Front, 17", Profile 1, 5 Lugs, Anthracite- Rear, 17", Profile 1, 5 Lugs, Anthracite
BMW E46 3 Series Wheels
Lightweight Forged & Flow Formed Apex wheels for your 1999-2006 E46. Browse our inventory of BMW wheels.
9/9 Designs
Forged Sprint line
Forged Touring line
Flow Formed Evolution line
Flow Formed Classic line
Finish: Anthracite
Overview
BMW E46 3 Series Wheel Performance
Equipped with a wide range of wheels and tires from the factory, OE E46 3 series wheels all shared a common trait of being undersized from the factory. Most RWD cars came with a staggered fitment that defaulted to understeer as well. Maximizing the inherent balance present in the E46 chassis starts with a lightweight chassis-specific set of wheels. We created forged wheels like the VS-5RS, EC-7RS, SM-10RS along with flow formed wheels like the ARC-8, EC-7, SM-10, and FL-5 to optimize the performance of the E46. Be sure to read up on what we recommend in our BMW E46 3 Series Wheel and Tire Fitment Guide.
About the E46
The fourth 3 series generation to grace our planet first began production in 1997. Like the versatile E36 chassis that came before it, the E46 was offered in a coupe, sedan, convertible, wagon, and hatchback (EU only) form. In the U.S. engine options were limited to just four petrol inline-6 units. These consisted of the 2.5L M52TUB25 in the 323i, 2.8L M52TUB28 powering the 328i, the M54B25 in the 325i model, and best of all, the M54B30 powering the 330i model. Peak power figures ranged from 169hp in the 323i model all the way up to 235hp in the souped up 330i ZHP. For the U.S. market, transmission options came in the flavor of a 4 or 5 speed torque converter auto and a traditional 5 or 6spd manual depending on model.
For the 2002 model year, BMW revamped the E46 line up. The 325i replaced the 323i model and the 330i replaced the 328i model. Both cars received a power bump moving to the new M54 engine, but it did come at the loss of a physical throttle cable. The same year, the sedan and wagon models received a minor aesthetic facelift. It wouldn’t be until mid way through the 2003 model year that the coupe and convertible would receive theirs.
If you haven’t yet taken the plunge and purchased your own E46, checkout the in depth buyers guide linked below to learn even more about each model: BMW E46 3 Series Buyer’s Guide – What Model To Buy
E46 Gallery
BMW 3 Series E46
BMW 3 Series E46
BMW 3 Series E46
BMW 3 Series E46
BMW 3 Series E46
BMW 3 Series E46
BMW 3 Series E46
BMW 3 Series E46
BMW 3 Series E46
BMW 3 Series E46
BMW 3 Series E46
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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.
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