The focus on ride quality and comfort is apparent when one looks at the OE G30 G31 5 series wheel fitments. Narrower wheels with relatively wide tire sizes from factory provide plenty of cushion, but sacrifice performance. A lightweight set of performance wheels is the perfect way to sharpen up the handling of these normally sedate sedans. We’ve created forged wheels like the VS-5RS and SM-10RS along with the flow formed SM-10 in chassis-specific fitments for the G30. Be sure to review our G30 G31 5 Series Wheel and Tire Fitment Guide before locking in your set.
The seventh generation 5 series, like its predecessor before it, continues to speak to the core of the BMW brand. Performance luxury sedans have always been the mainstay of the BMW lineups throughout the years, and the G30 is proving to be a worthy successor as its phased out moving forward.
With a relatively large engine bay and a huge range of customer needs, it's not surprising that the G30 5 series has a long list of possible engine models. Commonly seen models in the US include the 530i, 540i, and M550i xDrive. xDrive variants were also extremely common, along with 530e light hybrid models. As is often the case, the European options stretched deeper with a larger range of less powerful 4-cylinder and diesel powertrains, plus the coveted G31 touring models.
With xDrive becoming a mainstay option, wheel and tire fitments on the aftermarket side require precision and careful tire selection. The AWD luckily appears to not negatively affect overall handling performance and the surefooted nature of these systems are particularly comforting in low grip situations caused by inclement weather.
The wide range of engines is matched by a wide array of brakes. A number of brake options are available for the G30 and G31 with the widest dimensional front rotor range that we’ve seen on a modern G chassis/5x112 BMW. From massive 395mm optional M performance brake assemblies to single piston sliding affairs, the number of factory brake options made even our market research team raise an eyebrow. Be sure to reach out if your G30 has larger brakes and you’re interested in smaller-diameter G30 or G31 5 series wheels.
Get the closeout perspective on the G30 as Car and Driver takes a look at the available 2023 models here: 2023 BMW 5-series
* 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