One step at a time they say – that’s always the best way to tackle the big jobs. Well, when it comes to Project Drop Top, getting the looks just right is something I’ve thought a lot about since I brought the BMW 435i home from the dealer in January. And what followed was a lot of research – the amount that after a while becomes detrimental to one’s health.
What was I to do? Embrace the JDM way of doing things and stick a set of Japanese wheels on this Teutonic cruiser? Or stay true to its origin and go for something German?
It was a debate that went on for months in my head, but in the end I just went with my gut feeling. German car – German wheels! Well, at least a German brand which is Japanese owned and does a lot of its production in Japan. Damn, that’s like the best of both worlds!
It wasn’t long after that a special delivery arrived at the door: four massive white boxes sporting the oh-so-familiar BBS logo. Despite not having tyres to go on them yet, there was only one thing do to – nerd-out.
The un-boxing of something this special never get old. It’s like Christmas day in the middle of summer!
As I removed the final layer of protection – there to make sure the satin black finish of the metal surface comes to no harm – I finally saw what are by far my favourite modern BBS rims currently in production.
These RI-D wheels use a very thin split-spoke design that really highlights just how rigid the whole construction must be. Once you wrap your hands around the end of the spokes it’s almost unbelievable to think they can stand up to the strength demands of a performance wheel.
Each of the spokes are ribbed from the hub outwards until they meet the rim, adding stiffness to the structure.
I went for the satin black finish as I’ve always been quite a fan of the black-on-black look. Now I get to enjoy this most badass of color combinations!
Like all properly-constructed and legitimate wheels out there, you should always look for a stamp of inspection.
Getting The Sizes Right
The 4 Series is a big car with large arches, so I knew I wanted to step up from the 435i’s factory-fitted 19-inch wheels and go for 20s.
In deciding what widths and offsets to go for, I called in the help of Bob Suzuki – the man behind Studie and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to BMWs. We discussed how aggressive I’d like the car to sit and what sort of fitment I’d really like to have. Considering the the stock suspension will also be getting changed out for something a bit more performance-oriented, we decided that 9-inch wide fronts and 10-inch wide rears would offer the best look and not create too many issues with rubbing.
The RI-D with a 5×120 PCD isn’t offered in many different offsets, but for the fronts I went for the RI010, which indicates +32.
For the inch-wider rears I chose the RI024 +43 offset option, which should hopefully take care of filling up the back guards. The next step will be the tyres, and depending on how far out the rims stick once mounted on the hubs I will be selecting a model with an appropriately shaped sidewall, i.e. square or rounded off.
Having these sitting in my office until the tyres and suspension arrives is going to be nothing short of torture. But until then I’ll just have to keep looking online at what sort of fitment and ride height 4 Series owners are going for.
But it doesn’t end there…
I’ve got pretty much everything that’s needed for the complete mounting, including hub rings and embossed wheel nuts.
Valves too of course, but I may just have to spray these black before fitting them. What do you guys think?
It may only be a badge, but I look at the red center caps as small detail that will help tie the whole car together. Going black-on-black is pretty straightforward, but I wanted to have one detail that would make a visual connection to the car’s red interior. Hopefully these should get the job done! As you can see on the opening shot, I couldn’t help but do a little test fit just to see what a cap looked like against the matte finish.
Potentially Lowering Unsprung Mass
There’s one other point in this exercise – potentially decreasing unsprung mass. You see, the stock 19s aren’t all that light and the Bridgestone run-flat tyres they’re fitted with from factory are heavier than regular rubber. So theoretically, I could get away with having taller and wider wheels with taller and wider tyres, and either match the stock weight per corner, or maybe even decrease it.
And I say maybe because the BBS RI-Ds are some of the lightest rims I have ever come across. The 20×9-inch fronts hit the scales at just 7.95kg (17.5lb) each, while the 20×10-inch rears are just marginally heavier at 8.60kg (18.9lb) apiece. If the tyres I go for are not too heavy I may get away with it, and that would make me feel rather smug. I’ll get extra points too if the car rides better and is less choppy than it’s proved to be with the run-flats.
The only thing I’m worried about is that the thin spokes of the RI-D’s are going to show far too much of the 435i’s underwhelming stock brakes. I’m still furious that in Japan, despite forking out for an M Sport package, you aren’t given M Sport brakes as you are in every other market. Perhaps BMW assumes that the Japanese don’t drive their cars hard? Ah well, it’s one other area I’ll have to eventually figure out…
Dino Dalle Carbonare
Instagram: speedhunters_dino
dino@speedhunters.com
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
Good choice, I bet it will be hard to look at them every day until you get them fitted! It will be worth the wait though, I'm looking forward to the next update.
Oh man, I don't think I've liked a wheel this much. It is awesome. There is somewhat of a mesh wheel inside of a five spoke wheel. I look forward to seeing these on the 435i.
Don't worry about the brakes.
http://www.speedhunters.com/2015/01/car-parts-hunting-in-china/
Look familiar?
great wheels, these red caps are so god damn expensive over here in europe.....
