Technical Discussion
More Caliper Clearance Than Factory F8x M3/M4 19″ Wheels
We are excited at APEX to offer our customers an all new 19×11″ fitment designed specifically for the F8X M3 & M4 chassis. These wheels can fit 305 and 315 r-compounds on both stock and modified cars.
Although we confirmed an 18” fitment for 305 r-compounds in on our previous research, CCB-equipped cars requiring 19”+ diameter wheels were still left underserved. Fortunately, we recently confirmed both our ARC-8 and EC-7 designs in 19” sizes have significantly more caliper clearance than the factory 19” wheels. We can finally consider offering the 19×11” rear that you’ve been asking for.
How can you get these 19×11″ ARC-8 or EC-7 Wheels? You can Join the current Group Buy (ending soon) or we will have a limited inventory available in late June.
Note: This Group Buy has ended, but you can purchase F8X CCB-compatible fitments here.
Detailed Background: Issues With Factory 19″ Wheels with CCB Owners taking their F8X’s to track days with factory 19” wheels and Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB) experience clearance issues with their wheel weights, the weights melting off, and rocks getting stuck between the inner barrel and caliper causing barrel marring.
A proper track setup for CCB-equipped cars requires 19” wheels that easily clear the calipers, come in wider widths to support more rubber, and offer the right offset to fit cleanly. Members have been requesting a 19” version of our 18” track fitment ever since we released it, but we’ve been hesitant to proceed as we hadn’t confirmed clearances…until just recently.
We confirmed that both the ARC-8 and EC-7 clear front and rear CCBs with significantly more clearance than the OEM wheels. In the photos below, you can see the difference between the factory and APEX wheels. All our existing sizes can be used as a front wheel without any problems. Now it’s just a matter of confirming community preference before a 19×11” ET44~ wheel can be released.
This application is truly a niche fit as only a few members are likely ready for track focused wheels. It’s possible there is not enough interest to proceed with the project but we intend to find out.
When it comes down to it, the ARC-8 is a lighter design than the EC-7, offering a 19×11” ET44~ weighing in at 23.5 lbs. versus 24.6 lbs. The EC-7 is a more robust design and they both offer a different aesthetic. We’re looking to the community to weigh all the factors(pun intended) and help us decide which wheel model is the best to produce if there can only be one.
Factory Wheel
ARC-8 Design
EC-7 Design
Tags
- Bolt pattern: 5x120mm
- Fitment type: Performance Street and Track
- BMW, M4, F82 F83
- BMW, M3, F80
- Wheel design: EC-7
- Wheel design: ARC-8
- Wheel diameter: 19"
- Wheel line: Flow Formed 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.
