BMW E30 3 Series Wheel Performance
While the E30 has become an enthusiast classic, the OE 14” E30 3 series wheel fitments limit owners looking to run modern tire sizes and compounds. Apex still supports the 4x100 BMW E30s with specific ARC-8 wheel fitments that clear many aftermarket brakes and allow owners to use widely available tire sizes. Be sure to review our BMW E30 3 Series Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide before choosing your next set of lightweight chassis-specific E30 wheels.
About the E30
The E30 was a first for many of the features that have since become commonplace, not just within the 3 series line, but throughout BMW. It was the first BMW equipped with all-wheel drive with the rare but highly desirable 325iX model. It was also the first generation of 3 series to get a dedicated performance version built, to allow BMW compete against Mercedes in the DTM racing series via homologation requirements. The M3 proved to be a capable race machine, but also reappeared in subsequent generations of cars, even without DTM rules, establishing it as one of the hallmark nameplates in the BMW brand that continues through to this day.
Like many modern 3 series models, several 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder engines were available in the E30. The 325i models offered a more performance-oriented engine while the 325e models focused on fuel economy. 4 cylinder 316 and 318i models along with diesel versions for Europe were also available. One limitation of the E30 when it comes to modern wheels is the 4x100 bolt pattern and smaller center bore. Prior to this generation, 4x100 wheels on BMW’s were commonplace, but with the E36 and even the E30 M3, the 5x120 bolt pattern became the standard. Luckily for the classic BMW enthusiast, Apex continues to offer some fantastic 17” E30 3 series wheel options for those still taking these machines out on track or optimizing for canyon carving.
Like more modern 3 series chassis, a fully fleshed out line of body styles were available including sedan, coupe, convertible, and wagon models outside of North America. Get all the model details on the E30 from our friends at Hagerty on their E30 3 series buyers guide.
ARC-8 Specifications
* Designed to fit BMW 4x100mm center caps
E30 Gallery
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.
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.
ARC-8 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 All wheels compared with equivalent 18x10” ET25 5x120 fitment
