Rev up your curiosity as we introduce you to a wheel showdown like no other.
We’re kicking off with a comprehensive wheel brand comparison of BBS vs Enkei.
Discover their origins, manufacturing secrets, and what sets them apart in terms of quality, pricing, and warranties.
We’ll analyze the pros and cons, ultimately answering the question: Who takes the wheel throne?
Stick around – it’s time to find out!
BBS vs Enkei – Comparison Table
| BBS | Enkei | |
| Year founded | 1970 | 1950 |
| Country of origin | Germany | Japan |
| Made in | Germany and Japan | Japan, Thailand, United States, Germany, China, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, India and Vietnam |
| Manufactured by | KW Automotive GmbH, Washibeam Co. Ltd | Enkei |
| Build quality | High | High |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – BBS and Enkei.
These brands didn’t just appear out of thin air; they’ve got histories filled with interesting twists and turns.
We’ll walk you through their journeys, from their early days to where they stand today.
BBS Wheels History
BBS is a leader in the automotive industry and is one of the world’s best manufacturers of OEM, racing, and aftermarket wheels.
It supplies the highest quality forged wheels to giant automotive companies like BMW.
Heinrich Baumgartner and Klaus Brand founded this company in 1970 as they were desperate to find a way to increase the performance of their cars on the racetrack.
Their development of the three-piece racing wheel grabbed the racing world’s attention and started going up the ladder from that period.
The warehouse in Georgia was established in 1983 and has been selling and supplying aftermarket wheels and other products.
BBS provides services to almost every major racing event too.
The three other facilities are located in Germany and Japan.
One of the warehouses in Germany takes care of the original equipment products and aftermarket wheels, whereas the other one is responsible for all racing and top-quality forged wheels.
The facility in Japan is where the infamous RS wheel was manufactured. This wheel’s design propelled them into having such a huge success.
In March 2021, BBS was acquired by KW automotive GmbH.
Enkei Wheels History
Enkei Corporation is a Japanese passenger car and motorcycle wheel manufacturer and distributor.
This company was formed in 1950 under the name Ensyu Keigoukin, abbreviated as Enkei. Along with aftermarket wheels, Enkei also offers OEM-style wheels for assembly vehicles.
Since 1995, Enkei has been manufacturing products for sporty vehicles, including F1, providing wheels for the Super GT series and McLaren F1 Team.
During its initial stages, Enkei manufactured anything that involved aluminum alloy.
The company didn’t manufacture its first wheel until 1967, developing its 1st OEM wheels for Japanese cars.
Soon after, they started to create wheels in different sizes for all types of vehicles, including Japanese, American, and German.
In the 1980s, Enkei got involved in racing cars by manufacturing wheels for McLaren F1 with magnesium wheels.
As of today, Enkei is considered a leading wheel manufacturer all around the globe, with more than 19 factories in different countries.
Manufacturing Techniques
Wheel manufacturing is an art that employs three primary methods: casting, flow-forming, and forging.
Casting involves molten metal being poured into a mold, allowing intricate designs but with moderate strength.
Flow-forming merges casting and forging, spinning the wheel under high pressure to enhance strength without compromising weight.
Forging, the most robust method, employs extreme pressure to shape solid metal, producing lightweight and incredibly durable wheels.
BBS Wheels Manufacturing Methods
The manufacturing methods used by BBS are the following:
- Low Pressure Cast
- Rotary Forged (Flow Formed)
- Die Forged
- Magnesium Wheels (BBS Racing Wheels)
Enkei Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by Enkei to make their wheels:
- Durville Die Casting
- MAT Process (a form of Flow forming)
Wheel Series
BBS and Enkei have a number of series available. Below you’ll find information about their current line-up.
BBS Wheel Series
- Design Line (Cast)
- Performance (Flow Formed)
- Forged (Die forged)
Enkei Wheel Series
- Racing Series
- Racing Revolution Series
- Tuning Series
- Classic Series
- Performance Series
- Truck & SUV
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for BBS and Enkei.
BBS’s Renowned Models
- BBS RS
- BBS LM
- BBS E88
- BBS RK
Enkei’s Renowned Models
- Enkei RPF1
- Enkei NT03
- Enkei RS05RR
- Enkei Raijin
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about BBS and Enkei, the masterminds behind those round wonders.
It’s like a treasure hunt – each brand has its own stash of price tags, ranging from budget-friendly to splurge-worthy.
BBS Wheels Price
BBS wheels will cost you a lot more than other aftermarket wheels competitors. Their average price is usually between $300 and $1800 per wheel, depending on your choice of rims.
Enkei Wheels Price
Enkei wheels are not very expensive. In fact, Enkei wheels are quite affordable compared to most other popular brands.
Warranty
When it comes to peace of mind, warranties play a vital role in the wheel-buying journey.
Let’s delve into the warranty offerings of BBS and Enkei, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
BBS Wheels Warranty
- Structural warranty for manufacturing defects for 10 years
- Wheel finish warranty for painted wheels for 2 years
- Wheel finish warranty for polished wheels for 2 years
Enkei Wheels Warranty
- Lifetime structural warranty
- Limited warranty to cover defects in material and workmanship
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons that BBS and Enkei bring to the wheel table.
In this section, we’ll take a close look at what each brand brings to the road – the advantages that make them shine, and the drawbacks to consider. Get ready for the full scoop!
BBS Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔High build quality | ❌They cost a lot |
| ✔Durable and reliable | |
| ✔Enhanced looks | |
| ✔Better grip and Improved fuel efficiency due to their lightweight |
Enkei Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔High-quality construction, durability, and strength | ❌None |
| ✔Lightweight | |
| ✔Fantastic price to performance ratio | |
| ✔Aesthetically pleasing |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of BBS vs Enkei, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
Based on our extensive research, it is evident that both BBS and Enkei offer high-quality wheels with their own unique advantages.
BBS wheels are known for their exceptional build quality, durability, and reliability. They not only enhance the appearance of a vehicle but also provide better grip and improved fuel efficiency due to their lightweight design.
However, one significant drawback of BBS wheels is their high cost. With prices ranging from $300 to $1800 per wheel, they are considerably more expensive than most aftermarket wheel competitors.
On the other hand, Enkei wheels also boast high-quality construction, durability, and strength while being relatively affordable compared to other popular brands.
Their fantastic price to performance ratio makes them an attractive choice for many enthusiasts. Enkei wheels are lightweight and aesthetically pleasing, without any notable disadvantages to mention.
In conclusion, while BBS wheels excel in their quality and performance, their high price tag is a significant factor to consider.
On the other hand, Enkei provides a compelling alternative with their high-quality wheels that are both durable and affordable.
Ultimately, the choice between these two brands will depend on individual preferences, budget, and the specific requirements of the vehicle.
