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 Work.
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 Work – Comparison Table
| BBS | Work | |
| Year founded | 1970 | 1977 |
| Country of origin | Germany | Japan |
| Made in | Germany and Japan | Japan |
| Manufactured by | KW Automotive GmbH, Washibeam Co. Ltd | Work |
| Build quality | High | High |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – BBS and Work.
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.
Work Wheels History
Work wheels was founded in March 1977 by its Japanese president – Takeshi Tanaka. The company started with a capital of JPY 4,000,000 (~40,000 USD).
In August 1977, Work launched its first line of wheels – the Work Equip series. That same year, they increased their capital to JPY 10,000,000 (~100,000 USD).
In 1979, they established their first 3 piece wheel assembly plant.
In 1983 they started exporting to the USA. They also expanded and opened more branches all over Japan. In December 2003, they acquired the certificate of Quality Management System ISO 9001,
Currently, Work has 4 factories in Japan and is one of the most respected wheel manufacturers in the world.
A true testament to their success is the fact that brands like Dunlop, Falken, Toyo Tires, Toyota Modellista International Co, FUJI Corporation, Bridgestone, and Ralliart are some of their largest customers.
Sadly, the company’s founder, Takeshi Tanaka, passed away in 2015.
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)
Work Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by Work to make their wheels:
- Rotary Forged (Flowed Formed)
- Forged
Wheel Series
BBS and Work 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)
Work Wheel Series
- Equip
- LS
- VS
- Emitz
- Zeast
- Gnosis
- Schwert
- Lanvec
- Raizaltado
- Emotion
- Meister
- M.C.O. Racing
- Seeker
- Crag
- Leadsled
- Goocars
- Xtrap
- Zistance
- Back Label
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for BBS and Work.
BBS’s Renowned Models
- BBS RS
- BBS LM
- BBS E88
- BBS RK
Work’s Renowned Models
- Work Emotion
- Work Equip
- Work Meister
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about BBS and Work, 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.
Work Wheels Price
Work Wheels are generally considered to be on the more expensive side within the aftermarket wheel market.
Work Wheels is a prestigious and well-respected brand known for producing high-quality wheels with intricate designs and excellent craftsmanship.
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 Work, 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
Work Wheels Warranty
- Limited warranty to cover defects in material and workmanship for 3 year
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons that BBS and Work 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 |
Work Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔High-quality craftsmanship | ❌Higher price point |
| ✔Prestigious reputation | |
| ✔Innovative and unique designs | |
| ✔Wide range of sizes and fitments |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of BBS vs Work, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
When it comes to choosing between BBS and Work wheels, both brands offer high-quality products that live up to their reputations.
BBS stands out for its exceptional build quality, durability, enhanced aesthetics, improved grip, and fuel efficiency due to their lightweight design.
However, these advantages come at a steep cost, with BBS wheels being considerably more expensive compared to other aftermarket wheel competitors.
On the other hand, Work Wheels has gained a prestigious reputation for its high-quality craftsmanship, innovative designs, and wide range of sizes and fitments. Their wheels are known for their intricate details and excellent craftsmanship, making them a favorite among car enthusiasts.
Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that Work Wheels also leans towards the higher end of the price spectrum within the aftermarket wheel market.
Ultimately, the decision between BBS and Work wheels depends on your priorities and budget. If you prioritize top-notch quality and are willing to invest in premium wheels, BBS is an excellent choice.
However, if you value unique designs, craftsmanship, and the prestige associated with the brand, Work Wheels offers a compelling option.
