BMW E85 & E86 Z4 M Wheels

BMW E85 E86 Z4 M Wheel Performance

The E85 and E85 Z4M was recognized as a capable platform immediately after its launch in 2006, but despite the increase in horsepower from the S54, the OE Z4 M wheels retained the same tire widths as the non-M model it was based on. This led to a tendency to understeer when pushed to the limit and makes upgrading to a wider set of lightweight performance wheels and tires one of the best performance mods an owner can do.

We created our forged wheels like the VS-5RS, EC-7RS, SM-10RS as well as the flow formed wheels such as the ARC-8, EC-7, FL-5 and SM-10s in chassis specific fitments for your Z4. Optimize your next set of wheels in our E85 & E86 Z4M Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide.

About the E85 and E86 Z4M

The E85 & E86 Z4M made its initial debut at the 2006 New York Auto Show and sold through the model years of 2006-2008. The first and only generation of BMW’s beloved Z4M was offered in two unique body styles, with the E85 as a soft top roadster, and the E86 as a hardtop coupe with a hatchback instead of the folding convertible roof. Both cars utilize the legendary 3.2 liter naturally aspirated inline-six S54 engine, pushing 330 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque at the crank. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a mechanical limited-slip differential paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, which was the only available option for both the E85 & E86 Z4M models. Furthermore, the Z4M also utilizes a hydraulic power steering rack, compared to the non-M variant’s electric power steering setup, providing additional feedback and improved overall steering feel. While the E85 has the standard steering rack from the E46 M3, the E86 uses the upgraded steering rack from the M3 CSL, which offers a quicker ratio from lock to lock.

Commonly referred to by enthusiasts as one of the most “raw and visceral” cars BMW has ever produced, the Z4M offers a ton of performance in a relatively lightweight and compact package.

The E85 & E86 Z4M was originally designed by Chris Bangle and when first unveiled, created quite a bit of controversy within the enthusiasts community. Much like the rest of the cars Bangle developed during his time at BMW, the once outlandish and striking aesthetics of the E85 & E86 Z4M have aged incredibly well as a classy and timeless design. Especially with the E86 hardtop coupe variant, the blend of the low-slung roof line paired with the rear-set cabin provides a refined yet muscular appearance that truly represents how the car feels from the driver’s seat. Filling out the massive rear fenders with a set of wide and low offset E85 & E86 Z4M wheels goes a long way in complementing the overall design aesthetics of these cars. If you would like to learn more about the E85 & E86 Z4M, Hagerty wrote up an excellent article which you can find via the link: Hagerty: Is The Z4M Coupe About To Come Of Age?