Launched in 1983, the BBS RS is widely regarded as the most iconic multi-piece wheel ever created. It introduced the now-legendary cross-spoke mesh design; an aesthetic instantly recognizable and endlessly imitated. It was brought to the masses at a time when European tuning culture was beginning to find its visual language.
The RS was the first multi-piece forged wheel ever offered for OEM fitment. Built in a true three-piece configuration, comprising a forged aluminum center, spun outer lip, and inner barrel, it allowed for unprecedented customization in width, offset, and diameter. This modularity made it adaptable for everything from street builds to club racing, and ultimately led to over 250 official RS variants produced by the BBS Motorsports factory, each tailored to specific chassis and performance needs.
Interestingly, the RS wasn’t originally designed with motorsport in mind. But as its strength, lightness, and serviceability became apparent, it was quickly adopted into various racing classes around the world. Its split-bolt construction made field repairs possible, and its forged components could withstand the rigors of track use; especially in touring and hillclimb formats where lighter wheels offered measurable advantages.
The RS’s runaway success helped set the stage for BBS’s future innovations. It directly influenced the creation of the one-piece forged BBS RG, which would go on to win “Innovative Product of the Year” at the 1986 SEMA/Automotive International Awards. That momentum carried over into OEM programs, with automakers like Porsche, BMW, and Nissan tapping BBS to supply factory wheels for halo models like the 911, M3, and Skyline.
Culturally, the RS became a staple in both the European and Japanese tuning scenes. Its modular construction invited endless personalization; owners would swap lips, polish bolts, recolor centers, and chase rare specs. The wheel became a canvas for expression just as much as a functional upgrade.
Today, the BBS RS remains one of the most sought-after wheels on the collector market. Original sets in rare specs or finishes routinely command premium prices, and full restorations have become an art form in their own right. While wheel design has evolved significantly since the '80s, few have matched the lasting influence or cultural relevance of the RS.
More than four decades after its debut, the BBS RS continues to define what it means to be timeless in both form and function.