BMW F80 M3 Wheel Performance
With a switch away from natural aspiration, the OE F80 M3 Wheel fitments were surprisingly narrow relative to the substantial increase in torque, compared to the E9X M3. When drivers are looking to maximize the performance of this modern super sedan, a lightweight chassis-optimized set of wheels is one of the best modifications they can make. We built a huge range of wheels including our Forged VS-5RS, EC-7RS, and SM-10RS. Flow formed wheels include ARC-8, EC-7, FL-5 and SM-10. With a catalog this large, be sure to review our BMW F80 M3 Wheel and Tire Fitment Guide to lock in your perfect set of Apex wheels.
About the F80 M3
Unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in 2014, the F80 generation was at the time, the most controversial generation to don the M3 name. To conform with ever tightening emissions regulations, BMW returned to an I-6 powerplant, but with the addition of twin turbo chargers. The end result was a peak power figure of 425 HP between 5,500 and 7,300 rpm and a whopping 406 lb-ft of torque beginning at just 1,850rpm. Despite the F80’s slightly larger dimensions vs the outgoing model, that impressive power output combined with a host of weight saving features, resulted in a 0-60 time of just 4.1 seconds in DCT equipped vehicles.
The big “firsts” for this generation of M3, aside from the obvious addition of turbochargers, consisted of optional Carbon Ceramic brakes, an electronically controlled LSD named the “Active M Differential”, and most notably, designating the coupe and two door convertible models, the M4. Aside from the typical mid generation facelift which included small tweaks to the head and tail lights and infotainment, a competition package variant was added in 2016. Changes included a power bump to 444 hp, revised tuning of the active M differential, a number of tweaks to the DCS programming, suspension upgrades, and new front seats.
What Makes it a Good Track Car
Big power, fantastic brakes, and good handling. BMW knows the recipe when it comes to making a well balanced sports sedan or coupe. Sure the optional Carbon Ceramic Brakes make a big difference on track, but even the base model was equipped as standard with a 380mm front setup with 4 piston calipers at all four corners. For the first time in M3 history BMW gave the people a brake kit worthy of track use. Rounding out the back, that fancy E-LSD makes easy use out of the power on tap. Utilizing a network of sensors, the on board computer can identify road conditions and available traction to achieve the optimal amount of lock to maximize grip.
Something we here at Apex are extra thankful for is that BMW left plenty of room under the fenders for a meaty wheel and tire setup. When you're shopping for F80 M3 wheels, you won’t be limited to a wimpy stock like fitment with little concavity. We’ve got direct fit options as wide as 10” up front and 11” out back.
Don’t just take our word for it! Automotive journalist Chris Harris was a major F80 fan from day one. Checkout his video review from back when this chassis was first released: CHRIS HARRIS ON CARS - F80 M3, full road and track test
VS-5RS Specifications
* Designed to fit BMW 5x120mm center caps
F80 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