What else to look for when buying supposed legitimate wheels that may be questionable knockoffs?
Do you own a pair of slippers for every hat you have?
Love the wheels dino.
What brand of brakes are you going to go with? Brembo always seem the way to go but I'm sure you will surprise us just like you did with the wheel choice
Put them on. Do it now.
GET TO THAA CHOPA!
I would leave the valve as is.
I would leave the valve as is.
@Tom I think the slippers are for other people, you would leave your shoes at the door and grab the slippers.
@Tom I think the slippers are for other people, you would leave your shoes at the door and grab the slippers.
Now for the tyres!
Now for the tyres!
You should put red center caps on one side and blue ones on the other side of the car. That was such an awesome little detail on carrera gt and it shoud be used more.
BannedAndFurious That was done for a reason as the wheel nuts are sided.
Great choice on the wheels. I do like the 4 series but as with all modern cars..... Its just so big!!
Gz, now it looks like a stock 316 with black steelies
Over here M Sport brakes don't come with an M Package, they're also an extra.
LukeMorgan It's very hard! Very very hard!!
90nissanS13@my350z Yep, it was either these or the LMs, but the LMs weight too much
@John W LOL
Riddlah Are they really?
John Key NZ Buying from reputable dealers and checking that all the authentications marks are there would be a start
@Tom Hats are my wife's (most of them), slippers are for guests in Japan as you leave your shoes at the entrance
As for brakes, we'll see. I'll start off with a pad and hose change to see if I can improve on the stock ones
johnbezt Next week hopefully!
johnbezt Next week hopefully!
koko san Yeah people have told me the paint will chip off. Stock it is then, brake dust should keep them nice and dark lol
koko san Yeah people have told me the paint will chip off. Stock it is then, brake dust should keep them nice and dark lol
@MyLifeAsLouis Indeed!
@MyLifeAsLouis Indeed!
Jason Hardy It's big yes! I was sitting next to an E46 convertible at a set of lights today and it looked tiny. Can't believe I was driving it only 5-6 years ago
deleted_82067014_Abezzegh87 lol
deleted_82067014_Abezzegh87 lol
@Koen Where is that?
@Koen Where is that?
speedhunters_dino Riddlah
for center caps , yes , since they are japan only,you´ll pay approx 100€ for used ones in not the best condition
speedhunters_dino Riddlah
for center caps , yes , since they are japan only,you´ll pay approx 100€ for used ones in not the best condition
speedhunters_dino Riddlah
btw ,if you still researchin´ for light tyres , Pirelli Pzeros and Michelin Pilot Sport are good choices compared to other manufactures ( at least in 18" & 19") in terms of weight at least
speedhunters_dino Riddlah
btw ,if you still researchin´ for light tyres , Pirelli Pzeros and Michelin Pilot Sport are good choices compared to other manufactures ( at least in 18" & 19") in terms of weight at least
speedhunters_dino Riddlah
btw ,if you still researchin´ for light tyres , Pirelli Pzeros and Michelin Pilot Sport are good choices compared to other manufactures ( at least in 18" & 19") in terms of weight at least
When I saw the BBS boxes I was hoping for some sweet LMs... I guess your pick is acceptable too.
When I saw the BBS boxes I was hoping for some sweet LMs... I guess your pick is acceptable too.
When I saw the BBS boxes I was hoping for some sweet LMs... I guess your pick is acceptable too.
@Tom I was wondering if I was the only one who noticed the plethora of hats.
@Tom I was wondering if I was the only one who noticed the plethora of hats.
speedhunters_dino I would suggest going aftermarket, my automotive tutor was telling me BMW brake disks are made softer for better braking so will wear out faster, from memory you need to do a set of discs with every 2-3 pad changes, and I know that OE BMW parts are insanely expensive
speedhunters_dino I would suggest going aftermarket, my automotive tutor was telling me BMW brake disks are made softer for better braking so will wear out faster, from memory you need to do a set of discs with every 2-3 pad changes, and I know that OE BMW parts are insanely expensive
speedhunters_dino I would suggest going aftermarket, my automotive tutor was telling me BMW brake disks are made softer for better braking so will wear out faster, from memory you need to do a set of discs with every 2-3 pad changes, and I know that OE BMW parts are insanely expensive
sonic2896 Love the LMs. I convinced myself they were too heavy, but I'll eventually will have to get a set me thinks lol
sonic2896 Love the LMs. I convinced myself they were too heavy, but I'll eventually will have to get a set me thinks lol
sonic2896 Love the LMs. I convinced myself they were too heavy, but I'll eventually will have to get a set me thinks lol
cool guy, this Dino!
First takes the wheels into the house.
My wife would kick me…
BBS. Nailed it.
cool guy, this Dino!
First takes the wheels into the house.
