Are these original wheels?

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lamboxx
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Are these original wheels?

Post by lamboxx »

Hi, new to the forum. Looking for some advice. Been looking for a 635 for a while and I've been offered a nice one off market. I have a few questions.

Apparently the wheels fitted to it were original wheels. Is this true? They don't look it to me. Apparently the "dish" has just been made bigger but can be put back to "normal" easily.

Pic attached. thanks
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Soperman
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Re: Are these original wheels?

Post by Soperman »

The only 3 piece split rim BBS RS wheels fitted to a 6 series in the U.K. were the metric sized (415mm diameter) 007 variant.
Only the M635CSi had them fitted as standard, and only for the first 9 months (approximately) of production, when they were recalled in, scrapped, and replaced with a single piece item of indeterminate build (Mahle?)

It was possible to order a 16” version from your friendly BMW dealer as approved accessory, for fitment to any E24, but that would have been a costly and therefore rare exercise.

Your wheel, which has obviously been modified, was therefore probably not an original fitment as such. But it could be confirmed by spinning the cap off and seeing the model stamp confirming which version of the RS ( e.g 005, 007, etc.) it actually is.

Still, it’s a very nice looking wheel and would no doubt draw many admiring glances.
E24 M635CSi
lamboxx
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Re: Are these original wheels?

Post by lamboxx »

Thanks for the quick response. Ok I'll have a look under the cap to confirm if it is likely a dealer fit. Which number would I be looking at to confirm that?

I think I prefer these standard wheels. Do you know if these are the wheels that are difficult to get tyres for because they are metric?

Thanks
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Soperman
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Re: Are these original wheels?

Post by Soperman »

Yep, those are the standard wheels. They’re not worth much money because there’s only one tyre that will fit (Michelin TRX GT) and they cost about £400.00 each. Expensive, but readily available from Blackcircles and Longstone Tyres.

Because of this prohibitive tyre cost, many people opt for an imperial sized alternative as tyres are much cheaper. My guess is that is exactly what a previous owner of the car you are looking at has done.

To be honest, I’d be willing to bet a months salary that the gold wheels are not original fitment from 35 years ago. But in the highly unlikely event that they are, the choices back then would most likely have been an RS 005 (7”x16”), 006 (8x16), 021 (8x16) or 022 (9x16)

As an aside, I would guess that those gold rims (IF they are genuine BBS RS) could be worth up to maybe £3000, depending on spec and condition.
E24 M635CSi
lamboxx
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Re: Are these original wheels?

Post by lamboxx »

Thanks again for the quick response. Is there any other OEM alternative that looks the same or very similar to the ones I posted, but are easier to get tyres for?
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Soperman
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Re: Are these original wheels?

Post by Soperman »

Many other E24 owners at this point opt for BBS RC wheels. These 2 piece split rims (as opposed to 3 piece) are very similar in style, were found on later BMWs (E39 5 series & E31 8 series), and are available 17” and 18”. They’re often to as “Style 5s”.

You’ll have no trouble finding them on eBay.
E24 M635CSi
wattsmonkey
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Re: Are these original wheels?

Post by wattsmonkey »

RC009s and RC010 as fitted to the E31 as mentioned above look amazing and don't require hubcentric rings.

I've got a complete set of RC009s for the project car.
"Most of it necessary; all of it enjoyable." LJKS
'84 635CSi, dogleg...itbs and supercharger????? Eaton Mess
sauber
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Re: Are these original wheels?

Post by sauber »

Image
Soperman wrote: Sun Jun 07, 2020 3:53 pm The only 3 piece split rim BBS RS wheels fitted to a 6 series in the U.K. were the metric sized (415mm diameter) 007 variant.
Only the M635CSi had them fitted as standard, and only for the first 9 months (approximately) of production, when they were recalled in, scrapped, and replaced with a single piece item of indeterminate build (Mahle?)

Does anyone know why the RS 007 was recalled by BMW. I'm curious because I have them on my 1985 M635CSi.
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sauber
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Re: Are these original wheels?

Post by sauber »

Are they safe? I would like to restore them.
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Soperman
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Re: Are these original wheels?

Post by Soperman »

The original problem was sealant failure. However, I presume that modern sealant materials are more effective today.

I have a restored set of original metric BBS RS 007s on my car, and they are perfectly safe.
E24 M635CSi
sauber
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Re: Are these original wheels?

Post by sauber »

Thank you very much :-)

Were the original bolts chrome or black like on my rims? Somewhere I see black, somewhere chrome. What about the badge in the middle, BBS or BMW? Probably a BMW? I want to restore them as they were originally on the new car.
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Soperman
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Re: Are these original wheels?

Post by Soperman »

The original BBS RS007 metric wheels fitted to the M635CSi definitely had black bolts, and a BMW badge.
E24 M635CSi
sauber
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Re: Are these original wheels?

Post by sauber »

That I needed. When they are restored in two or three months, I will attach some pictures.
jsspagg
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Re: Are these original wheels?

Post by jsspagg »

I have an unrestored set of RS007 wheels. I envision finding a set of barrels and lips to replace the 415 mm with a 16" fitment.
I think these wheels look the best.
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1980 635 Euro
Under restoration
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Soperman
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Re: Are these original wheels?

Post by Soperman »

As the values of M635CSi's continue to rise, (certainly in Europe at least) and with ever diminishing quantities of these very rare BBS RS007s, I can't help but wonder if these wheels will only become more desirable and therefore more valuable to collectors, if left as standard spec?
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hornhospital
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Re: Are these original wheels?

Post by hornhospital »

If converted, they can always be returned to original if you keep the metric barrels.
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jsspagg
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Re: Are these original wheels?

Post by jsspagg »

I still have months... years to go with my restoration. For the time being, I will refresh the original 14" Mahle wheels while I continue to ponder the RS007 delemma ](*,)
1980 635 Euro
Under restoration
sauber
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Re: Are these original wheels?

Post by sauber »

I didn't think long and decided to restore the original wheels RS007 to the original look. That means black bolts and a BMW badge in the middle.

The wish for the car is to have everything as it came from the factory including the radio and sound system.

Thanks for the instructions @soperman!
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Soperman
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Re: Are these original wheels?

Post by Soperman »

Superb!
That's wonderful to see.
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Jubilados
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Re: Are these original wheels?

Post by Jubilados »

Yep, for looks, that simply can’t be beat.
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