⚡ Labor Day: All ARC-8 & VS-5 On Sale – Ends Sept 4 ⚡

BMW E36 M3 Wheels

Lightweight forged & flow formed Apex wheels for your 1992-1999 BMW E36 M3. Browse our inventory of BMW wheels.

All

11/11 Designs

Forged Sprint line

Forged Touring line

Forged Enduro line

Flow Formed Evolution line

Flow Formed Classic line

Finish: Anthracite

$1,184.40$1,316.00Save $131.60

Overview

BMW E36 M3 Wheel Performance

While this generation of M3 was arguably one of the most balanced BMW’s ever made, the OE E36 M3 wheels made the car prone to understeer at the limits of grip. The staggered width and narrow 225 section front tires reduced the overall performance capability of this classic BMW. Luckily, in the long years since its release, we’ve released many E36 M3 forged wheels like the VS-5RS, SM-10RS, and EC-7RS along with our ever popular ARC-8, EC-7, FL-5 and SM-10 in chassis specific fitments. Whether you’re looking to neutralize understeer or clear massive brakes, our E36 M3 Wheel and Tire Fitment Guide has detailed options perfect for your car.

About the E36 M3

Often considered to be one of the less loved M3 generations, the E36 debuted for the U.S. market in 1995, three years after its introduction in Europe. As a result of somewhat poor sales figures for the original E30 M3 in the U.S., BMW of North America had to be convinced to bring the new M3 across the pond. Thankfully, an Editor at the BMW Car Club of America named Rob Roemer encouraged readers and fellow journalists to make their voices heard. Over 150 letters rolled into North America’s BMW HQ, begging for the new souped up three-series. The effort was well received, however BMW NA knew the euro spec E36 M3 was priced well above the budget of their customer base. A decision was made to bring over the E36 M3 with an upgraded version of the M50 six cylinder found in the lower models, rather than the expensive and high maintenance S50 I6 engine. With bored out cylinders upping displacement from 2.5l to 3.0l and more aggressive camshafts, the U.S. spec model made a respectable 240 hp and 225 ft/lbs of torque (236 ft/lbs for the later S52 engine). While down on power, the torque figure remained nearly identical to the Euro spec model along with less intensive maintenance requirements. Another notable change included bespoke E36 M3 wheels including the iconic style 24M BMW motorsport wheel design.

This chassis was originally offered in coupe and convertible configurations, with a sedan version being added later on, in an effort to make up for a temporary lack of an M5 model. Transmission options came in the flavor of a 5spd manual that was later replaced in favor of a 6spd unit, along with a 5spd torque converter auto. Most notably, for the first time in BMW history, a sequential manual option was added, dubbed the SMG.

What Makes it a Good Track Car

The Legendary E36 M3 deserves more than just a few paragraphs to explain why enthusiasts still pay high prices for clean examples more than 20 years later. If you’re here to learn about this chassis rather than shop E36 M3 Wheels, check out the article by Road and Track, Enthusiasts Love the E36 M3.

To put it simply, the U.S. spec E36 M3 was a simple, lightweight, and balanced car. Enthusiasts love its predictable handling at the limit along with its silky smooth I-6 engine and linear power band. While it doesn’t have the brute power of the later e46 M3 model, the E36 delights its occupants with agile handling and gobs of steering feel. Better yet, it just looks so darn good flying by on the front straight or sitting in the paddock. The E36 design really has aged well.

ARC-8 Specifications

 
Front
Rear
SKU
ARC817...
ARC817...
Wheel Size
17x9" ET42
17x9" ET42
Offset
42mm
42mm
Face Profile
Profile 1
Profile 1
Bolt Pattern
5x120mm
5x120mm
Center Bore
72.56mm
72.56mm
Centering Ring
N/A Direct fit
N/A Direct fit
Lug Seat
60 Degree Conical
60 Degree Conical
Center Cap
Gloss Black
Gloss Black
OEM Cap
Compatible*
Compatible*
Load Rating
1,455 lbs
1,455 lbs
Weight
17.8 lbs
17.8 lbs
Tested By
VIA
VIA
Test Reference #
VIA - Passed
VIA - Passed
Front Profile
Rear Profile
Product image
Product image
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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

See terms and conditions.

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.

See terms and conditions.

Footnotes

¹ All wheels compared with equivalent 18x10” ET25 5x120mm / 72.56mm fitment. Price displayed based on MSRP as of 5/16/2025.

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