Sean’s E46 M3 Track Car With 18” ARC-8 Wheels

APEX: Tell us some details about yourself & your car.

Sean: My name is Sean (aka SeanS54) out of Pleasanton, California. I track a 2004 BMW E46 M3 (Car #21) and am sponsored by Bimmerworld. I enjoy building and tracking cars and making YouTube videos about my experiences on the race track.

APEX: What is your track day wheel setup?

Sean: – APEX 18×9.5” ET35 ARC-8 Wheels – 275/35/18 Nitto NT01 Tires – Ohlins Coilovers with custom Swift Springs – Vorshlag Camber Plates up front, -3.5° camber – Ground Control Camber Arms rear, -2.2° camber – 8mm Front Spacer to clear Ohlins Spring perch – 12.5mm Rear Spacer for looks/wider track fitment – Rolled fenders and trimmed metal between fenders and bumper for more clearance

APEX: Why did you choose APEX Wheels over the rest?

Sean: First: weight Second: looks Third: price

Awesome wheels backed by a company with excellent quality and customer service!

APEX: What other modifications have been done to your car?

Sean: My M3 is a dedicated track car that has been highly modified. I’ve built it specifically for the track so it has all the cooling modifications (CSF Radiator, CSF Oil Cooler, vented hood), performance modifications (AFE Intake, STG Headers, custom exhaust, TTFS Tune), fully gutted with weld in roll cage (tied to rear subframe) built by TC Designs. It has full aero (Hard Motorsport Front Splitter, AJ Hartman Canards, N15 Design Hood and Fender Vents, and BimmerWorld V3 Carbon Wing). It also has a front Stoptech ST60 BBK with PFC 99 brake pads and custom 3 Clutch LSD built by BimmerWorld/DiffsOnline. The build list is quite extensive…

APEX: How did you get into track racing & for how long?

Sean: I dabbled in drifting years ago but the events were too few and far between. so that lead me into track days. I really got into tracking consistently in 2014 and now I go about once a month.

APEX: What is your favorite memory or entertaining story from the track?

Sean: The best memories are building the car in my garage, testing it on track, and then beating my personal best lap times. Every time I go it’s always a great time and I get to meet really cool people.

APEX: How many events do you participate in each year, care to share any track results?

Sean: I track about 12 times a year. I’ve run 2.00 flat at Thunderhill Bypass and 1.41 at Laguna Seca with My E46 M3. My goal this year is to be under 2.00 at Thunderhill and in the 1.3X at Laguna Seca. With a fresh set of tires I’m poised to meet my goal. We’ll see.

Watch more videos from Sean on his Youtube Channel here.

APEX: If you could give one tip to a new racer, what would your tip be?

Sean: Don’t worry about lap times or being fast. Focus on learning the fundamentals and speed will come. “Smooth is fast.”

APEX: Where can we follow you?

Sean: Instagram: @SeanS54 YouTube: @SeanS54

APEX: Do you have any clubs, shops or racing buddies you want to give a shout out to?

Sean: I’d like to give a shout out to @BimmerWorld, @Alekshop, @PerformanceTechnic, @SpeedSF, @NorCalRacingClub, @wrcthree, @cali_wrx, @blakesgarage, @whitewingsti, @kev_fc6 and @g_de_lapid

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.