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.
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?
* Designed to fit BMW 5x120mm 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.
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.
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
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 VS-5RS wheels are purpose built for select vehicle applications. Very few applications require centering rings.
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.
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.
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