B4S Coupe Wheels

Thinking of Buying one - ask your questions here.
Buying guides, Specific questions about a car, or about a particular model, ALPINA characteristics.

Moderators: Charles, neil, D4

User avatar
b0ardgamer
Posts: 44
Joined: Sun Aug 13, 2017 10:37 pm
Location: Suffolk

B4S Coupe Wheels

Post by b0ardgamer » Tue Jan 02, 2018 8:16 pm

Hello everyone, first post here! I've never owned an Alpina, but I am in the process of rectifying that sorry situation.

I'm expecting delivery of a new B4S in the middle of this year. Whilst having (yet another) final look through the configurator, I saw that forged wheels (without the Alpina hub covers) are now an option. I'm interested in opinions of those more experienced than I about which I should pick.

Reasons to stick with the "standard" wheels
£750 cheaper (lost in noise, TBH)
easier to clean
stronger? (I know that lb-for-lb forged are stronger, but forged wheels are designed to be lighter not stronger)
Alpina valve

Reasons to pick the forged wheels
~4kg lighter per wheel, which allegedly helps handling (not that I am likely to notice)
aesthetics? (I can't decide which look better)
"normal" valve (can't decide whether this is an advantage or not!)

PhillV8S
ALPINA
ALPINA
Posts: 1130
Joined: Sat Aug 30, 2014 7:42 pm
Location: Worcestershire

Post by PhillV8S » Tue Jan 02, 2018 9:51 pm

Personally I would stick with the standard wheels and have a few months worth of fuel instead.
If you get the forged and they get damaged it will be virtually impossible to find a cheap single replacement wheel, whereas the standards wheels, though not cheap should be more available via other sources like eBay etc.
The general consensus on here I think is the original style are preferred but it is subjective of course.
I have dynamics on mine Which is a whole other conversation!
Range Rover SDV8.
E64 B6s #100 Cabriolet (Now Sold)
Maserati Gransport

Metrics
ALPINA
ALPINA
Posts: 2270
Joined: Fri May 29, 2015 1:33 pm
Location: Berks

Post by Metrics » Tue Jan 02, 2018 10:34 pm

Firstly welcome to the forum and Alpina - you will love the experience, that I can assure you!

Your question is a tough one to answer as it's so entirely down to your own preference I think.

Two broad categories to consider I guess - aesthetics and dynamics - which is more important to you?

Aesthetics are of course entirely subjective. Personally I think the original wheels with the caps and concealed valves look best. Of course others will prefer the forged wheel with no exposed bolts etc.

Dynamics - the lighter wheel will mean handling and ride will be improved due to less mass for the suspension to work its magic. The difference won't be huge, but a difference it will be. Alpina are all about incremental improvements, and I've no doubt the lighter road wheel will add some additional Alpina-ness to the chassis finesse - which is already something of a brand specialism.

So the choice is very much based one what's most important for you and your ownership experience.
2019 G31 B5 Biturbo No.299
2012 F10 D5 Biturbo No.13
1993 Mercedes 190E 2.6 Sportline spec
1991 Mk1 Golf GTI Sportline cabriolet

raw
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed Feb 03, 2016 9:33 pm
Location: Surrey

Post by raw » Wed Jan 03, 2018 3:19 pm

^^^^^^^^^ this

I have run lotuses with and without forged wheels and tbh never noticed any difference- maybe I am not a good enough driver but on a light weight car you would expect difference to be bigger than an alpina but as above suspect very incremental so really imo down to personal preference in real world driving

Lucky you with a B4S - they look awesome and am sure you will Enjoy whatever you opt for!

User avatar
b0ardgamer
Posts: 44
Joined: Sun Aug 13, 2017 10:37 pm
Location: Suffolk

Post by b0ardgamer » Wed Jan 03, 2018 10:50 pm

Thanks everyone! I doubt I will be exercising the car sufficiently to really notice the difference from one wheel type to another. And replacement cost/hassle is a good point. Aesthetically I prefer the classic style, so I'm leaning towards that.

Just one question though - I check my tyre pressures regularly. Does it get to be a pain to keep taking off the centre caps to get to the valve? In any videos I've seen, people appear to find it somewhat awkward, but I assume that's because they don't do it on a regular basis.

