The manufacturing and maintenance of outer lips and inner barrels require precise technical expertise. These essential components determine the aesthetics and performance of your split rim wheels. Master the technical specifications to optimize your configurations.
Material and Manufacturing Process
Our lips and barrels are exclusively machined from 5mm thick aluminum. This dimension ensures an optimal compromise between structural strength and lightness. The manufacturing process combines precision CNC machining, flow forming, heat treatment, and mirror polishing before final drilling.
This production method ensures perfect dimensional consistency and homogeneous mechanical properties across the entire part.
Measurement and Sizing of Existing Lips
Correct measurement is crucial for the success of your project. A rigorous measurement method avoids ordering errors and guarantees a perfect fit.
Step-by-Step Measurement Procedure
After complete disassembly of the wheel, measure the total depth of the lip from end to end. Then subtract 12.7 mm (0.5 inch) corresponding to the width of the tire bead. This value determines the actual usable depth.
Practical example: for a lip measuring 76 mm in total depth, subtract 12.7 mm to obtain an effective depth of 63.5 mm (2.5 inches). This method ensures a perfect match with our specifications.
Maintenance and Protection of Aluminum Lips
The absence of protective varnish on our aluminum lips requires specific maintenance to preserve their mirror finish and corrosion resistance. An appropriate maintenance protocol significantly extends their lifespan.
Cleaning and Protection Protocol
Always use a quality metal polish before applying the sealant. Then apply a professional non-acidic wheel sealant, creating a durable protective barrier against environmental contaminants.
This treatment forms an active resistant layer, preserving the polished finish for up to 2 years, depending on vehicle use.
Torque Settings for Reassembly
Adhering to specific torque settings ensures the integrity of the assembly and operational safety. Each BBS and OZ configuration requires precise values adapted to its design.
BBS Range - Specifications by Series
RM Series (2-piece)
15" and 16" diameters: 19 to 25 Nm
RS Series (3-piece)
14" diameter: 20 to 25 Nm
15" and 16" diameters: 30 to 32 Nm
17" and 18" diameters: 32 to 35 Nm
LM Series (2-piece)
17", 18", and 19" diameters: 32 to 35 Nm
LM-R Series (2-piece)
19" and 20" diameters: 32 to 35 Nm
Historic BBS Range
Models E30, E50, E26, E87, E28, E88, E68 (2 and 3-piece)
All sizes 13" to 21": 30 to 32 Nm
OZ Range
All OZ series
All models: 30 to 32 Nm
Installation and Surface Preparation
Professional reassembly sometimes requires meticulous preparation of contact surfaces. This critical step ensures a perfectly aligned and sealed assembly.
Preparation of Assembly Surfaces
Contact surfaces may require slight adjustment by fine sanding of the lip bore to ensure a flush positioning with the center. Progressive tightening of the bolts also allows for final alignment of the components.
If in doubt, it is essential to entrust reassembly to a specialist in 3-piece wheels who masters safety procedures. The assembly of split rim wheels requires technical expertise and appropriate tools.