BBS isn’t your ordinary wheel brand. This car wheel is handcrafted to offer performance alongside a unique and stunning design. They have an extremely high price tag than most alloy wheels.
And if you are in the market shopping for BBS wheels, you need to be able to distinguish real from fake. And that’s what this article is all about.
What are BBS Wheels?
These wheels need no introduction, even if you are not a motorsport enthusiast. It’s a reputable brand that has been around for years. BBS wheels are made from hard-cast metal optimized for performance and stability.
They are designed to cater to various market needs. Whether you want a motorsport, classic, or utility design, you can get your ideal type of wheels from BBS.
Performance aside, these wheels look terrific. The stylish BBS wheels are made using premium raw materials such as aluminum alloy.
Most people can’t differentiate between a fake from an actual BBS wheel. The good news is that we will change that in a few minutes.
Why Are There So Many Fake BBS Wheels in the Market?
Unfortunately, we live in an era where some businesses have prioritized profits over customer satisfaction. That’s why there are so many fake BBS wheels out there.
Certain manufacturers have identified how much people appreciate brands such as BBS. This is why they have taken the initiative to create fake BBS wheels.
These wheels may look authentic, but they lack the uniqueness of the original BBS, and you won’t receive any performance upgrades.
How Do I Tell Fake BBS Wheels?
There are different methods. We will list them all so that you can easily differentiate a fake wheel from an original one next time you are shopping.
1. Look for BBS, Volk, and Made in Germany Stamps
The quickest and easiest way to tell a fake is by looking for stamps that BBS commonly uses. These stamps include those made in Germany, BBS, or Volk.
They should be engraved somewhere within the wheels, preferably beneath the center wheel cap. Fake BBS wheels won’t have these stamps, and even if they do, they should look cheap, or it could be just a piece of paper glued there.
The above symbols need to be engraved and not just loosely attached. So, if you don’t see any of the above stamps, don’t even think about buying those wheels.
2. Check the Weight
Authentic BBS wheels tend to be lighter. On the other hand, Replicas are much heavier because they aren’t forged using the same materials as the original ones.
If you buy BBS wheels from a physical shop, lift some of the rims and assess whether they are heavy or light. If they are heavier, confirm whether they have the BBS stamps on them. If not, you know what to do.
3. Compare the Wheels with the Images on the Official BBS Website
Irrespective of the size or design, there should be a picture of the wheels on the BBS official website.
Before we even dig deeper into this method of identifying fake BBS wheels, never let a seller convince you that this wheel design isn’t available online.
That statement should raise a red flag, and you shouldn’t even bother checking because it’s fake. You need to use the images on the website as a marking scheme.
Most replicas fault the design.
Since they are produced through backdoor methods, manufacturers of replicas often make mistakes with the rim pattern or design.
If you carefully examine the picture of the BBS rim on the website and find that it doesn’t look anything like the one you are seeing, know that it’s a fake.
These three methods should inform you whether BBS wheels are fake or not. To be sure, always use all three at once.
Start by looking for stamp engravings. Proceed to check the weight before comparing the wheels with those posted on the official website.
How About BBS CH-R Wheels?
There is another line of BBS wheels, the CH-R, which are not forged. Instead, they are pressure cast.
If you are familiar with the BBS brand, you will know that they don’t disappoint. The original CH-R wheels feature long spokes with a smaller central area, making them look better and lighter.
These wheels combine performance and value for money. They are durable, and the finish is quite luxurious.
Despite being such a good wheel, the BBS CH-R line has many counterfeits in the market. To identify fake CH-R wheels, look for the Motorsport engravings in the center of the wheel.
It’s also worth noting that CH-R wheels often feature a black, bright, or diamond silver stainless lip. Since most replicas don’t have stamping, it should be easy for you to tell what’s real and fake.
Should I Buy BBS Wheels Online or In-person?
When it comes to BBS wheels, it’s better to use the old-fashioned method of shopping: visiting the store in person. Some of the techniques we mentioned earlier can’t be used when you buy the wheels online.
Online shopping for BBS wheels doesn’t allow you to look for the stampings. Also, the seller can advertise using pictures from the official site.
You will have no marking scheme to compare. Also, how will you check the weight?
There is a higher risk of getting scammed when buying BBS wheels online. Considering the cost and benefits, you will get from this wheel. It would be best if you shopped around.
Dedicate several days to walking around various stores and comparing the authenticity of the rims.
If you must shop online, make sure that the company you are buying it from is genuine, reputable, and have a return policy. The last feature will come in handy when you purchase the wheels and find out they are fake.
How Else Can I Be Sure My Wheels Are Authentic BBS?
Involve a wheel expert when shopping. BBS wheels are expensive. It would be traumatizing to realize later that what you bought was fake.
If you doubt your ability to differentiate an actual BBS wheel and a fake one, you should ask a wheel expert to tag along as you shop for BBS wheels.
A wheel expert could be your mechanic or a friend or family member who is enthusiastic about wheels. Such people better understand wheels and can tell a real from a fake.
You may have to pay them for the service that they are offering you. But that will be a small price to pay compared to buying fake BBS wheels at the cost of an original one.
Where Can I Buy Original BBS Wheels?
Where you buy BBS wheels significantly determines whether they will be fake or original. If you have a store near your home that you trust, you can shop for BBS wheels from them.
But, if you aren’t sure about their reputation, here are places where you can get authentic BBS wheels.
First, you can visit their website and head to their shop section. There you will choose what type of car you have, its model, and year of manufacture.
From there, you will be provided with a list of compatible wheels that will fit your vehicle. Choose a wheel that seems appealing for your car, add it to your cart, and pay for it to be delivered to your location.
These wheels will be shipped directly from BBS. This is a sure guarantee that the wheels are original.
The other option is to perform a dealer search on the BBS official website. BBS has partnered with several dealers from all over the world.
You will only need to indicate the country and postal code using this option. BBS will direct you to official dealers nearby. From these dealers, you are assured of getting authentic BBS wheels.
You don’t have to be so tactical when shopping for BBS wheels with these two options. However, if it’s a third-party vendor, make sure that you cross-check the authenticity of the wheels more than twice.
Does Price Indicate Whether BBS Wheels Are Real or Fake?
There is another red flag that doesn’t even require you to examine the wheels. And that is the price. An original BBS wheel should be in the higher price range.
If a seller mentions a price that is too good, think twice. When shopping for BBS wheels, you should engage in thorough research that will give you a price range for the type of wheel you want to buy.
When you visit a vendor that has slashed that price in half, you should have doubts about the authenticity of that wheel. Because replicas don’t use up a lot of money during production, their prices are very low.
Always Trust Your Gut Feeling
Manufacturers of fake BBS wheels are becoming smarter every day, and they are devising new ways to con innocent buyers. For instance, these days, fake BBS wheels have Motorsport stamps on them. However, the font doesn’t look unique.
As you are shopping for BBS wheels, always trust your gut feeling. If you have doubts about the wheels you are buying, don’t hesitate to walk away.