With many cars equipped with 225 section tires front and rear and the now legendary B58, the G20 and G21 3 series wheels were woefully under-sized from the factory. One of the standout performance modifications any owner can do with one of these cars is a chassis-specific set of wheels optimized for wider tires. We created forged wheels like the VS-5RS and SM-10RS along with flow formed wheels like the SM-10 to give G20 owners performance-oriented wheel fitments for the street and track. Find the perfect fitment for your 3 series on our G20 and G21 Wheel and Tire Fitment Guide.
Now for a brief history of BMW’s newest 3 series model. Launched for the 2019 model year, The G20 and G21 touring replaced the outgoing F30/31 model and features advancements in a number of key areas. Continuing the theme of new cars growing larger with every model, the G2X is 3.3 in. longer, 0.6 in. wider, and 151 lbs heavier than the previous generation. Where the G2X improves most is in efficiency. By utilizing a flat underbody design, the newest 3 series cuts drag to just 0.23 Cd. BMW also added a 330e plug in Hybrid model for those especially eco conscious.
The base model 330i features a turbocharged 4 cyl engine designated the B48 and provides adequate power with great gas mileage. For enthusiasts, the M340i model is by far the most impressive. Powered by the loved B58 engine, even in a stock state of tune, there’s plenty of power on tap. Both RWD and X-drive configurations are available along with a 6spd manual or ZF’s highly regarded 8 speed automatic.
While not quite revolutionary, the G2X generation is a clear improvement over the F3X and makes a strong argument for its spot at the top of your list when buying a new luxury sedan.
Retaining close to a perfect 50/50 weight distribution, the G20 won’t disappoint in the handling department, even with its added heft. Using a McPherson front strut design and multi-link rear suspension, the G2X stays true to BMW’s goal of producing an excellently balanced and well rounded overall package.
For the 6 cylinder M340i model, you can make some serious power with nothing but a software change. The jury is still out on reliability as these are still too new to say for sure, but they are proving themselves quite reliable! If you want one car to do it all, the answer is still likely the BMW 3 series. Just be sure to upgrade to a nice set of lightweight APEX G20 or G21 3 Series Wheels before heading out to the track!
Don’t just take our word for it, see what the editors at Road and Track have to say in their M340i track test: 2020 BMW M340i xDrive: Quick Track Test
* Designed to fit BMW 5x112mm and GR Supra 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.
One of the most noticeable features of the SM-10RS is its use of side-milling on both sides of each spoke, creating an I-beam effect. 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
The SM-10RS is not just another style to choose from. We used Finite Element Analysis of bending loads to optimize spoke geometry for greater stiffness without increasing weight. In fact, the SM-10RS is nearly identical in weight to our popular VS-5RS yet almost 10% stiffer, and 25% stiffer than our first generation of forged wheels.
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 SM-10RS wheels are purpose built for select vehicle applications. Very few applications require centering rings.
The majority of SM-10RS wheels come with a gloss black APEX cap which is interchangeable with your OE center cap*. Select JDM applications feature a capless center section. See vehicle product page for more details.
* Capless-center and centerlock wheels do not include APEX center caps. Certain unique fitments support an APEX center cap that is not interchangeable with the OE cap. See your vehicle-specific product page for additional details.
Wherever possible, APEX wheels are designed to be used with OEM mounting hardware* as well as high-quality wheel spacers, stud conversion kits, wheel locks, and more. See our Accessories pages.
*A small number of applications use conical mounting hardware in place of the OEM ball seat hardware. Visit individual product pages to confirm hardware type/compatibility.
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