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 OZ Racing.
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 OZ Racing – Comparison Table
| BBS | OZ Racing | |
| Year founded | 1970 | 1971 |
| Country of origin | Germany | Italy |
| Made in | Germany and Japan | Italy |
| Manufactured by | KW Automotive GmbH, Washibeam Co. Ltd | OZ |
| Build quality | High | High |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – BBS and OZ Racing.
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.
OZ Racing Wheels History
OZ Racing is an Italian company renowned for its high-performance wheels and components in the automotive industry.
Established in 1971 by Silvano Oselladore and Pietro Zen, the company’s name, “OZ,” is derived from the initials of its founders’ last names.
Over the years, OZ Racing has become synonymous with cutting-edge wheel design and technology, and it has played a significant role in motorsports and the aftermarket wheel market.
OZ Racing started as a small workshop in Italy, producing magnesium alloy wheels for racing cars.
Their lightweight and durable wheels quickly gained attention in motorsports, and OZ began supplying wheels to various racing teams and manufacturers.
In the 1980s and 1990s, OZ Racing expanded its presence in motorsports, particularly in Formula One.
Their wheels were used by numerous championship-winning teams and drivers, solidifying their reputation for high-quality and high-performance products.
Beyond the track, OZ Racing also ventured into the consumer market, offering a range of aftermarket wheels for road cars.
Their designs often reflected their motorsports heritage, appealing to enthusiasts seeking style and performance.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, OZ Racing continued to innovate by introducing new manufacturing techniques and materials, including forged aluminum and carbon fiber.
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)
OZ Racing Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by OZ Racing to make their wheels:
- Low Pressure Cast
- Forged
Wheel Series
BBS and OZ Racing 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)
OZ Racing Wheel Series
- OZ Atelier Forged Series
- OZ Racing Series
- MSW Series
- Sparco Wheels Series
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for BBS and OZ Racing.
BBS’s Renowned Models
- BBS RS
- BBS LM
- BBS E88
- BBS RK
OZ Racing’s Renowned Models
- OZ Gran Turismo
- OZ Racing Leggera
- OZ Racing Ultraleggera
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about BBS and OZ Racing, 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.
OZ Racing Wheels Price
OZ Racing wheels are generally considered to be on the higher end of the price spectrum when it comes to aftermarket wheels.
The brand’s reputation for quality, performance, and innovative design often comes with a premium price tag.
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 OZ Racing, 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
OZ Racing Wheels Warranty
- Limited warranty to cover defects in material and workmanship for 1 or 2 years (depending on the finish)
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons that BBS and OZ Racing 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 |
OZ Racing Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔Strength and durability | ❌Higher end of the price spectrum |
| ✔Lightweight | |
| ✔Careful manufacturing | |
| ✔Thermal and electrochemical finishing |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of BBS vs OZ Racing, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In the battle between BBS and OZ Racing for the title of superior wheel brand, both contenders showcase high-quality products.
BBS wheels boast exceptional build quality, durability, and reliability, contributing to their long-lasting performance. Furthermore, their lightweight design not only enhances the overall aesthetics but also provides improved grip and fuel efficiency.
However, these remarkable features come at a considerable cost, with BBS wheels typically ranging from $300 to $1800 per wheel.
On the other side, OZ Racing wheels also excel in strength and durability, ensuring a reliable and long-lasting performance. Their careful manufacturing process and thermal/electrochemical finishing techniques contribute to their reputation for high-quality products.
Nevertheless, OZ Racing wheels tend to reside on the higher end of the price spectrum, reflecting their brand’s reputation for quality, performance, and innovative design.
Ultimately, the decision between BBS and OZ Racing wheels boils down to personal preference and budgetary considerations.
If budget constraints are not a significant concern, BBS wheels offer an array of advantages, including their superior build quality, lightweight construction, enhanced aesthetics, and improved fuel efficiency.
However, those seeking a high-quality wheel brand with a more modest budget may find OZ Racing to be a compelling option, offering strength, durability, and meticulous manufacturing.
