Well I get a hell of a deal on a set of BBS RA 16x7 for my Mercedes along with 2 mounted balanced Yokohammer 225/50/Z16 tires on two of the rims. Unfortunately I already have a set of Rial 16x8 rims and I only have the time and space for one set of rims. I need help deciding which set to sell and which set to keep.
First the Rials.
I bought three years ago for another hell of a deal. I spent 10+ hours cleaning them and aside from a bit of curb rash they are as perfect as a set of 1983 rims could be. This means they are the original brilliant silver color, really nice looking. A bit heavy but seem of robust construction. They are also deep dish and basically have a bitchin look.
The problem is the Rial are pretty rare and expensive meaning if I hit an Oakland pothole I might end up with a 3 piece set of rims. A single is probably between 2-300$
The BBS: I saw these Sunday, called the guy and lined up a deal. I call Monday afternoon and he says someone local might stop by so I hop in the pickup and haul ass to Santa Cruz, highway 17 is a wicked road, I couldn't imagine doing that trip daily. The mercedes will do that road at 80mph no issue but the truck is a bit hard to drive at speed.
The BBS aren't as good looking as the Rial but they feel a few pounds lighter. The BBS are only 7" wide or 1/2" fatter than the stock rims so I wonder about how the 225 tires fit. The finish in the BBS needs to basically be stripped and refinished. This means I can get my gold polished aluminum lip look on. The BBS RA arent nearly as hard to find as the Rials so I can probably get a spare for 150-200$.
Personally I am leaning towards the BBS just because they have recognizability and lend some cache. Also everyone knows what a BBS is not all that many people know what a Rial is. The thing I don't like is the BBS are pretty thin to have 225 tires on them.
OK GRM help me choose!
