Photoshoot: 19″ PS-7 Wheels On Laguna Seca Blue BMW E46 M3 Convertible

There’s nothing better then the look of deep concave wheels on a lowered M3. Fitting them on the back of a BMW E46 M3 is no challenge, but if you can also get them to fit up front, it changes the car’s entire personality. We had the opportunity to play with this convertible for a day, but we could only test out one configuration with deep concave front wheels. The Laguna Seca Blue E46 M3 Convertible shown is running an extremely aggressive staggered 19″ PS-7 wheel fitment for street use. The same general look can be accomplished with easier fitting wheel and tire combinations that share the same face profile.

The wheels shown are 19×9.5″ ET22 (Profile 3) front and 19×10.5″ ET22 (Profile 3) rear PS-7’s, with Hankook V12 tires in 245/35/19 and 275/30/19 sizes. The M3 is lowered on Bilstein PSS9 coilovers with Ground Control camber plates with -2.5 degrees of camber in the front and -1.8 degrees in the rear. This fitment is only for those that are willing to roll their fenders and dial in significant negative camber to fit a wider, lower offset wheel with the deepest concavity. The rear fenders are heavily rolled, the tires are undersized and stretched on both the front and rear wheels, and the car is at a very low ride height. This fitment is reserved for those looking for the most aggressive looking stance with very wide, low-offset wheels and are willing to make the compromises necessary to make it fit.

For an E46 M3 looking for a staggered wheel fitment that is slightly more aggressive than OEM, but trying to avoid any fender modifications, the 19×9″ ET35 (Profile 2) & 19×10″ ET25 (Profile 3) PS-7’s with 245/35/19 and 275/30/19 sized street tires would be a much better fit and choice. The 9/10 combo sets the wheels more flush with the fenders than the OEM wheels, and provides the car with wider wheels and tires without fitment issues. In comparison, the OEM wheel fitment is a conservative 19×8″ with 225 front, and 19×9″ with 255 rear. With a half inch wider width on both the front and rear compared to the OEM 19″ wheels, this wheel setup allows for a better looking stance for the car while still being compatible with the OEM suspension and factory alignment settings. The 19×9″ wide front wheels can even clear coilover kits that utilize progressive V-shaped springs properly, such as those from KW/ST and Bilstein. If one is looking to run an even wider tire in front such as a 255 or 265, the 9″ wheel can still accommodate this, but added negative camber may be needed and suspension clearance may be lost, resulting in the need for wheel spacers. For those who want 9.5″ front wheels, we recommend the 19×9.5″ ET33 wheel with a 245 or 255 tire.

If a lot of extra wheel and tire width is not needed, there is a an even easier front wheel fitment available: The 19×8.5″ ET35 (Profile 1) , which would be typically run with a 245/35/19 tire. It’s still wider than stock, but fits with great ease. The 19×8.5″ wheel is typically paired with the 19×9.5″ ET22 (Profile 3) rear wheel running a 275/30/19 tire. There are other wheel models available for the E46 M3 with similar fitments, including the ARC-8’s and EC-7’s in both 18″ and 19″ fitments.

PS-7 DESIGN:

The brand new APEX PS-7 is the first of a new line of lightweight, street-focused wheels in BMW-specific fitments. The PS-7 brings long needed improvements to a mesh design that’s been seriously lacking in features, and left enthusiasts with only heavy alternatives. Just like the rest of the APEX wheel line, the PS-7 is once again produced using the Flow-Forming manufacturing process. Even with key strength improvements that add weight in select areas, static weights are reduced by 20% on average versus cast alternatives. More aggressive wheel widths and offsets were selected versus our line of race-oriented wheels, allowing for a flush fit without spacers. APEX designed these face profiles to significantly increase concavity on many applications that are traditionally more conservative, offering three different concave faces for the PS-7 wheel. Strength improvements were made to help specifically address the unique abuses of the street where low-profile and stretched tire fitments are used. To help fight wheel bends, we’ve increased the thickness of the wheel’s inner lip. Load ratings exceed JWL requirements, and all sizes have been crush tested in Japan, earning them official VIA certification and registry marks. Additionally, the barrel’s diameter increases sharply after the drop center, improving big brake kit clearance. Performance luxury vehicles deserve much more than heavy cast wheels. The PS-7 combines racing inspired lightweight engineering with desirable street styling, to produce the ideal wheel of choice.

Brandon is a Porsche Fitment Expert at APEX Wheels. Prior to joining APEX in 2022, he worked as Office Manager for a Porsche & Ferrari service and race shop, guiding customers in all areas – suspension, power, aesthetics, you-name-it. His first foray into racing came In college when he was asked to assist at a PCA club race. Says Brandon, “I figured if I am already making the drive, I might as well enter the HPDE happening at the same time.” He hasn't stopped since. Among the various cars he has owned and/or tracked are a ‘74 Corvette Convertible, ’74 Firebird Formula 400, ‘17 GTI, ‘07 Cayman S, and his current ride, a ‘12 Cayman R (BGB X51 pack 3.8L) with staggered APEX EC-7RS 18x9”ET46 & 18x10” ET36 in Motorsport Gold. Fun Fact: Brandon is a big fan of SIM racing, which he uses to learn about a new track he’s going to or get a refresher on a familiar track, as well as improve his racecraft.Have questions about wheels for your Porsche? Use our contact form and ask for Brandon.