Front, 18", Profile 3, 5 Lugs, Anthracite- Rear, 18", Profile 3, 5 Lugs, Anthracite
E39 5 Series Wheels
Lightweight Forged & Flow Formed Apex wheels for your 1996-2003 BMW E39 5 Series Sedan/Wagon. Browse our inventory of BMW wheels.
Finish: Anthracite
Overview
BMW E39 5 Series Wheel Performance
The distinct wheel center bore of E39 5 series wheels and factory wheel widths are extremely limiting. Increasing the front wheel and tire width is one of the best ways to bring balance back to this classic chassis, but aftermarket wheels are difficult to find for the E39. Apex stepped up to produce E39 specific flow formed ARC-8 wheels in the optimal bore and fitment, to allow owners of these classic 5 series to drive them as they were built to be driven. The unique bore of the E39 and limited wheel options do require some research beforehand. Be sure to consult our BMW E39 5 Series Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide prior to purchasing.
About the E39 5 series
A large variety of factory engine and transmission options meant that owners at the time had their choice of either an inline six or V8 engine paired with either an automatic or manual transmission. 530i models were the most updated 6 cylinder options in the US, with more precise steering than the V8 equipped cars. Vehicles like the 540i upped the performance level for non-m 5 series performance with a 300 horsepower V8, which served as a basis for the S62 to follow later in the M5. Dialed suspension and the “modern” luxurious interior appointments made it an incredibly comfortable and usable daily driver as well. The conservative but classically aggressive styling was also a hit both when the car launched in 1995 and through to the modern era. With modern BMWs growing ever more controversial, dimensionally larger, and substantially heavier, the E39 represents a golden era chassis for many BMW enthusiasts not caught up in outright performance numbers.
The E39 5 series & Apex
As a brand founded by BMW enthusiasts, the E39 has been a car near and dear to our hearts. Many of our staff members have owned these cars and dealt with their unique fitment requirements. From the factory, BMW equipped all E39 models with a unique centerbore of 74.1mm. This was a departure from the standard 72.56mm bore that came on all of the other 5x120 BMW passenger cars both before the E39 as well as after for several subsequent generations. This effectively put the E39 alone on an island where wheels from other BMW models or made for other BMW models would not fit on the E39, unless the bore of the wheel was modified or wheel adapters along with a compromised offset were used.
With firsthand knowledge of this pain point, Apex was one of the first aftermarket wheel companies to produce E39-specific fitments with the unique center bore these cars require. We still produce E39 5 series wheels in our ARC-8 design and are proud to offer a compromise-free option for this classic chassis.
Struggling to wrap your head around the dizzying array of models available on the used market? Be sure to review this E39 Buyers Guide to select your next 5 series.
E39 Gallery
BMW 5 Series E39
BMW 5 Series E39
ARC-8 Specifications
Reproductive Harm - www.p65warnings.ca.cov Fitment guides
Which Wheels Should I Get?
Check out our Fitment Guides, the most in-depth, authoritative guides for wheel and tire fitments, tailored for your vehicle and how you drive it.
ARC-8 features
The Flow Form Advantage
Flow forming enables us to create high performance wheels without the price premium of forging. It improves the mechanical properties and grain structure of the barrel, increasing its strength and stiffness, which allows us to use less material and reduce weight. Thanks to our superior engineering, our flow formed wheels have a higher load rating than some competitors' forged wheels.
Big Brake Clearance
Big brakes often require bigger, heavier, more expensive wheels, which aren’t ideal in a performance environment. The ARC-8 accommodates many big brake kits, even with its classic deep-concave spokes. If you need more clearance, the forged ARC-8R or one of our curved spoke wheel designs has you covered.
Maximizing Concavity
We use the deepest concave face profiles we can for every application after factoring in critical clearances such as brake calipers. The ARC-8 utilizes 2 unique profiles to make this possible, with the deepest concave face delivering reduced weight and a stunningly aggressive appearance.
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
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
Finishing Touches
The ARC-8 is finished using a multi-stage liquid paint over a powder coated base coat. This coating process leaves lug holes, center bores and mounting pads untouched, which ensures proper fit and torque values.
JWL and Beyond
All APEX Flow Formed wheels meet or meaningfully exceed JWL load rating requirements. Some manufacturers don't meet the minimum requirements, yet still claim to be compliant. Always compare load ratings to ensure you aren’t sacrificing critical strength for a slightly lighter wheel.
True VIA
The VIA is an independent wheel testing and auditing agency similar to TÜV. Many companies falsely claim their wheels have been certified, and even use the VIA stamp without permission. Our Flow Formed wheels have been certified, and we provide the registration numbers for every wheel. Protect yourself. Demand registration numbers from manufacturers.
Additional features
Hub Centric
All ARC-8 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
REAL DRIVERS NEED REAL PERFORMANCE.
Not all claims of performance are backed up by facts—and it's a big problem. Don't get sold fashion when you want function.
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.
Footnotes
¹ All wheels compared with equivalent 18x10” ET25 5x120mm / 72.56mm fitment. Price displayed based on MSRP as of 4/15/2025.
² MSRP as of 4/15/2025.
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