Refurbing BBS LMs [Archive]

richbe

13-03-2007, 07:13 PM

I bought my wheels second hand, knowing that they would need a refurb at some point due to a dink that the previous owner had gone and put in them. You can see that in the picture below.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/Tricky/bump-web.jpg

So I can't simply do a repaint like Fas did on his wheels because I need the wheels turned/machined or what ever else it is that gets done to recover damage like this.

So first question is how does damage to a lip get repaired on a wheel like this?

Next I need to repaint them. A number of refurb companies won't touch a split rim, for what ever reason, so I need someone who knows their onions. I currently live in Aberdeen, which leaves two options, find someone in Scotland or post the wheels to someone who knows what they are doing down south.

the wheels have already been refurbed once by the previous owners and one of the slightly less impressive aspects of that previous refurb is where the bolts that hold the two parts of the rims tighten down, by painting under the bolts (prior to reassembly) the paint has been cracked as the bolts have been tightened down into the recesses in which they sit. So this is the kind of care and attention I am looking from for which ever company I entrust with the wheels.

In addition I need new bolts to hold the two wheels halves together. BBS won't supply replacement ones for whatever reason, and they would cost a fortune anyway because they are titanium. So the alternative is a set of stainless steel bolts. I spoke to a company today who could supply them but at a cost of £1.20 each :eek: (thats 80 bolts, so £96 all in) I know you can buy high quality stainless bolts for far less than that, unless it happens that these are a particularly special size or something. I would find that hard to believe though. So where can I get a set of bolts for the wheels, or does anyone know what the standard sizes should be so I can get in touch with a bolt supplier.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v629/bluebro9/DSCN19481499.jpg

Finally colour, there has been some fun abusing nicks car over on his 'E92 modding begins thread', But I too am wondering what to do. I don't think I want gold centres, really I think the standard blue grey of the LMs or a slightly darker, possibly CSL metallic grey finish that Teddy supplied for a while (can't remember the name). I like the colour of Fas' wheels but not sure if I want wheels that dark on a blue car.

http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/uploads/Webdunk/wallace22.jpg

So your thoughts and suggestions please :D

Who to refurb?
Where to get bolts?
What colour?

Silver

13-03-2007, 07:43 PM

cableguy

13-03-2007, 08:34 PM

I sold Shawn (M5SC) a set os BBS LM's some time ago, who in turn had them refurbished at www.wheelrefurbishing.co.uk , they did a fantastic job of splitting them, painting the centres and hand polishing the rims, they were in fact better than when new. ;) Definately worth a call . ;)

C.

peppernick

13-03-2007, 08:56 PM

Yep, I've heard about wheelrefurbishing and their reputation precedes them. Worth giving them a call. TBH, anyone with patience and is not willing to charge exhorbitant amount for dissembling and re-assembling split rims should be able to do it. Alternatively, dissemble the wheels yourself (like what Fas did) and hand them the pieces. It is more likely for them to say they'll do it rather than eekkkkkkk!, split rims ......no way

That kerbed lip needs re-machining. You can't fill the machine cut LM lips. The bolts are a pain to obtain. I've asked BBS in the past. Their argument for not supplying the bolts separately is that the rims were jigged after assembly at the factory and you can't do it properly without their facilities. I think it's all bull ......... Now BBS GmBH has gone into liquidation, it's even more unlikely they will help. However, try US sources. They are generally very helpful. www.tirerack.com (speak to Gary) of even Samir of Technik (he managed to source black bolts for his LMs).

As to what colour, I think the silver suits your M5 brilliantly. Classy and subtle. The E39 has subtle lines. However, here's a pic of black centres ...

http://www.dookstudios.com/e92/CRW_3806.jpg

http://www.dookstudios.com/e92/CRW_3809.jpg

http://www.dookstudios.com/e92/CRW_3812.jpg

felstmiester

13-03-2007, 08:59 PM

I think the same. The silver rims look just right. Black centres look the nuts!! But only on a light coloured car.

richbe

13-03-2007, 09:13 PM

1. It possible for you to send them some where to get it done?.
eg lepson down in Kent. They refinished my Type 3 Racing Rims. Which 2piece/split rim

http://www.lepsons.com/

2. Get the centre Gunmetal or Grey. Gold and blue. WRX and STI Colours
Lepsons do get mentioned regularly, I've just heard that they tend to do what they think is right and not always what the customer thinks is right, I could be wrong on this, but their service just doesn't sound quite at the level I want when dealing with wheels like this.

