Estoril Blue Z3M Coupe Race Car on Fully Polished Apex EC-7R Forged Wheels

The raceways remain closed or private due to COVID-19 for the time being, but that couldn’t stop us from getting a sneak peek of the new forged EC-7R wheel setup on our longtime friend Patrick’s BMW Z3M race car. Like many of us during this crazy and unprecedented time in our lives, Patrick has kept himself busy in his SoCal garage by knocking out projects that he typically wouldn’t have much time for. The checklist included installing a new set of wheels and tires, flushing fluids, as well as taking a stab at vinyl work for the first time to give the old girl a fresh look for the quickly evaporating 2020 season. The fully polished EC-7R’s look stunning against the Estoril Blue paint and home-brewed white and grey livery, giving this racer a bit of a classic motorsport vibe.

Designed to be lighter AND significantly stronger than our EC-7 flow formed wheel, these new 18” forged EC-7R’s carry an impressive 1800 lbs load rating. While the EC-7R was built upon a proven wheel that came long before it, it was also completely re-engineered from the ground up leveraging forged manufacturing. Starting out as a cylinder of 6061-T6 aluminum forged by a die under 10,000 tons of pressure, these wheels live on to endure the relentless abuse of competitive W2W racing, and then beg for more. Let’s face it, it is quite simple for wheel manufacturers to shed weight at the expense of strength, but track enthusiasts and racers like Patrick recognize that forged wheels should deliver in both aspects without compromise. Continuing the theme of performance and function, spoke scalloping and paintless knurled beading along the barrel are also two new features present on the EC-7R.

Patrick was the BMWCCA National Champion in 2015 and Regional Champion in both 2015 and 2016, and is no stranger to the podium in NASA WERC series in E1 class. After many years of successfully piloting the so-called clown shoe around West Coast tracks, Patrick regrettably sold the car to a fellow racer in 2018. In late 2019, he somehow convinced the short-term caregiver to hand the keys back over, and the love affair picked up right where it had left off. Anticipating the 2020 season, Patrick entrusted Achilles Motorsport to build a blueprinted S52 motor optimized for club racing which would ultimately deliver 280+ hp to the APEX wheels. Thanks to optimal wheel offsets and a race-oriented alignment, the power can be put down through a 18×9.5” / 18×10.5” staggered wheel configuration which supports wide 275mm front and 285mm rear Hankook Z214 semi-slicks with stock fenders still in place.

Now more than ever, we’re looking forward to a time where friends and clients alike can gather in the paddock, but until then we’ll continue to nerd out over builds like Patricks to keep the passion alive. Check out the photos below!

MODIFICATIONS & SPECS

Wheels & Tires Front: 18×9.5″ ET22 APEX EC-7R in Polished Finish 275/35-18 Hankook Z214 Semi Slick Tires

Rear: 18×10.5″ ET22 APEX EC-7R in Polished Finish 285/35-18 Hankook Z214 Semi Slick Tires

Parts – Blueprinted S52 Motor – Rotora Forged BBK – Full Cage – KW Suspension – Ground Control Suspension Bits – Recaro Seats – Momo Steering Wheel – AiM XL2 Digital Dash – Schroth Harness – Schroth Side Net – Custom Aero (Splitter, Wing) – Fire Suppression System – Far too many more race parts to name!

PHOTO GALLERY

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.