Front, 17", Profile 1, 5 Lugs, Anthracite- Rear, 17", Profile 1, 5 Lugs, Anthracite
BMW E36 3 Series Wheels
Lightweight forged & flow formed wheels for your 1990-1999 E36
11/11 Designs
Forged Sprint line
Forged Touring line
Forged Enduro line
Flow Formed Evolution line
Flow Formed Classic line
Finish: Anthracite
Overview
BMW E36 3 Series Wheel Performance
The stock E36 3 Series wheels standard on many models were limited in terms of both width and diameter. As an older chassis, smaller 15” and 16” standard wheels gave increased ride comfort but sacrificed brake clearance and compatibility with modern tires. One of the best modifications E36 owners looking to update their 3 series can make is a chassis-specific set of performance wheels. We created forged wheels like the EC-7RS, VS-5RS, SM-10RS and flow formed wheels like the ARC-8, FL-5, EC-7, and SM-10 to increase the performance of your 3 series. Find your perfect fitment on our E36 3 Series Wheel and Tire Fitment Guide.
About the BMW E36 3 Series
The third generation of the BMW 3 series dubbed the E36, was a major step up from its predecessors. Not only was the new generation much faster than the E30 it replaced, the E36 paved the way for the luxurious and GT like vehicles the brand is now known for. Produced from 1990 all the way to 1998, the E36 3 series offered a wide range of both 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder power plants. Transmission options came in the flavor of a 4 and 5 speed automatic with a 5 speed manual as standard. While the styling is rather boxy by today’s standards, the aerodynamic wedge shape was heavily influenced by aerodynamics and wind tunnel testing.
Available in a coupe, sedan, estate, and hatchback configuration, the E36 generation was intended to cater to the masses. The silky smooth inline 6 engine options gained popularity with the American market, offering plenty of power and torque in a sporty shell. While often out-shadowed by the later E46 3 series, the E36 was an icon of the 1990s.
What Makes it a Good Track Car
Like most BMWs from this era, the E36 is an extremely well balanced chassis. At the limits of grip, the E36 communicates every detail of the road surface to the driver through its cable actuated throttle and hydraulic steering rack. The silky smooth inline 6 engines found in most North America spec E36s provides plenty of power at all RPMs with unmatched smoothness. Best of all these cars are pretty darn reliable. Just remember that any car of this age will need its fair share of maintenance and replacement of worn parts.
In the case of the E36 generation, the M3 variant retained the same fenders as the base model. As such, non-M model owners don’t have to settle for a lesser wheel and tire setup. Being a momentum car, the E36 greatly benefits from added grip in the corners. Luckily we have a variety of E36 3 Series wheels tailor made to fit the E36.
Want to learn more about the E36 generation? Checkout the article below from our friends over at BMW Blog: BMW E36 3 Series Buyers Guide – What Model To Buy
E36 Gallery
BMW 3 Series E36
BMW 3 Series E36
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BMW 3 Series E36
BMW 3 Series E36
BMW 3 Series E36
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BMW 3 Series E36
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BMW 3 Series E36
BMW 3 Series E36
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BMW 3 Series E36
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BMW 3 Series E36
ARC-8 Specifications
Reproductive Harm - www.p65warnings.ca.cov 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.
Accessories
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the factory alignment specs for a BMW E36 3-Series?
Factory alignment specs for the BMW E36 have front camber near -0.9°, front toe slightly positive (~0.08° per side), rear camber near -1.8°, and rear toe-in (~0.10°–0.15° per side). These specs offer balanced tire wear, handling, and stability for daily driving.
How much does a BMW E36 3-Series weigh? (total weight of the vehicle)
The total weight of a BMW E36 3-Series ranges from 2,700 to 3,200 lbs depending on the model and options. A typical 325i sedan weighs around 3,100 lbs, while models like the 318is coupe are closer to 2,700 pounds.
What are the widest wheels I can run on a BMW E36 3-Series without mods?
The widest wheels most E36 models can fit without modifications are 17x8.5" with an ET35 to ET40 offset. This allows for proper tire clearance and suspension travel. Wider wheels may require rolling fenders or adding camber, especially in the rear.
What are the wheel specs of a BMW E36 3-Series?
The BMW E36 has a 5x120 bolt pattern and a 72.56mm centerbore. Factory wheel sizes range from 15” to 17”, with offsets (ET) between +35 and +47 depending on model. Widths vary, but most stock wheels are between 6.5” and 7.5” wide.
How big are BMW E36 3-Series wheels?
Factory E36 wheels range from 15-17" in diameter depending on the model and trim. Base models came with 15” wheels, while sport models and the M3 received 16” or 17” wheels. Many owners upgrade to 17” for better handling and appearance.
How wide are BMW E36 3-Series wheels?
Stock BMW E36 wheels are 6.5” to 7.5” wide, depending on the trim and model year. M3 models received wider wheels, with some rear wheels reaching 8.5” wide on staggered setups. Aftermarket fitments often push widths beyond this with fender mods.
Are BMW E36 3-Series wheels forged?
Most factory E36 wheels are cast aluminum, not forged. However, select M3 models, like the lightweight variants (aka LTW) or special editions, had forged wheels for weight-savings and improved strength. These are less common and found on higher-performance models or optional packages.
What TPMS does the BMW E36 3-Series use?
The BMW E36 does not use a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System). It predates the TPMS mandate, so tire pressures must be checked manually.
Does the BMW E36 3-Series fitment differ from the M3?
The fitment between standard BMW E36 3-Series models and the M3 do not differ significantly. The chassis and body dimensions are the same across coupe, sedan, and convertible versions, which allows for generally interchangeable wheels between M and non-M models of the same chassis style.
What is the best track setup for my BMW E36 3-Series?
The best track setup for a BMW E36 3-Series is typically a square wheel setup, often using 17x9” wheels with 245/40 tires. Proper tires, upgraded coilovers, camber plates, and performance brake pads are highly recommended for track cars. Square fitments allow for wheel rotations and have balanced, neutral handling.
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