I sold Shawn (M5SC) a set os BBS LM's some time ago, who in turn had them refurbished at www.wheelrefurbishing.co.uk , they did a fantastic job of splitting them, painting the centres and hand polishing the rims, they were in fact better than when new. ;) Definately worth a call . ;)

C.
Thats exactly what I wanted to hear, first hand experience of my wheels. They sound good and I'll give them a call.

I think the same. The silver rims look just right. Black centres look the nuts!! But only on a light coloured car.

won't be doing black for sure. Probably as close to the original bluey grey as possible.

That kerbed lip needs re-machining. You can't fill the machine cut LM lips.

I figured that, just wanted someone who knew what they were doing, and who could do it properly

The bolts are a pain to obtain. I've asked BBS in the past. Their argument for not supplying the bolts separately is that the rims were jigged after assembly at the factory and you can't do it properly without their facilities. I think it's all bull ......... Now BBS GmBH has gone into liquidation, it's even more unlikely they will help. However, try US sources. They are generally very helpful. www.tirerack.com (speak to Gary) of even Samir of Technik (he managed to source black bolts for his LMs).

I wonder if they can indicate the bolt spec I need. I am sure I don't have to pay near on £100 for a set of stainless bolts :rolleyes:

midnight*tuning

13-03-2007, 09:14 PM

i have the same problem on my type3's , edge of the lip has been scraped away:(, can this type of damage really be fixed back to original condition? even when the metal lip is no longer there?

http://img43.imagevenue.com/loc46/th_23790_Picture_025_122_46lo.jpg (http://img43.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=23790_Picture_025_122_46lo.jpg)

uberbmw

13-03-2007, 10:20 PM

uberbmw

13-03-2007, 10:41 PM

Some ideas:

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/8583/dscn19481up0.jpg

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/6324/dscn194814lc6.jpg

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/3875/dscn1948149ix0.jpg

TUBS

14-03-2007, 06:55 AM

http://www.jp-coatech.com/coatech.htm

Coatech in Carnoustie, have seen some great work from them, and not too far to travel !!

richbe

14-03-2007, 07:39 AM

Some ideas:

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/8583/dscn19481up0.jpg

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/6324/dscn194814lc6.jpg

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/3875/dscn1948149ix0.jpg

You may yet convince me on the grey :D

richbe

14-03-2007, 07:40 AM

http://www.jp-coatech.com/coatech.htm

Coatech in Carnoustie, have seen some great work from them, and not too far to travel !!

Cheers Tubs, will give them a call too :)

cableguy

14-03-2007, 08:20 AM

Gold centres against the Blue looks too Subaru'ish IMO. :confused:

Stick with the OEM look, it looks great against Le Mans Blue. ;)

C.

G60 VV

14-03-2007, 08:50 AM

A lot of the dub guys use Mike for their BBS's getting done, and he churns out some excellent work!

not far away either!

http://www.the-polisher.com/

thegolfather

14-03-2007, 09:24 AM

Silver suits the car best imo.

Grey is definately in second place and please avoid the gold, it just not M5'esque!

Scholesy

14-03-2007, 09:57 AM

Justmatz (http://www.justmatz.co.uk/products_specials.html) sell the bolts for BBS wheels (about half way down the page.)

Not cheap though, about a quid each and for the rims that are on the 328 sport i think you needed 120, so £120 just on bolts before you start refurbing them!:eek:

HTH

The gray looks best imo

richbe

14-03-2007, 11:52 AM

I'm not generally one for bling, but after and before... :D :p :cool: :eek:

http://www.the-polisher.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/.pond/lm2iuyt.jpg.w560h210.jpg

peppernick

14-03-2007, 11:53 AM

I'm not generally one for bling, but after and before... :D :p :cool: :eek:

http://www.the-polisher.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/.pond/lm2iuyt.jpg.w560h210.jpg
That's too much :eek: IMO does not suit the timeless design of the LM.

Saw a set of refurbed and chromed LMs at Donnington last year, good money but just too extravagant in flesh.

richbe

14-03-2007, 11:55 AM

I think I have found what I am looking for -

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/Tricky/lm.jpg

polished lip, powder coated centre :D :D :D

peppernick

14-03-2007, 12:01 PM

That's still a bit rough. It should look like this :cool: