E39 5 Series Wheels

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.