E9 Standard Alloy Wheels

[damienh]

Thanks Chris, that answers my question. Simon’s thorough investigations cover the rest.

So to me they are the same wheel, one with a logo stamped onto it, the other without. Can’t think of any difference that would designate it officially Alpina other than that. Unless the alloy composition is different. Who knows.

 

[tferrer]

It's all about how far you want to go with the originality. Different set of answers if you just want nice semi - period correct wheels on a coupe or you're striving for date code correct Alpinas for an L. It's a deep tunnel..

And as Sam Elliot once said - Darkness warshed over the Dude - darker'n a black steer's tookus on a moonless prairie night. There was no bottom.

 

[damienh]

Totally agree, can easily wind up down a rabbit hole of your own making with this type of thing. However, before exchanging cash for something you really want to know precisely what it is you're buying before deciding how much you want to pay. I was never actually aware of the option to order wider turbine wheels, you learn something new every day around here.

Thanks all.

 

[HB Chris]

Actually, 20 spoke Alpina style wheels are not referred to as turbines, those are the e12 wheels with ridges on the spokes and a much rougher casting.

 

[eriknetherlands]

Thanks Chris, that answers my question. Simon’s thorough investigations cover the rest.

So to me they are the same wheel, one with a logo stamped onto it, the other without. Can’t think of any difference that would designate it officially Alpina other than that. Unless the alloy composition is different. Who knows.

Not sure if the mass is identical though.
I know there are even mass differences in original Alpina wheels between the 5mm spoke depth and 10 mm spoke depth.

 

[Gransin]

There are also other brands that made the Alpina-style 7x14" wheels.
I have a set of BHR 7x14" made in 1982, and they're identical as far as I can tell, but I'm no expert.

 

[DWMBMW]

Very close but to my eye, the spoke ends where they meet the rim seem thinner and the casting for the valve stem opening seems less pronounced.

 

[shanon]

VIAL (or VAIL?) also made 7x14 Alpina lookalikes. I have a set of those.

 

[Markos]

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.

The FPS 14x6 wheel was the only option offered on the 1974+ coupes. As mentioned, it doesn’t look like a genuine alpina as the lip is missing.

FPS introduced a 14x7 wheel, which was offered mid/late 70’s e12/e24’s as a factory accessory.

A great example of these wheels can be found in the listing below. This car has one genuine 10 hole Alpina and three 14x7 FPS:

1971 BMW 3.0CS 4-Speed

Bid for the chance to own a 1971 BMW 3.0CS 4-Speed at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #36,212.

bringatrailer.com