B4S Coupe Wheels
- b0ardgamer
- Posts: 44
- Joined: Sun Aug 13, 2017 10:37 pm
- Location: Suffolk
B4S Coupe Wheels
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!)
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!)
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!
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!
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E64 B6s #100 Cabriolet (Now Sold)
Maserati Gransport
E64 B6s #100 Cabriolet (Now Sold)
Maserati Gransport
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.
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
2012 F10 D5 Biturbo No.13
1993 Mercedes 190E 2.6 Sportline spec
1991 Mk1 Golf GTI Sportline cabriolet
^^^^^^^^^ 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!
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!
- b0ardgamer
- Posts: 44
- Joined: Sun Aug 13, 2017 10:37 pm
- Location: Suffolk
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.
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.
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
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
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
2012 F10 D5 Biturbo No.13
1993 Mercedes 190E 2.6 Sportline spec
1991 Mk1 Golf GTI Sportline cabriolet
- b0ardgamer
- Posts: 44
- Joined: Sun Aug 13, 2017 10:37 pm
- Location: Suffolk
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
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
B3s Bi-Turbo Tourer
- b0ardgamer
- Posts: 44
- Joined: Sun Aug 13, 2017 10:37 pm
- Location: Suffolk
- b0ardgamer
- Posts: 44
- Joined: Sun Aug 13, 2017 10:37 pm
- Location: Suffolk
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.
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.