BMW F20 F21 1 Series Wheels
Lightweight forged & flow formed wheels for your 2011-2019 F2X
7/7 Designs
Forged Sprint line
Forged Touring line
Flow Formed Evolution line
Flow Formed Classic line
Finish: Anthracite
Overview
BMW F20 F21 Wheel Performance
While the factory F20 and F21 1 series wheels were not as limiting as its predecessor, the new 1 series still left little room for wide wheels, and launched with fitments that compromised on tire width. With a capable chassis and potent engine options, a chassis-specific wheel fitment optimized for performance is one of the best modifications 1 series owners can make. We created flow formed wheels like the ARC-8, EC-7, SM-10 and FL-5 along with fully forged wheels like the VS-5RS specifically for the 1 series. Given the complex brake options available on the F2X cars and the international market, our F20 F21 1 Series Wheel and Tire Fitment Guide is a critical part of choosing your perfect setup.
About the BMW 1 Series
A forbidden fruit to those of us unfortunate enough to live in the United States, the hatchback chassis of the F20 5 door and F21 2 door 1 series represent a unique and refreshing take from BMW on the compact hatchback. Like the F22 series coupe, Apex is one of the few aftermarket companies that provides chassis-specific high offset F20 and F21 1 series wheel fitments optimized for these cars.
A variety of turbocharged engines were available in these practical compact cars. 135 and 140i models represented the top tier performance versions with the N55 and B58 engines respectively while various 3 and 4 cylinder gasoline and diesel engines rounded out the lower rungs of the lineup.
Unique in this segment was the rear-wheel drive architecture of the underlying platform. All of the other compact hatchbacks were either front-wheel drive or Haldex-based AWD models prone to understeer at the limits of grip. While all-wheel drive was available as an option on the 1 series, the base RWD architecture gave the F20 and F21 a handling advantage in a variety of comparison tests of the era.
Why it Makes a Great Track Car
The huge range of engines available for this model especially in Europe means you can choose your track car. Competitive low horsepower or beginner endurance classed series are perfect for the 4 cylinder models, while the more potent M135i and M140is can be modified to compete in time attack or faster classes.
Powerful OE brakes or brake swaps are also available from BMW’s back catalog of compatible calipers and rotors, ensuring more consistent braking both on track and on the street.
To see how the F chassis 1-ers stacked up to one of their main competitors, be sure to check out Evo Magazine’s initial review.
F20 F21 Gallery
- BMW 1 Series F20 F21
- BMW 1 Series F20 F21
- BMW 1 Series F20 F21
- BMW 1 Series F20 F21
- BMW 1 Series F20 F21
ARC-8 Specifications



Fitment guides
Which Wheels Should I Get?
Check out our Fitment Guides, the most in-depth, authoritative guides for wheel and tire fitments, tailored for your vehicle and how you drive it.
ARC-8 features
The Flow Form Advantage
Flow forming enables us to create high performance wheels without the price premium of forging. It improves the mechanical properties and grain structure of the barrel, increasing its strength and stiffness, which allows us to use less material and reduce weight. Thanks to our superior engineering, our flow formed wheels have a higher load rating than some competitors' forged wheels.

Big Brake Clearance
Big brakes often require bigger, heavier, more expensive wheels, which aren’t ideal in a performance environment. The ARC-8 accommodates many big brake kits, even with its classic deep-concave spokes. If you need more clearance, the forged ARC-8R or one of our curved spoke wheel designs has you covered.

Maximizing Concavity
We use the deepest concave face profiles we can for every application after factoring in critical clearances such as brake calipers. The ARC-8 utilizes 2 unique profiles to make this possible, with the deepest concave face delivering reduced weight and a stunningly aggressive appearance.

Weight Optimized
We conducted extensive Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to reinforce high-stress areas and to remove material where it didn’t improve strength. The result is a wheel that is exceptionally light without the strength compromises found on typical lightweight wheels.²

Built for Impact Sockets
Track wheels need track tools. Don’t settle for wheels that require undersized tuner lugs or thin walled sockets. All APEX wheels accommodate over-sized race lugs and impact sockets to make swapping wheels lightning fast.
32mm
Socket Diameter Clearance

Finishing Touches
The ARC-8 is finished using a multi-stage liquid paint over a powder coated base coat. This coating process leaves lug holes, center bores and mounting pads untouched, which ensures proper fit and torque values.

JWL and Beyond
All APEX Flow Formed wheels meet or meaningfully exceed JWL load rating requirements. Some manufacturers don't meet the minimum requirements, yet still claim to be compliant. Always compare load ratings to ensure you aren’t sacrificing critical strength for a slightly lighter wheel.

True VIA
The VIA is an independent wheel testing and auditing agency similar to TÜV. Many companies falsely claim their wheels have been certified, and even use the VIA stamp without permission. Our Flow Formed wheels have been certified, and we provide the registration numbers for every wheel. Protect yourself. Demand registration numbers from manufacturers.

Additional features

Hub Centric
All ARC-8 wheels are purpose built for select vehicle applications. Very few applications require centering rings.

Center Caps
All APEX wheels come with our gloss black cap included that is interchangeable with the OE cap. We also offer additional colors for select fitments.

Wheel Hardware
APEX wheels can be used with all OEM mounting hardware, proper aftermarket hardware and most wheel spacers. Wheel locks and stud conversion kits also work perfectly.

TPMS
All APEX wheels accept OEM and aftermarket Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors and standard fit valve stems. If you don’t have sensors, then select from our metal stems available in multiple finishes.


REAL DRIVERS NEED REAL PERFORMANCE.
Not all claims of performance are backed up by facts—and it's a big problem. Don't get sold fashion when you want function.

A Wheel You Can Depend On
Accidental damage replacement
Curb rash or pothole damage on the street? Make an oopsie at the track? We’ve all been there. APEX is proud to offer 50% off replacement wheels, no matter the damage.
Lifetime warranty
All APEX wheels come with a lifetime structural warranty against defects in workmanship and materials, plus a 1 year finish warranty. Exchanges are fast, easy, and hassle-free.
Footnotes
¹ All wheels compared with equivalent 18x10” ET25 5x120mm / 72.56mm fitment. Price displayed based on MSRP as of 5/16/2025.
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