BMW E82 1M Wheel Performance
With a number of parts borrowed from the E9X M3, the 1M factory equipped wheels were a capable staggered setup out of the box. Despite that, the single diameter and staggered only option compromised the fitment for the lucky owners of these rare cars. Wide fenders and the ability to run square fitments that led to more balanced handling at the limit, make a lightweight set of wheels one of the best modifications available for the 1M. Wheels like our Forged VS-5RS, EC-7RS, SM-10RS, along with affordable flow-formed wheels like our popular ARC-8, EC-7, FL-5 and SM-10 make upgrading easy. Lock in your ideal set of 1M wheels on our BMW E82 1M Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide.
About the BMW 1M
The E82 1M received nearly instant modern classic status from the moment it debuted back in 2011. Producing a total of just 6,309 units from 2011 to 2012, the E82 1M is one of the rarest modern M cars. Going against the traditional naming structure of M models like the M3, M4, and M5, the M edition of the E82 chassis was dubbed the 1M to avoid confusion with the M1 supercar of the 1970s. Legend has it that early development of this special edition 1 series was done in secret by a group of engineers who set out to build the ultimate track car. Borrowing a large number of components from the E9X M3, engineers at BMW’s M division were able to design this model in just 2 years. Utilizing the N54 twin turbo 3.0l inline 6 as a starting point, the engineers were able to squeeze out 35 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. In overboost, that number jumped to a temporary 369 pound-feet of torque. The goal of this project was to create a car with a priority set on driving enjoyment rather than all out speed.
What Makes it a Good Track Car
With hydraulic power steering, a compact and lightweight chassis, and potent but not excessive power, the E82 1M is a joy to drive at the limit. When reviewers got their hands on this special model, they had nearly nothing but good things to say about it. Despite criticism regarding the non M specific engine, this car really is a highlight in BMWs history. The wider fenders and tire setup give this car a massive leg up over the 135i along with the LSD from the E9X M3.
Despite being nearly perfect out of the box, there is certainly room for improvement. All of our E82 1M wheels offer substantial weight savings along with increased grip in the wider sizes. A square 18x10” ET25 setup will help to dial out any essence of understeer while an ultra wide staggered fitment will give you the added rear grip needed when tuning this engine above stock power levels.
Don’t just take our word for it, see just how much Chris Harris loves this car in his review: Evo Car of the Year 2011 – BMW 1M
VS-5RS Specifications
* Designed to fit BMW 5x120mm center caps
E82 Gallery
- 1 / 2
Fitment Help
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.
VS-5RS Features
10K Tons of Pressure
Our new forgings weigh as much as 120 pounds before machining. To form such a thick blank we require special equipment capable of 10,000 metric tons of pressure. This extreme pressure increases the strength of the aluminum by eliminating porosity and improving the grain structure.
True Motorsport Blanks
Many companies use 3rd-party blanks intended for non-motorsport wheels which can severely limit sizes, concavity, spoke design, and critical brake clearance. We designed our very own blank profiles from scratch to give us total control over the final product.
Side-Milled Spokes
To be as light as possible the VS-5RS features extra-deep, side-milled spokes. Any excess material that doesn’t add strength is carved out using a precision CNC ball cutter. Side-milling is often deemed cost-prohibitive by others, but for true performance without compromise we believe it's essential.
A Stronger Lightweight Wheel
Our forged Sprint™ wheels are lightweight without the strength compromises found on typical lightweight wheels. First, we carved out as much material as possible, then we purposefully added one pound back to reinforce critical areas, creating a stronger inner lip and a higher load rating.² What’s the point of a lightweight wheel if it’s fragile?
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
- Wheel Weight
- Load Rating
Independently Tested
We don't rely solely on computer simulations or unverifiable in-house testing. We believe independent testing is critical to protect consumers in this unregulated industry. We chose STL, an independent lab in Ohio, to test our Sprint™ wheels far above JWL standards, including increases in testing duration, impact drop height, and total load.
Tougher Inner Lip
Introducing the Sprint™ spec inner lip, with a unique channel profile that makes it even stronger than our previous designs. So even though our Sprint™ wheels are pounds lighter than comparable flow formed wheels, the inner lip is stronger.
32%
More reinforcement
than our flow formed wheels3
Big Brake Clearance
From day one, APEX has been on a mission to build wheels that clear big brakes. Our new forged wheels are the product of everything we’ve developed over the past 10+ years, including an innovative high-clearance barrel design and vehicle-specific spoke profiles.
Deeper Concavity
Our new forgings were redesigned to create extra deep, concave spoke profiles. Their new shape allows us to make any profile, from flat to deep and everything in between. Each one is optimized for a specific application using 3D laser scans of factory and aftermarket brake kits.
Paintless Knurled Bead
Whether it's a day at the track or months of street driving, repeated hard braking and acceleration can make a tire slip along the bead seat and go out of balance, causing vibration. Knurled beads help, but are less effective when painted over. Our forged line features unpainted knurled beads that stay sharp and maximize grip.
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
Laser-Engraved Specs
As track enthusiasts ourselves, we know how frustrating it is to try to locate and decipher wheel specs that have been hastily hammered into the rim or become unreadable over time. With our new Sprint™ wheels, we chose to invest a little extra and laser-engrave the specs on the barrel, in plain sight, making them easy to find and read. (You’re welcome.)
Additional Features
Hub Centric
All VS-5RS 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.
VS-5RS Warranty
A Wheel You Can Depend On
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.
See terms and conditions.
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.
See terms and conditions.
¹ VS-5RS vs. the original EC-7R, comparing side milling of 18x9” ET46 5x130 fitment.
² Strength and weight comparisons are based on an 18” BMW 5x120 wheel.
³ Comparing the amount of material reinforcement in our standard inner lip profile vs Sprint™ spec inner lip profile on an 18” wheel.
⁴ All wheels compared with equivalent 18x10” ET25 5x120mm / 72.56mm fitment