Metrics
ALPINA
ALPINA
Posts: 2270
Joined: Fri May 29, 2015 1:33 pm
Location: Berks

Post by Metrics » Wed Jan 03, 2018 11:52 pm

I think the B4S will have tyre pressure monitoring, in which case you will be able to check tyre pressures and temperatures from the iDrive.

But taking the caps off isn't too much of a mission - a little bit more involved than a "normal" wheel with exposed valve, but worth it 8)
2019 G31 B5 Biturbo No.299
2012 F10 D5 Biturbo No.13
1993 Mercedes 190E 2.6 Sportline spec
1991 Mk1 Golf GTI Sportline cabriolet

User avatar
b0ardgamer
Posts: 44
Joined: Sun Aug 13, 2017 10:37 pm
Location: Suffolk

Post by b0ardgamer » Thu Jan 04, 2018 12:42 am

Aha! My current car is getting on for 12, so didn't have such luxuries. Yes, if I only have to get to the valve when air is actually required, that's definitely not going to be a problem. OK, sorted. Classic wheels here we come.

Broch
ALPINA
ALPINA
Posts: 780
Joined: Mon Aug 13, 2007 1:11 am
Location: Aberdeenshire

Post by Broch » Thu Jan 04, 2018 10:39 am

Welcome to the forum.....

You'll love the B4s. I borrowed one for a test drive last June at the Alpina drive day, awesome car. Just wish I had the money to buy one.
Regarding the wheels- I have both the Classic and the Dynamics.
Classics are a lot longer to clean than the Dynamics, and personally would choose the Dynamics for that reason alone.


Onzie
B6 Convertible
B3s Bi-Turbo Tourer

PhillV8S
ALPINA
ALPINA
Posts: 1130
Joined: Sat Aug 30, 2014 7:42 pm
Location: Worcestershire

Post by PhillV8S » Thu Jan 04, 2018 11:02 am

I think your getting mixed up with the dynamics we have on our B6’s, the forged wheels are the same spoke layout as standard classics but have exposed bolt heads and the valve is on the rim.
Range Rover SDV8.
E64 B6s #100 Cabriolet (Now Sold)
Maserati Gransport

Broch
ALPINA
ALPINA
Posts: 780
Joined: Mon Aug 13, 2007 1:11 am
Location: Aberdeenshire

Post by Broch » Sat Jan 06, 2018 2:21 am

I've no experience cleaning the new forged alloys.
I like the look of them, but would still pick the Dynamics over them too :wink:


Onzie
B6 Convertible
B3s Bi-Turbo Tourer

hap
ALPINA
ALPINA
Posts: 5129
Joined: Mon Feb 06, 2006 11:22 am
Location: Scunthorpe, North Lincs

Post by hap » Thu Apr 05, 2018 10:33 pm

Any update on delivery of this car yet?

User avatar
b0ardgamer
Posts: 44
Joined: Sun Aug 13, 2017 10:37 pm
Location: Suffolk

Post by b0ardgamer » Fri Apr 06, 2018 2:53 pm

Still on target for June (I think), as per the schedule I requested (new tax year etc). I'll let you know when it arrives!

hap
ALPINA
ALPINA
Posts: 5129
Joined: Mon Feb 06, 2006 11:22 am
Location: Scunthorpe, North Lincs

Post by hap » Sun Jun 17, 2018 4:22 am

Got it yet?

User avatar
b0ardgamer
Posts: 44
Joined: Sun Aug 13, 2017 10:37 pm
Location: Suffolk

Post by b0ardgamer » Sun Jun 17, 2018 11:54 am

Have I got it yet? Kinda.

I collected it last Thursday from Nottingham (with transport protection still attached), drove it to the detailer, then drove off in borrowed wheels. I *might* get my car back on Saturday.

So I've done a few (very careful, very happy) miles, and have a (335 page) manual to pass the time with, but nothing I can actually touch at the moment. Slightly frustrating, but it all just adds to the anticipation.

hap
ALPINA
ALPINA
Posts: 5129
Joined: Mon Feb 06, 2006 11:22 am
Location: Scunthorpe, North Lincs

Post by hap » Sun Jun 17, 2018 1:34 pm

Look forward to the detailed pics congrats

Post Reply