Style 108 Wheels Restoration

[spielnicht]

Ok, seriously the last expense I'm supporting on my Z4 (at least for a long...long time). After completing the brakes restoration, putting the wheels back on was just a bloody eye sore. The barrels were badly corroded and face plates were poorly spray can painted by the previous owner, pealing, and rough. I disassembled them myself - surprisingly all 80 bolts came out easily - and dropped them off at my trusted powder coating shop.

2 questions:

1. Assuming the bolts are titanium since they're light as a feather, anyone know if lightly sanding them will induce corrosion down the road? They were also spray-can painted by the previous owner and look awful. I'd like to get them just cleaned up nicely. Any insights would be appreciated.
   
2. Center caps need to be replaced but the original ones are "meh" because of the beige plastic surround. I could swear I saw a post where more modern-designed genuine caps fit on the E85 wheels. If anyone knows of the part number, i'd really appreciate it.

[FrenchieTacoZ4]

I refinished 3 piece HRE wheels for my S4 about 12 years ago. It was recommended to use new bolts.

[zoomnad]

I am thinking about doing 108s myself. I love those wheels. Like you, powder coat the hub part. I am thinking about the hub part gloss black (the car is black) and then polishing the rim part to a high luster. And since the wheels are made by BBS, finding a center cap with BBS on them.

[spielnicht]

I don't doubt that for a second and usually what I will do for almost every bolt that comes off and back on my car (per TIS), but good god I just googled BBS titanium bolts and 80 would cost me as much as a new set of wheels. Considering the car barely does 1k per year, I'll keep the existing bolts and just monitor them. I did clean and polish them to perfection.

Originally Posted by FrenchieTacoZ4

I refinished 3 piece HRE wheels for my S4 about 12 years ago. It was recommended to use new bolts.

At the recommendation of the shop, the barrel and lip are getting powered coated in ultra bright silver that's suppose to mimic polished bare aluminum. At least this will give me peace of mind from having to deal with future corrosion on bare metal. I'll post pics when I get the wheels back next week to give you an idea. The face plate is getting a slightly darker silver coating to give it just enough contrast to highlight the 2-piece design. Black would also look really nice. I'll photoshop one of the wheels when I have them with a black face and post side by side pics for you to help you decide.

Originally Posted by zoomnad

I am thinking about doing 108s myself. I love those wheels. Like you, powder coat the hub part. I am thinking about the hub part gloss black (the car is black) and then polishing the rim part to a high luster. And since the wheels are made by BBS, finding a center cap with BBS on them.

[chickdr]

If it was 4 or 5 bolts I would likely replace them, but if they are in good shape, what is the chance 80 bolts will fail? Couldn't be much. Crazy that they would cost that much to replace. I didn't know they were BBS.

[86Zed]

Looks like the Z4-Forum found these as the replacement (worth a call/email to confirm)

https://www.pwmotorsport.com/5x-tita...bs-wheels-copy

~$38 a set x 8 (80) is a bit spendy for the OE titanium. One could swing for a stainless steel alternative from these folks https://www.srrhardware.com/

[Huz-Z]

I wonder if using bolts other than titanium could cause corrosion issues.

https://www.monarchmetal.com/blog/ga...ions-answered/

What material is used for the barrel and Center spokes?

[Aloyouis2]

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

I wonder if using bolts other than titanium could cause corrosion issues.

https://www.monarchmetal.com/blog/ga...ions-answered/

What material is used for the barrel and Center spokes?

Jeep Wrangler owners are well aware of dissimilar metals, causing corrosion. The answer is very much yes!

[Huz-Z]

LOL!!

If the wheels are aluminum, then titanium bolts should be okay, if I am reading the chart correctly at the link above. Post some pics when done - I have a set of the same rims in the garage that my car was fitted with when I got it - so I’d love to see how yours turn out!

[pungo]

Since the bolts came out easy/undamaged, I'd have no problem reusing them, the question is, should they get an application of anti-seize, I know that's a no-no for lugs nuts, but titanium into aluminum

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by pungo

Since the bolts came out easy/undamaged, I'd have no problem reusing them, the question is, should they get an application of anti-seize, I know that's a no-no for lugs nuts, but titanium into aluminum

Good question. Given that these were made by BBS, why not give them a call and ask:

Toll Free: +1 (877) 832-8209
Tel: +1 (770) 967-9848
Fax: +1 (770) 967-9866

From https://www.bbs-usa.com/contact/?subj=road

[spielnicht]

Ended up reusing the same bolts. Would prefer to keep the BBS original bolts with the their name stamped on the each bolt. Found out through online search that you should use thread-locker instead of anti-seize and torque to 18ft.lb.

Dropped them off to have the tires mounted this AM. I'll post pics once I have them back.

[spielnicht]

Back from the shop and couldn't be happier with how they turned out.

[Huz-Z]

Wow!! Those look amazing! Makes me want to refurbish my 108s as well.

[pungo]

Those look awesome, I recommend 2 applications of ceramic coat so the dirt just sheds off keeping them clean

[zoomnad]

WOW!!! They look brand new! They will stay that way because of the Akebono brake pads.
I can't wait to do my wheels next. These wheels are some of the best BBS ever did for BMW. My opinion of course.

[Beecher]

Looks amazing! Just got my Z4, and got my eyes on two sets locally to put on it