from BBS is the different wheels they make. There is the 1-piece, 2-piece, 3-piece, and FlowForm.

From this wide availability, you are assured of finding a high-performing and aesthetically pleasing wheel design.

Who Should Get BBS Wheels and Why?

If you have always fantasized about having motorsport wheels that offer unrivaled performance on your car, you should go for BBS. This brand is also recognized worldwide.

Who Should Get HRE Wheels and Why?

HRE wheels were made for people that want a prestigious brand on their wheels. Though not made for race tracks, HRE wheels don’t disappoint when it comes to performance. Also, they make stylish-looking wheels.

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