Customer Showcase

BMW F30 3 Series Featuring EC-7R Forged Wheels

Article | 11/18/2019 by Tom Maloney

Updated on 08/06/2024

Article updated on: 4/14/2023

NOTE: Since this article was first written, we have developed a more optimized version of the EC-7R, the EC-7RS. This wheel is focused on weight and is our stiffest Sprint Line Design. Learn more about the EC-7RS here.

We've followed our customer Frederick’s BMW F30 (@fredreezy_f30) on Instagram for a while now. Currently running our 18″ ARC-8 flow formed wheels, we invited Frederick to come by our shop in Pleasanton to check out our new forged wheel lineup. We test fitted our first production samples of 17″ EC-7R’s in new premium Brushed Clear finish. The new wheel features a higher load rating, improved brake clearance and “I” beam spokes making our EC-7R wheel stronger and lighter than the flow formed versions. Please see more details of this wheel setup and photos below.

Wheel Setup

APEX 17×9″ ET42 EC-7R Forged Wheels in Brushed Clear APEX 12mm Front Spacers (to clear coilovers) Toyo Proxes RR Tires 255/40-17 Note: Rear camber was maxed out to fit the owner’s 18×9.5″ ET35 ARC-8 with 275/35-18 tires

Modifications

Injen Cold Air Intake VRSF 4” Downpipes Gaz P Front Lip Splitter Aftermarket Rear Diffuser Custom Rear Side Splitters from @boostwitherick Kies Motorsports LCI Tail Lights JHP dynamics JV.1 Spoiler Secondary Cat Delete, Resonator Delete & PE Modded Muffler 11” Arm Innercooler 4” Aftermarket Muffler Tips Bootmod3 E30 Mixed Tune Coby Alcantera Wrapped Steering Wheel

Photo Gallery

Tags

Bolt pattern: 5x120mm
Fitment type: Aggressive Street
BMW, 3 Series, F30 F31 F34
Wheel design: EC-7R
Wheel diameter: 17"
Wheel line: Forged Classic Line
Tom Maloney

Tom M.

Tom is a BMW Fitment Expert at APEX Wheels. Prior to joining the company in 2019, he worked for BMW of North America as Fleet Manager: Portland (OR) for the ReachNow car-sharing program, and as Warranty Administrator/Loaner Fleet Manager at BMW Portland. In addition, Tom has extensive training in BMW TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) as well as in-depth knowledge of all BMW chassis and their wheel fitment options, with and without aftermarket brake and suspension upgrades. His high-performance driving experience includes autocross events in southern Oregon and track days at PIR in his 2004 E46 330i with 17x9 ET42 APEX ARC-8 wheels. Vehicles he owned prior to indulging his passion for BMWs include a 1989 Jaguar XJ6 and a 2006 S197 Ford Mustang. Fun Fact: Tom is a huge Formula 1 fan. Have questions about wheels for your BMW? Use our contact form and ask for Tom.

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