With narrow 8” wheel widths and staggered OE F30, F31, and F34 3 Series wheel fitments commonly equipped from the factory, many enthusiasts were disappointed in the stock performance of the 6th generation 3 series. Wider wheels and tires along with chassis specific fitments focused on balance are an easy way to improve the handling of your 3 series. We’ve created wheels like the flow formed wheels such as the ARC-8, SM-10, EC-7, and FL-5 along with forged wheels like our VS-5RS, EC-7RS, and SM-10RS to give enthusiasts options that majorly increase performance. With more complex xDrive tire calculations, our BMW F30 F31 F34 3 Series Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide is a great way to identify what fitment is ideal for your application.
Consisting of the F30 sedan, F31 wagon, and F34 “gran turismo”, the F3X generation was the sixth generation of BMW 3 series. Featuring turbo charged engines across all models, this chassis was a large jump in technology over the outgoing model. With high tuning potential on the 6 cylinder models and good street manners, the F3X has become a fan favorite in the BMW community.
BMW first sold the F3X generation for the 2012 model year. At first launch, the U.S. market received the 328i model with a 2.0l turbocharged 4 cylinder engine named the N20 along with the 335i powered by the 3.0l straight six N55 featuring a single twin-scroll turbo. These models in stock form pumped out 248 hp and 302 hp respectively. Transmission options were limited to the popular ZF 8 speed automatic along with a traditional 6 speed manual. Both RWD and X-Drive equipped drivetrains were available for both models. Diesel and Hybrid models were made available as well, in addition to the more common petrol powered engines.
For the 2016 model year, the F3X underwent a major facelift complete with new engines across the model range. The 328i model became the 330i and was now fitted with the B48 2.0l turbocharged inline 4 cylinder engine which featured a number of improvements including a more robust timing chain guide. The 335i name was dropped in favor the 340i which featured the highly regarded B58 engine which is still used today in the G20 340i model. Other changes included exterior and interior updates, an improved I-drive software, some minor suspension tweaks, and an auto rev matching feature for manual equipped cars.
With the introduction of the new G20 3 series, older F3X models can be purchased for extremely reasonable prices. This paired with their high tuning potential make them an awesome choice for track work or hitting your local drag strip. Like all BMW 3 series, this car makes an excellent daily driver that can also be used at a few track days a year without issue. Perfect for those looking for one car to do it all.
The RWD layout found in most models will deliver big thrills and satisfaction when pushed to the limit of grip. Even the four cylinder cars have sufficient torque to hand the tail out, especially with a tuning chip installed. Whatever model you own they’re a joy to drive on track. Top mod recommendations for track work would include camber plates up front to even out your tire wear, a good quality coilover suspension, brake pads and high temp fluid, maybe an LSD if you have the budget for it, and of course, a lightweight wider set of F30, F31, and F34 3 Series wheels. With all that installed you’ll be left with a surprisingly capable track machine!
If you’re considering taking your F3X on track for the first time, be sure to watch this video from our friends at Kies Motorsports to know what to expect: What to Expect on Your First Track Day! Tracking the F30 BMW 335 With Tommy L Garage
* 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