What are BBS challenge wheels made of?

What I know: They are made with a proprietary aluminum alloy, if there is magnesium in the alloy it is used as part of "the mixture" to create strength, and not lightness. Other elements such as lead, iron and tin can also be added in tiny amounts.

I am sure the wheels are also made on the "BBS" forge in Japan, where the other high end BBS wheels are made (BBS RCJ) for example.

Jay

 

It's mainly an aluminum alloy. If there is any magnesium involved, it's a very small percent. Effectively the BBS challenge rims are aluminum. They are made using what's known as a "flow forming" process, which produces near forged rim strength. During the flow forming, the metal is heated up as it's "formed" and this changes the properties (similar to forging). The result is a rim that is about 20% lighter than a normal cast aluminum rim, but has almost the strength of a forged aluminum rim.

Some people will tell you that the BBS challenge rims are not to be used on the street, but this is incorrect. They are just as strong as any other "street" rim made by BBS, if not stronger. They work fine on the track and street.

Also, keep in mind, the 18" BBS challenge rims (for the 360 at least) are slightly wider than the stock rims (about 1/2 inch as I recall)

Ray

 

Are these the same rims used on the CS and can be had as an option on the 430?

 

These?
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z306/racerxgto/IMG_015F360.jpg

 

From the other posts you guys must be referring to the 360 wheel. From what I have found the challenge wheels on the 355 they are a Magnesium wheel (info from Ferrari) also when I was refinishing a set that I have the bare wheel looked darker than an aluminum wheel. They also are imprinted with Made in Italy. Regards, Vern

 

Yeah on some of the two piece/three piece BBS wheels the center piece (spokes) is actually made out of magnesium. Not sure about the Challenge wheels though.
-Matt