My wife would kick me…
BBS. Nailed it.
speedhunters_dino sonic2896 They're an option everywhere else, too, even in Germany.
speedhunters_dino sonic2896 They're an option everywhere else, too, even in Germany.
speedhunters_dino sonic2896 They're an option everywhere else, too, even in Germany.
speedhunters_dino sonic2896 They're an option everywhere else, too, even in Germany.
@crisher I did it when she was not around! Mind you I have a friend that washes wheels in the shower room...
@crisher I did it when she was not around! Mind you I have a friend that washes wheels in the shower room...
JoshuaWhitcombe speedhunters_dino On the 335i that I had before this I covered 25,000 km in 5 years. I'll be fine lol
Steve Hayward LOL
That 435i is going too look sooooooooo gooooood *-* cant wait to see the pics ^^
That 435i is going too look sooooooooo gooooood *-* cant wait to see the pics ^^
speedhunters_dino Sure, a "friend".
PorscheLOVE That's the idea. Hope it works out
PorscheLOVE That's the idea. Hope it works out
Paddy McGrath speedhunters_dino LOL busted
Paddy McGrath speedhunters_dino LOL busted
biatch871 speedhunters_dino sonic2896 yeah here too, but they are still easy to get, I mean you just pay for them and they give them to you haha
biatch871 speedhunters_dino sonic2896 yeah here too, but they are still easy to get, I mean you just pay for them and they give them to you haha
Riddlah speedhunters_dino Tyres search is on this week. Definitely going Japanese though, import rubber just can't compare with the sort of service you get in Japan. Get a puncture and you get a tire delivered in a few hours against a few days to a week for those brands. Already went through this crap with the 335i and those stupid run flat Michelines it was running! Had to wait 4 days for a replacement. Had I requested a Bridgestone it would have been delivered by afternoon ....
Riddlah speedhunters_dino Tyres search is on this week. Definitely going Japanese though, import rubber just can't compare with the sort of service you get in Japan. Get a puncture and you get a tire delivered in a few hours against a few days to a week for those brands. Already went through this crap with the 335i and those stupid run flat Michelines it was running! Had to wait 4 days for a replacement. Had I requested a Bridgestone it would have been delivered by afternoon ....
RI-Ds? Baller budget!!!
In this case RI-D>LM.
It's a bummer Japan is left out in the cold with the BBK's. You guys get alot of the cool autos that the US doesn't. You win some, you lose some.
The BBS are a good choice. Since you chose the satin black, and considering the fact that wheels are the most important touch you can add to a car, you may think about bigger tailpipes with satin black finish, and the same finish on the grill - chrome does not belong to a shadowlined black BMW with satin black wheel.
you may consider the brake calipers to be painted red or gloss black. and taillight can be done i one-tone red, because the orange blinker section makes it look like a base 318 model...
The BBS are a good choice. Since you chose the satin black, and considering the fact that wheels are the most important touch you can add to a car, you may think about bigger tailpipes with satin black finish, and the same finish on the grill - chrome does not belong to a shadowlined black BMW with satin black wheel.
you may consider the brake calipers to be painted red or gloss black. and taillight can be done i one-tone red, because the orange blinker section makes it look like a base 318 model...
Run flat's just kill any car's ride for me. I'm running P Zero's on my M3 and the curve on the side profile is just right imo compared to the Conti SportContact 5's on my original 19's. But I am running 8.5J front, with 235/35's and 9.5J rears 265/30. I imagine you'll be chasing 245/35's and 275/30's?
Brad Johnson Yup that's what I'm looking at. Can't wait to be run-flat free!
I love the color!
Lol!
To be fair: My wife and me aren't in a partnership anymore. One reason could be that I store my wheels in the house…
So, hopefully Mrs. Carbonare doesn't read speedhunters.
If so, I can only guess that the pictured house is your friend's one which looks exactly the same as yours!!
Astonishing!
Have fun with your new wheels!
Lol!
To be fair: My wife and me aren't in a partnership anymore. One reason could be that I store my wheels in the house…
So, hopefully Mrs. Carbonare doesn't read speedhunters.
If so, I can only guess that the pictured house is your friend's one which looks exactly the same as yours!!
Astonishing!
Have fun with your new wheels!
Damn those wheels are expensive! Damn those wheels are nice. When I get new parts I usually put them in my bedroom for a while and admire them. Wife usually lets me for a couple of days and then wants them out. I would not want to put those on my car :). Black was the right move.
Damn those wheels are expensive! Damn those wheels are nice. When I get new parts I usually put them in my bedroom for a while and admire them. Wife usually lets me for a couple of days and then wants them out. I would not want to put those on my car :). Black was the right move.
Damn those wheels are expensive! Damn those wheels are nice. When I get new parts I usually put them in my bedroom for a while and admire them. Wife usually lets me for a couple of days and then wants them out. I would not want to put those on my car :). Black was the right move.
Buick Man I'll be paranoid about scratching them. I will from this moment on park 2 meters away from any curb lol
speedhunters_dino Belgium!
Nice wheels! Personally I would leave the valve stems chrome, just to match the chrome BBS logo on the center cap.