Red BBS 56mm Center Caps for Iconic Style and Customization

All About BBS 56mm Center Caps

BBS wheels are known for their iconic rotating center caps. These caps cover the wheel hub and add a decorative focal point to the wheel. BBS center caps come in 56mm size to fit many BBS wheel applications. The red BBS 56mm center caps have become especially popular for their eye-catching color.

BBS Brand History

BBS Kraftfahrzeugtechnik AG, more commonly known as simply BBS, was founded in Schiltach, Germany in 1970. BBS specialized in forged alloy wheels that were lighter and stronger than the steel wheels used at the time. This allowed them to be popular in racing and high-performance vehicles.

The company name BBS comes from the last names of the three founders: Heinrich Baumgartner, Klaus Brand, and Jörg Schultz. The logo features their three initials stacked. BBS began sponsoring Formula One teams in the 1970s and 80s, gaining international recognition through racing success.

BBS Wheel Design

BBS wheels stand out for their cross-spoke design. The rim has multiple spokes extending across the wheel, connecting the inner and outer rims. Holes allow the spokes to have open areas, reducing weight without compromising strength. The multi-spoke look provides a very distinctive style.

The center of the BBS wheel features a center cap or hub cover. Many BBS center caps can freely spin as the wheel rotates. This rotating design has made these “floating” center caps an iconic BBS styling cue. The contrasting colors and spinning motion draw further visual attention to the wheels.

56mm BBS Center Caps

Many BBS performance wheels use a common 56mm center cap size. This includes popular models like the RS, RG, and LM wheels. The 56mm dimension refers to the diameter. This provides clearance for the wheel hub while giving ample surface area for decorative center cap designs.

Interchangeable center caps allow customization of the wheel’s look. Without replacing the entire wheel, owners can swap caps to create different visual styles. The 56mm size ensures fitment while providing a large canvas for unique designs and colors.

Red BBS Center Caps

While BBS offers center caps in various colors like black, silver, and gunmetal, their red caps have developed an iconic following. The bright red provides eye-catching contrast against the wheel spokes. As the caps spin, they dynamically draw attention with their vibrant color.

Red center caps are often associated with BBS wheels on European sports cars like the Audi TT RS. Their bold and sporty look perfectly complements performance vehicles. The colored caps let owners personalize their car's appearance to stand out from the crowd.

Buying BBS 56mm Center Caps

Genuine BBS center caps can be purchased from wheel retailers online. Expect to pay $60-100 per cap. The high cost comes from the BBS brand name and OEM quality standards.

More affordable alternatives are also available from third parties. These replica caps emulate the BBS logo and style at a fraction of the cost. Quality and durability varies greatly however when purchasing non-OEM.

When buying 56mm BBS center caps, ensure the correct 5x112 bolt pattern is selected to match your BBS wheels. Also verify the cap depth to ensure proper fit. Carefully inspect caps upon arrival for any cosmetic or structural damage.

Installing 56mm BBS Center Caps

Installing 56mm center caps on BBS wheels is a straightforward process. First ensure the wheel and cap mating surfaces are clean and free of debris. Gently press the cap into place, lining up the mounting holes.

Use the provided hardware to fasten the caps, either screws or a center bolt. Tighten gently until snug. Do not overtighten the mounting hardware. Check that the caps can still spin freely as intended following installation.

Properly installed 56mm caps will have minimal lateral play or movement. Their rotation should continue smoothly. Periodically check caps for tightness during regular wheel maintenance and cleaning.

Maintaining BBS Center Caps

Keep BBS center caps looking their best with regular cleaning. Use a mild soap and water solution with a microfiber cloth when washing to avoid scratching. Rinse caps thoroughly after washing to prevent soap residue buildup.

BBS caps feature corrosion-resistant finishes but may still degrade from road salt, brake dust, and chemicals over time. Frequently wash wheels when driving in winter weather or on salted roads. Spot clean as needed with gentle cleaners.

Check center caps routinely for damage like cracks or loose mounting. Replace damaged caps immediately to prevent detachment at speed. Also ensure continued free rotation and lubricate sparingly if binding occurs.

With proper care and maintenance, genuine BBS 56mm center caps will provide years of performance and iconic style for your high-performance wheels.

FAQs

What is the bolt pattern for BBS 56mm center caps?

Most BBS wheels and center caps use a 5x112 bolt pattern. Ensure any 56mm caps purchased match this pattern to fit BBS wheels correctly.

Do replica BBS caps fit and function the same as OEM caps?

Replica caps vary in quality but generally fit the same as genuine BBS caps. However, materials and durability may be inferior, and spinning function can be inconsistent on lower-quality replicas.

What maintenance is required for BBS center caps?

Clean caps regularly with mild soap and water, rinse thoroughly. Check for damage during regular wheel maintenance. Replace immediately if cracked or mounting is loose. Lubricate sparingly if spinning becomes stiff.

Can the red color on BBS center caps be restored if faded?

Faded anodized finishes on genuine BBS caps cannot be restored. Center cap replacement is required once the red color has noticeably faded or corroded. Maintain caps properly to maximize color longevity.