The BimmerWorld View: A 9.5" wheel is a very common size for non-staggered wheels on E46 M3. It takes a 255-265-275 tire and still leaves plenty of clearance in the front and rear. Yes, an 18x10" is also available but will almost certainly rub on fenders, especially with broad Hoosier or Continental slick tires. The 9.5" with a summer tire also makes a great setup for drivers who are looking to advance their car control skills at the track. Less grip from a street tire will make you a better driver! If Big Brakes over 355mm are planned the EC7 wheel is a better choice for clearance.
ET22 or ET35? On the E46 M3, either offset will work for 9.5" wide wheels. The ET35 is a better option, in our opinion, because it fits with the least amount of hassle. In the front the ET35 sits 7mm closer to the strut so it still clears most coil overs. ET22 would have even more clearance on the inside but there is the very likely chance that it will rub on the fender. For the rear you only need a 10-12mm wheel spacer to make it work. We would rather use the spacers for a perfect fit than have the wheels rub.
Spacers for the rear wheels are strongly recommended but not required.APEX ARC-8 wheels have become one of the most sought after wheels for both track and street, and with good reason. They're light, strong, and are specifically designed to fit your BMW. Plus, they just happen to have a classic design that never looks old. The split-spoke design of the ARC-8 has been used in performance wheel design for decades, as it provides a superior compromise between strength and weight, resulting in an ideal choice for a street or track wheel. All APEX wheels incorporate a BMW-specific hubcentric design, so they're a direct fit designed specifically for you.
The APEX ARC-8 wheel achieves its combination of strength, light weight, and affordability through flow-forming technology. By flow-forming the wheel, weight is reduced in the barrel through a process sometimes referred to as "roll forging." Roll forging, while not the same as the traditional forging, is superior to regular casting. The rolling process occurs under extreme pressure, yielding a barrel that is stronger than a standard cast wheel, with certain material properties that are similar to a standard forged wheel. This added barrel strength allows for a reduction in overall wheel weight, while not sacrificing any of the strength you'd expect from durable flow-formed wheels.
Thanks to its lightweight barrel and robust face design, the ARC-8 stands up well against the rigors of endurance racing, as well as your average street potholes.
Key Features:
- Split-spoke design
- Flow-formed, roll forged barrel - superior strength and reduced weight
- Excellent clearance for aftermarket big brake kits
- Carbon fiber pattern hub cap included
- Accepts BMW center cap (sold separately)
- Accepts factory lug bolts, studs, or wheel locks
- Compatible with factory tire pressure monitor sensors (TPMS)
Priced as a set of 4. Apex wheel center caps included. BMW center caps sold separately.
Rear wheel spacers are strongly recommended to avoid a "tucked in" look. Without the spacers the rear wheels will be further inboard than stock wheels. A 12mm spacer is perfect. These wheels, like many wheels, are not compatible with 10mm wheel spacers. We recommend using 12mm spacers, as 10mm hubcentric spacers have inherent design limitations that prevent them from sitting flush. See below for product link.
General Fitment Note: these are sold as a race-fitment only and rubbing with bodywork or on suspension may occur depending on tire choice and suspension settings. We cannot verify fitment with every combination of wheel-tire-suspension. Verification of wheel fitment is the responsibility of the customer. Please contact us directly if you have any questions or concerns. Returns are limited to quality issues only.
BMW Fitments:3 SeriesE46 (01-06) > M3
