With significantly more power and torque on tap than prior generations of 3 series, the factory E90 and E91 LCI 3 series wheel fitments were undersized. Narrow 225 section front tires featured on most models with wider rear 255s standard on most staggered fitments resulting in understeer at the limit even with the LCI limited rear fitment. 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 E91 LCI 3 Series Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide.
In 2008, BMW updated the popular E90 3 series along with all of the other chassis under its banner (E91, E92, and E93) with its mid cycle refresh or LCI. The LCI update, particularly the change that widens the rear track width of some models, makes selecting your next set of E90 or E91 LCI 3 series wheels particularly challenging. The Life Cycle Impulse changes shifted a number of components to an updated spec with mechanical and styling changes across the range. Front and rear fascia updates were the most obvious, but most body panels including the hood receive updates. Lighting packages shifted front and rear with LED options standard for the first time in the rear taillights.
Mechanically the 335i models changed from the N54 twin turbocharged engines to the N55 single twin-scroll turbocharger. The N55 was largely viewed as an upgrade to the N54 when it came to reliability, but the N54 did retain significantly more modding potential in the aftermarket. The moniker for all-wheel drive models changed from xi on the model numbers before the update to “xDrive” badging on the trunk and both front quarter panels.
The main focus of the LCI changes for us here at Apex was the change in rear track width on LCI Sedans and Wagons. E92 coupes and E93 convertibles carried over the rear track width from the pre-LCI models, but E90 and E91s gained 8mm on either side of the car. This means that the rear wheel fitment for these specific models requires higher offsets and is slightly more limited than the other models in this lineup.
If you’re considering buying an E90 generation model, be sure to consult BMWBlog’s E9X Buyer’s Guide to identify which model is applicable for your use case.
* Designed to fit BMW 5x120mm center caps
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
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.
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.
More reinforcement
than our flow formed wheels3
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.
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.
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.
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.
Socket Diameter Clearance
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.)
All VS-5RS wheels are purpose built for select vehicle applications. Very few applications require centering rings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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