BBS rims are popular among South African youth who live to roll in style. Wheels do more than move a car—they express personality, hint at performance, and define presence. Among the elite names in wheel design, BBS stands out as an enduring symbol of motorsport pedigree and luxury refinement. From classic mesh designs to cutting-edge forged alloys, BBS rims grace vehicles across the globe, including those cruising South Africa’s dynamic roads.
In this article, we’ll explore the pricing, market dynamics, types, retailers, and culture surrounding BBS rims in South Africa. Whether you’re building a show car, enhancing performance, or simply upgrading style, this guide will put you on the path to rolling true.
What Are BBS Rims?
Founded in 1970 in Schiltach, Germany, BBS began life designing auto parts, but quickly became known for lightweight alloy wheels with intricate designs and superior engineering. Their reputation was cemented in the racing world, supplying rims to Formula 1, touring cars, and rally teams.
BBS stands for Baumgartner Brand Schiltach, and their rims come in forged, cast, and flow-formed variations. Some of the most iconic BBS wheel designs include:
- BBS RS: Deep-dish, multi-piece mesh wheel—legendary among enthusiasts
- BBS LM: Two-piece racing design, prized for lightweight durability
- BBS CH-R: Flow-formed wheels designed for performance with sleek styling
- BBS RX & RK: Classic OEM-style wheels for luxury sedans
The brand is synonymous with excellence, style, and performance.
Price Overview: BBS Rims in South Africa
South Africa’s auto culture has embraced BBS wheels, both originals and replicas, across a wide spectrum of budgets. Pricing is influenced by size, material, style, and whether the rims are OEM, aftermarket, or replicas.
Current Price Ranges
| Size | Type | Price Range (Set of 4) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15-inch | Replica Mag Wheels | R5,999–R8,000 | Common for older hatchbacks & show builds |
| 17-inch | BBS RS2 Replicas | R5,299–R9,500 | Popular for VW, BMW E36 & JDM setups |
| 18-inch | Motorsport Mags | R18,000+ | Premium replica or original imports |
| 19-inch | Deep Dish Reps | R9,500–R14,000 | Used on luxury saloons and sports coupes |
| OEM BBS | Authentic New Sets | R22,000–R60,000+ | Imported originals for Porsche, BMW, Audi |
| Used OEM | Second-hand Original | R7,000–R25,000 | Available via classifieds and reseller platforms |
Where to Buy BBS Rims in South Africa
Finding the right BBS rims depends on your goals and budget. Several platforms and retailers stock original and replica options:
Trusted Retailers
- Autostyle Motorsport
- Offers replica alloy wheels in 15–17 inches
- Fitment services available across Johannesburg
- GP Tyres & Mags (Gauteng)
- Specialists in rim refurbishment and mag repair
- Sell BBS replicas and handle custom powder coating
- Max Motorsport
- Known for RS2 replicas with aggressive offsets and spiked caps
- Skye Wheels and Mag Repairs (Durban)
- Offers rim repair and polishing for BBS mesh wheels
- Online Platforms
- Gumtree South Africa: Large marketplace for new and used rims
- Tyre-Shop: Reliable source for 4×100 mesh mags
Buying online? Always verify PCD (Pitch Circle Diameter), offset, width, and hub bore compatibility with your vehicle.
Understanding Specifications
When buying BBS rims, pay attention to technical specs:
- PCD (Bolt Pattern): Common South African fitments include 4×100, 5×120, 5×114.3
- ET (Offset): Determines how far the rim sits inside/outside the wheel arch
- CB (Center Bore): Must match or exceed your vehicle’s hub size
Using spacers, hub-centric rings, or adapters can allow fitment flexibility, but should be handled professionally to avoid vibration or poor handling.
Replica vs. Original: The Debate
Replica Rims
Pros:
- Much more affordable
- Widely available in various sizes
- Easy to customize (colors, lips, spikes)
Cons:
- Heavier than forged originals
- May not meet motorsport-grade durability
- Finish may fade faster with road exposure
Authentic BBS Rims
Pros:
- Unmatched craftsmanship and weight optimization
- FIA-approved in motorsport settings
- Premium resale value
Cons:
- Scarcity and high import costs
- Risk of buying counterfeits online
In South Africa, many enthusiasts choose replicas for aesthetics, while track-focused users invest in originals for performance and safety.
Vehicle Compatibility
BBS rims grace everything from budget builds to exotic cars. Here’s a look at popular applications:
Hatchbacks & Compact Cars
- VW Golf Mk1–Mk7
- Honda Civic EK/FD
- Toyota Corolla E90–E120
- Opel Kadett GSi
→ Ideal fitment: 15–17 inch RS-style reps with 4×100 PCD
Sedans & Coupes
- BMW E36, E46, E90
- Audi A4, A5
- Mercedes-Benz W203, W204
- Lexus IS200
→ Common setup: 18–19 inch LM-style wheels with 5×120 or 5×112 bolt pattern
Performance And Luxury
- Porsche 911
- VW GTI, R-series
- Subaru WRX STI
- Nissan 350Z/370Z
→ Best paired with genuine BBS forged rims or deep-dish RS variants
Customization And Finishes
South Africans love personalized BBS setups. Customization options include:
- Lip polish & colored bolts
- Spiked caps or hex centerlocks
- Anodized barrels
- Powder coating (gold, bronze, black)
Some popular finishes:
- Gloss silver (classic mesh look)
- Satin gunmetal (modern performance)
- Champagne gold (luxury JDM aesthetic)
- Mirror chrome (for show cars)
Custom refinishing can cost R2,000–R5,000 per set, depending on complexity and finish durability.
BBS And Motorsport Culture
BBS rims are inseparable from motorsport history. In South Africa:
- Track days at Kyalami and Zwartkops regularly feature BBS-equipped BMWs and VW builds.
- Drift events use RS2 replicas with stretched tyres and wide lips.
- Car clubs like German Klub SA and STANCE Culture CPT showcase modified rides with rare wheels.
The BBS mesh design is particularly iconic in street racing and nostalgic retro builds.
Buying Tips & Warnings
Before splashing out, keep these in mind:
- Inspect used rims for cracks or bends. Ask for barrel and lip measurements.
- Ask for PCD, offset (ET), and center bore. Fitment issues can cost time and money.
- Confirm return policies. Some online sellers charge restocking fees.
- Beware of counterfeits. Genuine BBS rims are stamped and laser-etched.
- Use professional fitment. Tyre balancing and alignment ensure safety.
If you’re unsure, send me your car model—I can help identify compatible specs and styles.
Market Trends & Demand in South Africa
The appetite for BBS rims continues to grow, with influences from:
- Online car builds (YouTube, Instagram)
- Imported car culture (JDM and Euro classics)
- Widening access to replica markets
However, original sets are becoming harder to source, especially in 18–19 inch sizes. Importers have seen delays due to global shipping issues and rising customs charges.
As a result:
- Replica sales have surged, especially in Gauteng and Western Cape
- Rim refurbishment businesses are booming
- Second-hand marketplaces offer decent deals if you know what to look for
The Future of BBS in SA
With electric and hybrid vehicles gaining traction, rim manufacturers—including BBS—are designing wheels optimized for low-resistance driving and regenerative braking.
In South Africa, expect trends like:
- Ultra-light flow-formed BBS models
- Multi-fitment wheels for hybrid platforms
- Collaborations with tuning houses for limited editions
In Conclusion
BBS rims price in South Africa is around R 22,000 which is still a reasonable price for the such quality that you may not be able to easily get around you from other sources. However, there are also second hand options which are significantly cheaper.