New Rims - Apex Arc 8 with AP Brakes

D

DONDP

Member
I had been procrastinating for a while over which set of 18" wheels to get for my Z4M. For day to day use I have a set of 19" wheels but I wanted a set of lightweight 18" rims so I could put some extra sticky rubber on them for summer/track use. The challenge I had was getting a set with the correct offsets that would fit over the AP brakes. Enter Apex Race Parts.

They offer a few styles, the lightest being the Arc 8, which was my preferred option. I didn't want to go wider than 8.5" on the front so started my enquiries about fitment with AP racing brakes.

I unfortunately had a lot of conflicting information and the recommendation from Apex was to go for the EC-7 style as it had more clearance. Not convinced I continued hunting.

I eventually tracked down an image of the 8.5" Arc 8 with an offset of ET38 fitting over the Stoptech trophy kit on an e46 M3. Comparing calliper schematics between the APs and Stoptechs it all looked good.

So I went ahead and ordered the following:

2 x Apex Arc 8 18x8.5 ET 38
2 x Apex Arc 8 18x9.5 ET 22

They arrived today and fit perfectly with no spacers required to clear the AP Brakes. I Think they look awesome, others will prefer the 19" CSLs but the car definitely drives better on 18s.

I took some quick pics, apologies for the poor quality:

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Your car setup is awesome, the apex wheels are on my wish list of mods to do to my M when i get it over the winter.
 
Thanks buddy, has taken me a long time to get it where it is. After over 5 years of ownership and fettling with the handling characteristics have I only just thought 'hmmmm - maybe more power....'
 
Looking good GP06, Nice to know i am joining the exclusive Apex club...

I just noticed that Apex have started doing the Arc 8s in a 19" size too. Would be a great alternative to a set of CSLs for those in the market.
 
Dave - looking very nice and very very track ready now ;)

This post comes at a good time - I was intending on contacting you to learn more about Fleet lifestyle. ;)
Speak soon!

Hope you got that swimming pool ahem garden sorted !
 
Nice to hear from you Amanjit!

Have been tracking her on the OEM 18s with Federal RSR track tyres, definitely the way to go ;-).

Drop me a text or give me a call buddy, sounds as though you are considering a move out of the city... Might get expensive if you find a place with a garage...
 
don..... that looks incredible. nothing more to add. PERFECT, and dat red doeeeeee........ HOT.
 
Thanks for the kind words chaps.

The car drives soooo much better on these lightweight 18s I do wonder if I will ever bother putting the CSLs back on... And at roughy £100 a corner for these Federal RSRs it might even end up saving me money.

Might even try the Nankang NS2R next too :-)
 
jpeeters said:
Looks great!

Did you compare weight of the Arc 8's vs the CSL's?
Click to expand...

I haven't but I have the stock weights of the Apex's without tires. Can always weigh them with tires next time they are off the car if of interest.

It will be back up on the Jack stands in a few weeks as my mods/parts bin is filling up nicely :D
 
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