BMW E90 E91 E92 E93 3 Series Wheel Performance
With significantly more power and torque on tap than prior generations of 3 series, the factory E90, E91, E92, and E93 3 series wheel fitments were undersized. 225 section front tires featured on most models with wider rear 255s standard on most staggered fitments, resulted in understeer at the limit. If you need to balance or increase the performance of your E9X 3 series, a lightweight set of forged wheels such as the VS-5RS, SM-10RS, EC-7RS or flow formed wheels such as the ARC-8, EC-7, FL-5, or SM-10 wheels is an easy first step. Review our chassis-specific fitments on our BMW E90 E92 E93 3 Series Wheel and Tire Fitment Guide.
About the BMW E9X 3 Series
First sold for the 2006 model year in North America, the E9X is the 5th generation of BMW 3 series. With a new naming strategy, the different body configurations were designated as follows; the E90 sedan, E91 touring, E92 coupe, and E93 hardtop convertible. In the U.S., a range of naturally aspirated inline 6 engines were available as well as a turbocharged unit named the N54B30 (later N55). This was the first time a turbo 3 series was offered in the U.S. market.
In typical BMW fashion, midway through the lifecycle, the E9X received a facelift for the 2009 model year. Changes were mainly cosmetic including upgraded LED taillights and some subtle changes to the bumpers and hood. One notable mechanical difference was an increase in rear track width of 24mm on the LCI sedan and wagon models (make note of this when shopping wheels!).
Possibly the most desirable edition, the 335is topped the E9X range sitting just below the E9X M3. Powered by an upgraded version of the N54 engine found in early 335i models, the 335is hit the charts at 320hp and 332 lb-ft of torque with an overboost function capable of delivering 370 ft-lbs for up to 7 seconds. This special edition also brought in the 7 speed DCT transmission as an option, borrowed from the M3.
If you’d like to learn more about the epic limited edition E92 335is, checkout the article linked below from Car & Driver: 2011 BMW 335is Coupe First Drive: A Mightier Wind.
What Makes it a Good Track Car
In naturally aspirated spec, the E9X 3 series is one of the most reliable BMW platforms. The N52 engine delivers silky smooth power, and does so with unshakeable reliability. Gone are the weak subframe, woes of leaky VANOS seals, and pesky DISA valves. The E9X will allow you to simply focus on what matters most, driving flat out.
If on the other hand, you’re someone who can never have enough power and loves the sound of a turbo, just be ready to spend some extra money on preventative maintenance, cooling mods, and replacement parts in general. The E9X 335i models are freaking awesome cars, they just need some extra attention when being pushed to the limit on track.
The OEM wheels on the E9X definitely leave a bit to be desired in terms of both looks and total grip available. As you’ll hear from every enthusiast pushing their own advice, tires make the biggest difference. While tires certainly are important, a wider set of wheels will provide that much needed sidewall support to allow for some seriously quick lap times. Good thing we’ve got a wide assortment of E90, E91, E92, and E93, 3 Series wheels perfect for any application.
VS-5RS Specifications
* Designed to fit BMW 5x120mm center caps
E90 E91 E92 E93 Gallery
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Fitment Help
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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
