Front, 17", Profile 2, 5 Lugs, Anthracite- Rear, 17", Profile 2, 5 Lugs, Anthracite
BMW Spec E46 Wheels
Lightweight forged and flow formed Apex wheels that meet BMW Spec E46 Race Series rules. Includes 330i 330Ci. Browse our inventory of BMW wheels.
Construction Type
AllFinish: Anthracite
Total
$2,436.00$2,070.60Overview
Spec E46 Wheel Performance
Designed for the series regulations, our Spec E46 wheels are built from the ground up to give racers a competitive advantage. Our forged wheels like the VS-5RS are built to the limit of the rules, saving every ounce of weight while featuring a stronger inner lip. The flow formed ARC-8 wheels on the other hand offer racers an affordable and versatile wheel, perfect for building a large multi-set inventory or sets of rain tires. Be sure to review our Spec E46 Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide to ensure you stay class compliant.
About Spec E46
Spec E46 is a competitive racing class focused on a single model of E46 BMW 3 series. As one of the premiere BMW-focused wheel brands, Apex has long been a mainstay of Spec E46 wheels, with fitments being designed specifically for this segment. The class is based around the sedan or coupe 330i or 330ci, one of the upper range of 6 cylinder E46 non-M3 models just below the ZHP. These cars provide an affordable and nimble platform focused on a relatively lightweight chassis with solid handling. Grids are typically a tightly packed and highly competitive field depending on region, with even racing and driver development being the main focus.
All 330i models are powered by the 3-liter M54 engine. This is a tried and true engine that BMW used in a variety of models throughout the years, which is also readily available at junkyards around the country, should the worst come to pass. AWD (xi) models are not permitted and 5 or 6 speed manual transmissions are mandated. Suspension requires the use of MCS non-remote reservoir single-adjustable dampers with Spec Hyperco springs. Camber plates can and should be used.
Spec E46 Tires and Wheels
As mandated by the series, Spec legal E46 wheels must be no more than 9” wide, 17” in diameter and with an effective offset of 27 front and 38 rear. Apex 17x9 wheels are used with a 42 offset and 12mm front spacers for suspension clearance. Our ARC-8 model was the original wheel often campaigned in this class and is a great option for racers on a budget that need multiple wheelsets. Our VS-5RS wheel has been designed specifically for this class with a per-wheel weight brought right down to the 16.2 lb class limit. These wheels are typically wrapped in the class-mandated Toyo proxes RR slicks in 255/40-17 sizing. Toyo RA1 235/30-17s can also be used on the same wheels for sessions with rain.
For anyone considering building or purchasing a Spec E46, the Official Spec E46 Rule Book is a must-read for obvious reasons.
Spec E46 Gallery
BMW 3 Series Spec E46
BMW 3 Series Spec E46
BMW 3 Series Spec E46
BMW 3 Series Spec E46
BMW 3 Series Spec E46
VS-5RS Specifications
Reproductive Harm - www.p65warnings.ca.cov 
REAL DRIVERS NEED REAL PERFORMANCE.
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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 machined 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 machined 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?
Load Ratings (lbs)
JWL Load Standard
1521
Typical Forged Wheels
1521
APEX Flow Formed
1550
APEX Forged Sprint™ Line
1600
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
APEX Sprint™ Line
18 lbs
1600 lbs
APEX Flow Formed
21 lbs
1550 lbs
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.
Accessories
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.
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
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