D-Force LTW5 wheels

[03SG///M3]

Anyone have experience with these wheels with some NT01's? I'm considering getting a square set from bimmerworld as they are relatively inexpensive. My only concern is that they are weak and of low quality.

[LiM3y]

I have these from Bimmerworld, with NT-05 mounted. I like them, they feel very light - you notice when you take the OEMs off!.

So far, 4 track days, no sign of problems with bending and I managed to knock the alignment out on my M3 by hitting a kerb without bending a rim.

The best advert I have seen that made me feel better was that a team running in a SCCA Pro IT race was using D-Force LTW-5 rims. I think Turner sells them which somehow gives me confidence in their quality. I was looking for a picture. I also figure a bent rim is cheap to replace!

[jml]

The closest thing I know of are the TR MT-1s, similar weight and cost - and I have bent 2 already without going off the track. I'd probably try the Dforce if I had to do it all again. I noticed BimmerWorld has the 18x9.5xET35 on sale for $270 too (you'll need a 12mm spacer and if you want luxurious wheel changes, studs too).

[FrenchBoy]

I have the D-Force mounted with Dunlop Star Spec 275/35/18 all around. I have done 6-8 track days with them so far and I have zero complaints. They are strong and light. You will need spacers though. I use 12mm in the front and 15mm in the rear.

[LiM3y]

Originally Posted by FrenchBoy

I have the D-Force mounted with Dunlop Star Spec 275/35/18 all around. I have done 6-8 track days with them so far and I have zero complaints. They are strong and light. You will need spacers though. I use 12mm in the front and 15mm in the rear.

I use 15 front/12 rear???? You must be wrong!!!!! (joke)

[03SG///M3]

Thanks. I would like to get this wheel/tire setup by i may need to wait a little longer. Since i have a track day coming up, i may just use my OEM wheels/PS2's even though i know i'm going to get very frustrated with lack of grip.

Any idea how much life of the tire i will take away by using my PS2's during 3 30 min sessions? I have racing and a lot of track experience and run in the advanced group. Trying to determine if its even worth it...

[von_zoom]

Any idea how much life of the tire i will take away by using my PS2's during 3 30 min sessions?

I suspect that if you push it hard, you will use a bunch of rubber. The car is heavy, goes fast quickly, and fights the urge to stop. Bottom line, tire wear.
vz

[03SG///M3]

Originally Posted by von_zoom

I suspect that if you push it hard, you will use a bunch of rubber. The car is heavy, goes fast quickly, and fights the urge to stop. Bottom line, tire wear.
vz

yup that's what i was afraid of. No use in wasting my street tires while not even having a lot of fun (no grip) on track.

Thanks.

[LiM3y]

Originally Posted by 03SG///M3

yup that's what i was afraid of. No use in wasting my street tires while not even having a lot of fun (no grip) on track.

Thanks.

Shred some cheap track tires! I got two track days and 10K out of my OEM PS2 running in novice and intermediate. The Nittos seem to be holding up quite well through 3 events.

Two more days on the docket for NJMP on Monday and Tuesday next week!

[Jaypod]

Those wheels seem to be a pretty solid choice. I have seen quite a few race prepped e46's running them.

[03SG///M3]

Does the wheel not fill the wheel well if i don't get spacers?

[03SG///M3]

What are the recommended spacers for the D-force wheels? Are the rogue engineering spacers any good (available at bimmerworld)?

[KM3]

I'm running these in 18x9.5 ET35 with Rouge 12mm spacers all around. You definitely need the spacers, otherwise the wheel is too recessed and gets too close to (even touches) the suspension assembly. These are great, strong wheels and are nice and light.

The rouge spacers are great. If you go with their 10 or 12, make sure your wheels are compatible - they must have a chamfered hub face. Most wheels (including these and the stock wheels) are fine but it's always good to double check.

[03SG///M3]

Originally Posted by KM3

I'm running these in 18x9.5 ET35 with Rouge 12mm spacers all around. You definitely need the spacers, otherwise the wheel is too recessed and gets too close to (even touches) the suspension assembly. These are great, strong wheels and are nice and light.

The rouge spacers are great. If you go with their 10 or 12, make sure your wheels are compatible - they must have a chamfered hub face. Most wheels (including these and the stock wheels) are fine but it's always good to double check.

Great. Thanks for the info. Do you have any pics of your car with these wheels and spacers?

[KM3]

None with me... I just put them back on for a track day tomorrow so I will try and snap a couple pics when I get home tonight.

[FrenchBoy]

I am running my D-Force wheels with 12mm spacers up front, and 15mm in the rear. I could definitely use 12mm all around but I find the rear wheels already too tucked in for my taste. 12mm would be worse.

Plus, I am trying to go for same track width front and back. With my setup, the front track is already about .5" wider then the rear.

Here are a couple of shots on my car:

[aus]

Why not just get the Apex wheel then. 10" all around or 9.5" front and 10" rear.

[03SG///M3]

What is the apex wheel?
Does OZ make an 18" wheel? I had a nice set of ultrleggera track wheels for my e46 m3 that I loved and they weren't too expensive. It seems there isn't a track wheel in the price range of around 350 to 400 a wheel. It's either Really cheap or really expensive

[KM3]

I've heard good things about the Apex wheels - they're light, have good offsets, and were designed to clear the Stoptech 380mm BBK. Personally, I went with the D-Force wheels since they have a proven track record.

[noxredna]

I considered running the D-Force LTW5 wheels as well, they are proven but the offsets are just not built for E9x M3s.. they are excellent for regular E9X, but not the M3s.. You have to run large spacers to get it to fit properly. I am okay with running spacers and I do think I do think that the wider track with spacers make a difference but I would rather not have to run spacers if I did’t have to.

That’s why I went with APEX 18x9.5 and 18x10.. Price wise is the same and so far no issues. I track a considerable amount as well and I do have one extra wheel on each side just in case I do bent them (or tire pucnture) on the track and I need a replacement immediately during raceday.

[03SG///M3]

I wonder if the bbs ch 18" 8 x 10 wheels would fit all around on the m3

[aus]

Originally Posted by 03SG///M3

What is the apex wheel?
Does OZ make an 18" wheel? I had a nice set of ultrleggera track wheels for my e46 m3 that I loved and they weren't too expensive. It seems there isn't a track wheel in the price range of around 350 to 400 a wheel. It's either Really cheap or really expensive

You just missed the group buy, but they're still pretty reasonable, but a little more. The offsets are better for our car.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=382667

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