BMW F87 M2 Wheel Performance
Despite sharing the same fitment as the F8X M3/4, F87 M2 wheel fitment differs significantly when compared to its larger counterparts. With less overall clearance for wider wheels and tires, especially up front, the F87 really benefits from a set of chassis-specific lightweight wheels because of its unique fitment. We created wheels like the Forged VS-5RS, EC-7s and SM-10RS alongside flow-formed ARC-8s, EC-7s, FL-5s, and SM-10s, specifically for the M2. With tricky brake options and a huge range of Apex fitments available, be sure you review our BMW F87 M2 Wheel and Tire Fitment Guide to find your next set of Apex wheels.
About the F87 M2
The F87 has been a favorite among enthusiasts since its initial launch back in 2016. As the M3 sedan and newly named M4 coupe continued growing with each passing generation, BMW listened to enthusiasts crying out for something a bit more compact. The answer came in the form of the first ever BMW M2. Thought of as an indirect successor to the much loved and limited production 1 series M coupe, the M2 was powered by a slightly modified N55 engine. Though some annoyingly complained it wasn’t a true M car with an engine borrowed from a lowly 3 series, the car featured all the right proportions. Widened fender flares, 380mm 4 piston brakes borrowed from the F8X, and a 6spd manual transmission with optional DCT made this a well rounded package in a compact form. Automotive journalists and enthusiasts alike, both fell in love with the playful chassis and many even hailed it as a modern E46 M3.
Midway through the F87’s life cycle, the M2 competition was introduced. The new model featured the same S55 engine from the F8X M3/M4. The M2 was finally a proper “M” car and had the power to prove it. Power was up by 40hp and 63 lb-ft of torque! Aside from a completely new engine, the F87 M2 Competition received a revised cooling system and for the U.S. market, a larger 400mm brake kit as standard, internally known as the 2NH. Be warned, 19” wheels or larger are required for cars equipped with that brake setup.
What Makes it a Good Track Car?
Both the standard F87 M2 and M2 competition make excellent cars for track duty. Throw on a set of wide F87 M2 wheels from Apex along with a set of track pads and you’ll be setting some shockingly quick lap times. These cars have proven themselves to be pretty stout, at least at stock power levels. The M2 Competition does suffer the same potential weak point at the crank hub, as it shares its engine with the F8X M3/M4. Luckily if you don’t plan on modding your M2 to oblivion, this shouldn’t stop you from enjoying some long days out on the track.
Like all modern M cars, the F87 M2 has got power in spades. Mix this with the lightest chassis out of the M car line up at the time of production, and you’ve got a sweet ultimate driving machine. Add in a widened set of F87 M2 wheels and this thing is unstoppable on track. The precise chassis tuning makes the M2 easy to handle at the limit. Even with all that power on tap, the Active M differential allows you to put power down with ease.
As you would expect from a modern BMW, the F87 can be a perfect one car solution. Checkout Car and Driver’s long term review to read more about our favorite of the modern BMW bunch: Car & Driver 40,000 Mile Review of the BMW F87 M2
VS-5RS Specifications
* Designed to fit BMW 5x120mm center caps
F87 Gallery
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Fitment Help
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.
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 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.
A Stronger Lightweight Wheel
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?
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
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.
VS-5RS Warranty
A Wheel You Can Depend On
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.
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.
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
