E9 Standard Alloy Wheels

Michael Kaye

Michael Kaye

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So I know everyone loves the Alpina wheels (I have a set on my car) but the more I look at old brochures and photos, the more the standard alloys appeal to me.

So just wondering if anyone could answer the following questions for me.

1. Who were they made by? Where they used by BMW on other models?
2. Did they change over time (my car is a 74 facelift car)
3. Big question - can they still be found or better yet does anyone have a set for sale!

thanks all. M.
 
Made by FPS and only used as standard on e9 and I believe optional on e3. Not sure in UK but by 74 they were using the FPS alpina style not the alloys you mention. The alloys are commonly available and not expensive. I think you can still get the hubcaps new.
 
Loved these rims from the day I bought my CS in 73. They didn’t have a great seal to the tires, and it was common practice to add tubes to the so-called tubeless tires.:)

While it seems that most owners have converted to Alpina, I still prefer the original.
 
Michael, yours would have the 20 spoke FPS Turbines installed, same as mine being a series 2 car. Early e28s had a similar style but are different in that the spokes dish out to the edge of the rim slightly rather than being flat. 14x6 et22ish from memory
 
nosmonkey said:
Michael, yours would have the 20 spoke FPS Turbines installed, same as mine being a series 2 car. Early e28s had a similar style but are different in that the spokes dish out to the edge of the rim slightly rather than being flat. 14x6 et22ish from memory
Click to expand...
The word “turbine” refers to the e12 20 spoke wheels with raised ribs on the spokes, these were never found on an e9. In 74 as Steve says coupes got the fps “Alpina” style wheels.
 
Here are some good pictures of the 6x14" FPS Alpina style wheels:

What wheels have I got?

Hi guys just looking for clarification about the wheels on my car. Were these wheels standard for a CSI?
e9coupe.com e9coupe.com

Looks like your Alpina 7x14" but without the lip.
 
Michael Kaye said:
So I know everyone loves the Alpina wheels (I have a set on my car) but the more I look at old brochures and photos, the more the standard alloys appeal to me.

So just wondering if anyone could answer the following questions for me.

1. Who were they made by? Where they used by BMW on other models?
2. Did they change over time (my car is a 74 facelift car)
3. Big question - can they still be found or better yet does anyone have a set for sale!

thanks all. M.
Click to expand...
The older type wheels are indeed FPS and are not difficult to find. They were also fitted to the UKe3 models till the introduction of the Alpina style wheels in 1974 (As a bit of trivia virtually indentical wheels were on the 246gts Ferrari )As has been mentioned series two cars came from the factory with the 6” 20 spoke Alpina style wheels.
 
Simufly said:
The older type wheels are indeed FPS and are not difficult to find. (As a bit of trivia virtually indentical wheels were on the 246gts Ferrari )As has been mentioned series two cars came from the factory with the 6” 20 spoke Alpina style wheels.
Click to expand...
I made the same observation but wasn’t sure. Was it the same manufacturer?
 
Simufly said:
The older type wheels are indeed FPS and are not difficult to find. They were also fitted to the UKe3 models till the introduction of the Alpina style wheels in 1974 (As a bit of trivia virtually indentical wheels were on the 246gts Ferrari )As has been mentioned series two cars came from the factory with the 6” 20 spoke Alpina style wheels.
Click to expand...

Thanks @Simufly so the wheels currently on NEW are the same style but are in fact the 7x14"
 
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Thanks for the history lesson everyone…such a great forum full of rich knowledge. I hadn't realised that the facelift cars got the Alpina wheels.

Of course now I am even more confused. So the original wheels would have been 6x14"is that correct? but I have 7x14" on the car at the moment. What is the difference (apart from the physically size) in effect. handling, performance, appearance?
 
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Ok the facelift (series 2 ) cars got Alpina lookalikes. The standard fit was 14x6 although 14x 7 was an option. Whether the 14x7 were genuine Alpinas (unlikely IMO) or the FPS versions (more probable) is a question for others.
I changed the 14x6 original lookalikes to Alpinas in the early 80s. The Alpinas were then fitted to my Si and the CSI reverted to the originals. When the SI went (where are you now TTM345R???) I decided to get another set of Alpinas . I had one set stolen from a lock up got another set from eBay which were virtually scrap on strip down. Managed to get 2 out of the four, and fitted them to the rear of NEW. Got a new pair from W&N for the front"
 
Simufly said:
Ok the facelift (series 2 ) cars got Alpina lookalikes. The standard fit was 14x6 although 14x 7 was an option. Whether the 14x7 were genuine Alpinas (unlikely IMO) or the FPS versions (more probable) is a question for others.
I changed the 14x6 original lookalikes to Alpinas in the early 80s. The Alpinas were then fitted to my Si and the CSI reverted to the originals. When the SI went (where are you now TTM345R???) I decided to get another set of Alpinas . I had one set stolen from a lock up got another set from eBay which were virtually scrap on strip down. Managed to get 2 out of the four, and fitted them to the rear of NEW. Got a new pair from W&N for the front"
Click to expand...

Thank you Simon! Got it now and will update my history file accordingly. I've got a few offers for the spare which I'll go for and then at least I have a sort of matching set.

Thanks again, M
 
Guess you could just call me old fashioned, but I’ll stick with the originals. As an Industrial Designer, I was attracted to the profound simplicity of the CS, including the alloys. As I recall it was the go-to car for industrial Designers at the time.
 
Sorry to drag this thread back up, but I am a little confused on one point and curious, as I've been offered a set of wheels and want to clarify.

What is the actual difference between two identical sets of FPS 7x14 wheels, one set with the Alpina logo, one set without ? I assume they are identical in every way apart from the stamped, or cast, Alpina logo ?

I've read Simon's excellent summary from a while back (link below), but I am curious in what situation each iteration of wheel was used. It seems logical to me, that because some wheels did not have an Alpina logo cast in, it was maybe just omitted by mistake ? then someone came along and stamped one on in some cases, but then in others they just didn't bother or forgot.

In terms of values, it seems to me it's possible that the only real difference in versions comes from the fact that if the wheels have a cast logo, there is no question over whether they are genuine Alpinas, and therefore buyers have more confidence they are getting the real thing. Regardless of whether they were Ronal or FPS made.

FS: Alpina 7x14 for sale.

Want bids over 1100€ + shipping. Skickat från min iPhone med Tapatalk
e9coupe.com e9coupe.com

Thanks,

Damien
 
The fps wheel without Alpina logo was offered on 1974 model year coupes. They are worth a little less than one with the Alpina logo but are still a nice wheel. I think Simon’s post has answered all of your questions.
 
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