ZCP vs CSL Wheel and Performance

[eXpensiveGears]

Wow, this thread blew up! Thanks again for all of the information guys, I appreciate it. It seems like either refinishing the ZCP's or even buying a new set (if available) might be the way to go considering the marginal weight savings against CSL's.

The 18" RS-GT's do look really nice though the weights still seem around 20-21lb mark.


I started this thread as well as the one about the CSL Seat as I'm slowly but surely looking to do a "full" build on my 06 SG ZCP. Now with the CA SMOG ECU issue, I don't think I'm going to be able to add any power mods and tune so figured I'd tackle the other side of the equation: Weight.

Plans are to change: Wheels (maybe), AP Racing/PFC/Brembo BBK, Manual Bucket Seats, CF Roof, CF CSL Trunk, Differ and possibly Front Bumper, CF CSL center console and doorcards possibly as well, Lithium Ion Battery. Take out the HK Sub and replace the rest of the speakers with Focals.

I'll send PM's and maybe start a separate thread when I get there, but those are the thoughts I have as of now.

[T.J.]

I went from 19” csl reps to 18” BBS RS-GT, which are forged and use titanium hardware. I couldn’t believe the weight difference when I was switching them out. These are 8.5” ET38 and 9.5” ET22, so they fit nice without spacers. I wouldn’t mind few more millimeters offset, especially up front with the free camber mod tucking them a little extra.

Frankly, I was also expecting a big change in ride stiffness/comfort changing to 18s but it was not very dramatic, I guess due to the ps4s stiffness.

On the looks, sure the CSLs rule but the period correct, motorsports look of these has grown on me. Only problem is the clear coat on the brushed barrels is starting to peel so I need to decide between polishing or trying to restore the brushed look

[Obioban]

Even there forged wheels?

Yes, even their forged wheels.

[jet_dogg]

Forged wheels where?

All forging is not the same.

[lastMleft]

Apex’s are nowhere near as strong as BBS’s.

Even there forged wheels?

[old///MFanatic]

True that is a factor. But a factor with anything being painted. Just make sure the place knows what it’s doing with the BMW color. There are several threads on the Internet with the correct color and two stage paint.
I’ve had wheels straightened and powder coated, great for hiding small curb imperfections but on real CSL wheels you even more don’t want the markings hidden.

[Tbonem3]

Problem with redoing CSL is that most places can't get it right. Powdercoat never looks good, must be paint, but even then multi stage with real metallic.

[old///MFanatic]

Hi all,
Driving an 06 ZCP and wheels have been thrashed as a daily. I was thinking of buying a set of CSL's (if they ever come back to production) to replace my comp wheels or just have the comp wheels refinished.

^This. Have them refurbished.

[Nate047]

And the fitment thing brings me back to what I said earlier about KW buying BBS, and how that will likely lead to more modern fitments of classic wheels becoming available in time.

[Tbonem3]

EC7 is the GT4 iirc or whatever it's called, not CH.

[Obioban]

I wasn't around for that drama.

The ARC 8 is kinda like the BBS RC I think? And the EC7 a better looking CH? But the sizes, offsets, and finishes are a more direct BMW application right? That seems like a good thing? I mean, how many wheels are a "flagrant knock off" of ***whatever the original 5 spoke wheel was***?

I would love to get a set of BBS wheels, and I don't mind paying for them if they're better. But "better" in my mind has to include being the proper fit.

This is, sadly, why I ran the RAC GBs back in the day. There isn’t isn’t a compromise free staggered 18” setup for the car other than the RG63s, IMO.

… which, to be fair, is a self fulfilling prophecy since I got to choose the size/offsets/flange, so they are literally designed to what I desire in a street setup.

[tnord]

I mean, not necessarily... People break Apex wheels all the time. Any wheel will break if you run into something hard enough. My biggest gripe with Apex is that they are flagrant knock off designs of classic BBS but act like they're somehow elevated above other fake wheels.

Also I was extremely unimpressed by the mud slinging campaign they launched against BimmerWorld and Titan7 with the announcement of their forged wheels, regarding the VIA stamps and what not. That was unprofessional as hell and just made them look petty and desperate. I know I'm not alone with that opinion.

I wasn't around for that drama.

The ARC 8 is kinda like the BBS RC I think? And the EC7 a better looking CH? But the sizes, offsets, and finishes are a more direct BMW application right? That seems like a good thing? I mean, how many wheels are a "flagrant knock off" of ***whatever the original 5 spoke wheel was***?

I would love to get a set of BBS wheels, and I don't mind paying for them if they're better. But "better" in my mind has to include being the proper fit.

[Tbonem3]

I don't think it makes it much lighter, but certainly stronger.

I think Ian said it recently, but I would also say get the cheap wheels for the track. Don't ruin nice, expensive wheels unless you've got deep pockets/race team/sponsored.

[old///MFanatic]

Does forged vs flow formed generally make the resulting wheel stronger or just lighter?

Both

[Nate047]

fair enough. perhaps I should have said they are stronger than typical aftermarket price focused wheels, but not to the level of BBS.

I mean, not necessarily... People break Apex wheels all the time. Any wheel will break if you run into something hard enough. My biggest gripe with Apex is that they are flagrant knock off designs of classic BBS but act like they're somehow elevated above other fake wheels.

Also I was extremely unimpressed by the mud slinging campaign they launched against BimmerWorld and Titan7 with the announcement of their forged wheels, regarding the VIA stamps and what not. That was unprofessional as hell and just made them look petty and desperate. I know I'm not alone with that opinion.