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 Kansei.
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 Kansei – Comparison Table
| BBS | Kansei | |
| Year founded | 1970 | 2018 |
| Country of origin | Germany | United States |
| Made in | Germany and Japan | United States |
| Manufactured by | KW Automotive GmbH, Washibeam Co. Ltd | Kansei |
| Build quality | High | Very Good |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – BBS and Kansei.
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.
Kansei Wheels History
Kansei wheels is a Californian-based wheel company with quite a remarkable history.
The owner, Chris Sempek, started off by posting wheel renders on Instagram to launching his very own wheel manufacturing brand – Kansei in 2018.
In 2014, Chris became the lead production designer and engineer at Raceline Wheels, making designs for trailers, UTVs, ATVs, passenger cars, and everything in between.
Chris had finally started his dream job. But there was only one problem. Chris wanted to make wheels for his tuner buddies.
Chris started working on his true dream job, a side job that would become known as Kansei Wheels.
He designed all of the flagship wheels for Kansei, using community feedback and friends he had out there.
It took over a year to finalize the concept for the brand and he ended up launching the company with three designs: the KNPs, the Corsa, and the Tandem.
In 2018, Raceline Wheels lent a portion of their SEMA booth to the launch of Kansei Wheels.
Kansei Wheels manufactures wheels for enthusiasts because Chris is an enthusiast himself.
It might sound redundant, but it’s quite challenging to find individuals in the automotive community who make wheels and share the same passion for cars.
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)
Kansei Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by Kansei to make their wheels:
- Rotary Forged (Flow Formed)
Wheel Series
BBS and Kansei 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)
Kansei Wheel Series
- KNP
- Corsa
- Tandem
- Tandem 15”
- Roku
- Neo
- Astro
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for BBS and Kansei.
BBS’s Renowned Models
- BBS RS
- BBS LM
- BBS E88
- BBS RK
Kansei’s Renowned Models
- Kansei Tandem
- Kansei KNP
- Kansei Astro
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about BBS and Kansei, 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.
Kansei Wheels Price
Kansei Wheels are generally priced at a mid-range level, making them an affordable option for those looking for aftermarket wheels.
They usually go for around $250-$350 per wheel, which is quite reasonably priced.
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 Kansei, 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
Kansei Wheels Warranty
- Limited lifetime warranty on the construction
- Limited Wheel finish warranty for 1 year
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons that BBS and Kansei 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 |
Kansei Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔Quite affordable | ❌None |
| ✔Variety of sizes and unique finishes | |
| ✔Fairly lightweight for cast wheels | |
| ✔Durable and strong |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of BBS vs Kansei, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
When it comes to comparing the wheel brands BBS and Kansei, both have their own strengths and weaknesses.
BBS undoubtedly offers superior quality, with their wheels being known for their high build quality, durability, and reliability. Additionally, BBS wheels are designed to enhance the overall appearance of a vehicle, providing a sleek and stylish look.
Moreover, they offer improved grip and fuel efficiency due to their lightweight construction.
However, the major drawback of BBS wheels lies in their price. These wheels are considerably more expensive than their aftermarket competitors, with an average price ranging from $300 to $1800 per wheel. This can be a significant investment for most consumers.
On the other hand, Kansei wheels offer very good quality at a more affordable mid-range price. Priced between $250 and $350 per wheel, they provide a reasonably priced option for those seeking aftermarket wheels without breaking the bank.
Kansei offers a variety of sizes and unique finishes, allowing for customization to suit individual preferences. Additionally, despite being cast wheels, Kansei wheels are fairly lightweight, providing a balance between strength and weight savings. The absence of any noticeable disadvantages further adds to their appeal.
Considering the overall package, BBS wheels excel in terms of quality and performance but come at a higher cost.
Meanwhile, Kansei wheels offer a great combination of affordability, quality, and variety.
