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 SSR.
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 SSR – Comparison Table
| BBS | SSR | |
| Year founded | 1970 | 1971 |
| Country of origin | Germany | Japan |
| Made in | Germany and Japan | Japan |
| Manufactured by | KW Automotive GmbH, Washibeam Co. Ltd | SSR |
| Build quality | High | Very High |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – BBS and SSR.
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.
SSR Wheels History
SSR is an abbreviation for “Speed Star Racing”, a Japanese-based wheel manufacturer with a long history dating back to 1971.
Speed Star Racing Wheels were launched by Speed Star Co., Ltd.
Now, their headquarters are located in Osaka, Japan.
Frequently acknowledged for pioneering the creation of a three-piece wheel with their groundbreaking MK-I model back in 1971, the company stands as a prominent Japanese manufacturer renowned for its exceptional line of aftermarket and motorsport wheels.
SSR played a significant role in driving the development of the JWL standard in 1973 and was instrumental in the establishment of the VIA third-party statutory board in 1981.
In 1985, the brand set up a new overseas office in Los Angeles as they wanted to expand into the US market. SSR’s office was specifically aimed at handling international sales operations.
SSR stood alone as an alloy wheel pioneer when, in 1991, it harnessed the semi-solid forging (SSF) process, a groundbreaking technique that the company would go on to patent.
Tanabe Co.,Ltd bought SSR in 2005.
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)
SSR Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by SSR to make their wheels:
- FFT (Flow Formed) & FFT-R
- 2-Piece Hybrid With Seamless Barrel
- SSF Technology
- HTM 3 Piece Technology
Wheel Series
BBS and SSR 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)
SSR Wheel Series
- GTX
- GTV
- Professor
- Reiner
- Minerva
- Formula
- Speed Star (Original SSR Designs)
- Executor
- Abela
- Blikker
- Devide
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for BBS and SSR.
BBS’s Renowned Models
- BBS RS
- BBS LM
- BBS E88
- BBS RK
SSR’s Renowned Models
- SSR SP1
- SSR GT3
- SSR GTX01
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about BBS and SSR, 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.
SSR Wheels Price
SSR wheels are known for their high-quality and performance, which can make them more expensive compared to other wheel brands.
However, the cost of SSR wheels can vary depending on factors such as size, design, and finish.
On average, SSR wheels can range from around $400 to $800 per wheel.
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 SSR, 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
SSR Wheels Warranty
- Limited warranty to cover defects in material and workmanship for 1 year
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons that BBS and SSR 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 |
SSR Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔High-quality construction, durability, and strength | ❌Pricey |
| ✔Aesthetically pleasing | |
| ✔Lightweight | |
| ✔Wheels that are suitable for both show and track purposes |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of BBS vs SSR, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In the battle between BBS and SSR wheel brands, it can be concluded that both have their strengths and weaknesses.
BBS wheels are widely recognized for their high quality, durability, and enhanced aesthetics. They offer better grip and improved fuel efficiency due to their lightweight construction.
However, the major drawback of BBS wheels lies in their price, as they tend to be more expensive than other aftermarket wheel competitors, ranging between $300 and $1800 per wheel.
On the other hand, SSR wheels excel in terms of very high quality construction, durability, and strength. They are aesthetically pleasing and known for their lightweight design, making them suitable for both show and track purposes.
However, like BBS, the main disadvantage of SSR wheels is their price. While they offer remarkable performance, the cost of SSR wheels can vary depending on factors such as size, design, and finish, ranging from around $400 to $800 per wheel.
Ultimately, the choice between BBS and SSR wheels boils down to personal preferences.
BBS wheels provide high quality and reliability but come with a higher price tag. On the other hand, SSR wheels offer exceptional performance and aesthetics, but at a premium cost.
In conclusion, uou can’t really go wrong with either of these two brands.
