BMW M3 Forum (E90 E92)

BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   M3Post - BMW M3 Forum > E90/E92 M3 Technical Topics > Wheels + Tires Sponsored by The Tire Rack
  TireRack

KEEP M3POST ALIVE BY DOING YOUR TIRERACK SHOPPING FROM THIS BANNER LINK!
Closed Thread
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      12-12-2011, 01:44 AM   #1
///m3d
Captain
///m3d's Avatar
231
Rep
896
Posts

Drives: E82 1M3 Clone 2.0 StreetClone
Join Date: May 2011
Location: California

iTrader: (2)

Apex Arc 8 vs BBS GT4 vs ZCP

I am looking to pick up a new set of wheels. At the moment these are the three contenders as I like the general "ZCP" style.

I am looking for a wheel that will be equally at home on the street as on the track. My car is my DD and my "track" car. Bonus points if you recommend a good street/track tire to go with them!

I know the ZCPs are 19's where the other two are 18's. Honestly I am leaning toward the 18's due to tire selection but I tossed the ZCPs in the mix because I really like their look.

I also realize there is a sizable price range represented here. Would I be able to tell the difference between the Apex and GT4 to justify the price?
__________________
Current: 1///M3 Clone 2.0 - The Build Log, 2009 E90 ///M3 - JB | BLK | SPEED CLOTH | SLICKTOP | 6MT
Previous: 2005 E46 ///M3 - IB | M CLOTH, 1999 E36 ///M3/2/5 DINAN S3 - Estoril | BLK, 1999 E36 ///M3/2/5 - TiAg | BLK, 1998 E36 ///M3/4/5 - Estoril | BLK, 2005 E46 ///M3 - SG | CIN, 2002 E39 ///M5 - TiAg | BLK, 2010 E92 ///M3 - LMB | BLK, 2008 E90 ///M3 - IB | BLK, 2006 E46 ///M3 - IR | CIN
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2011, 09:45 AM   #2
THE TECH
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
THE TECH's Avatar
307
Rep
13,093
Posts


Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Kansas

iTrader: (45)

Garage List
If you can afford the BBS, grab them! I would do the OEM ZCP second and the Arc last.
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2011, 10:03 AM   #3
pbonsalb
Lieutenant General
5176
Rep
10,551
Posts

Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: New England

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ///m3d View Post

Would I be able to tell the difference between the Apex and GT4 to justify the price?
How would you be able to tell the difference? The BBS is certainly the better wheel, but the vast majority of drivers would never know. With tires, many drivers could feel the difference between 2 tires of the same weight and size.

I run on ARC8. Lightweight, great bang for the buck. Put snows on the stock wheels.
Appreciate 1
05Mdriver345.50
      12-12-2011, 10:11 AM   #4
M3roar
Lieutenant
M3roar's Avatar
19
Rep
456
Posts

Drives: 2010 e92 M3
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Houston, Texas

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2010 BMW M3 e92  [9.34]
1998 BMW M3  [8.50]
Problem with the GT4 wheel is that they need big spacers. Granted on my Apex Arc8 set up I did out 10mm spacers in back but that's cause my car isn't lowered and I wanted it to look as flush as my 18x10 275/35 front wheels. But the GT4 need like 18 mm spacer at least. And they cost double a set of apex. If your considering running 19s your probably not gonna tell the difference between the two 18s.
__________________
"Out of pure habit, I gave a black M3 a point by on the way home from work this evening." - ThunderMoose
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2011, 10:40 AM   #5
///m3d
Captain
///m3d's Avatar
231
Rep
896
Posts

Drives: E82 1M3 Clone 2.0 StreetClone
Join Date: May 2011
Location: California

iTrader: (2)

I currently have the OEM 19's and I am not a big fan. I have had the OEM 18's on a previous car as well. While I can definitely tell the difference between the 19's and 18's I am not convinced that I would be able to distinguish a difference between the two 18's.

Just curious if there are any reasons to pick the GT4 over the Apex (or vice versa) given my intended use.
__________________
Current: 1///M3 Clone 2.0 - The Build Log, 2009 E90 ///M3 - JB | BLK | SPEED CLOTH | SLICKTOP | 6MT
Previous: 2005 E46 ///M3 - IB | M CLOTH, 1999 E36 ///M3/2/5 DINAN S3 - Estoril | BLK, 1999 E36 ///M3/2/5 - TiAg | BLK, 1998 E36 ///M3/4/5 - Estoril | BLK, 2005 E46 ///M3 - SG | CIN, 2002 E39 ///M5 - TiAg | BLK, 2010 E92 ///M3 - LMB | BLK, 2008 E90 ///M3 - IB | BLK, 2006 E46 ///M3 - IR | CIN
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2011, 10:46 AM   #6
THE TECH
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
THE TECH's Avatar
307
Rep
13,093
Posts


Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Kansas

iTrader: (45)

Garage List
BBS is a higher quality wheel, period. If you want a cheaper wheel then by all means go with the Apex one.
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2011, 10:59 AM   #7
bigjae1976
Major General
bigjae1976's Avatar
1566
Rep
8,074
Posts

Drives: 11 E90 M3 Individual
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Houston, TX

iTrader: (22)

Garage List
2004 BMW M3  [4.50]
2011 BMW E90 M3  [5.25]
2013 BMW 328i  [5.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by THE TECH View Post
BBS is a higher quality wheel, period. If you want a cheaper wheel then by all means go with the Apex one.
True. But many have used the ARC8s on the track without issues.

I've used my ARC8s on the street in Korea. The roads are absolutely terrible there. Smacked quite a few potholes and my ARC8s have held up damned well. None of my wheels have a foot long stack of wheel weights on the back and the wheels have had no balancing issues with 3 sets of tires.

My matte black finish has been very durable as well.

Again...the ARC8s are probably not as strong as the BBS. The finish is not perfect. And they come with super cheesy CF center caps. If costs were a concern, I'd go the ARC8 route and you'd be missing very little.

The only potential thing I have not experience is how well/if the ARC8s work with TPMS. I haven't seen any complaints either.
__________________
2018 F30 320iX Melbourne Red
2011 E90 M3 Monte Carlo Blue
2004 E46 M3 Imola Red
2000 E36/7 Z3 Steel Blue
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2011, 11:02 AM   #8
THE TECH
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
THE TECH's Avatar
307
Rep
13,093
Posts


Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Kansas

iTrader: (45)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by bigjae1976 View Post
True. But many have used the ARC8s on the track without issues.

I've used my ARC8s on the street in Korea. The roads are absolutely terrible there. Smacked quite a few potholes and my ARC8s have held up damned well. None of my wheels have a foot long stack of wheel weights on the back and the wheels have had no balancing issues with 3 sets of tires.

My matte black finish has been very durable as well.

Again...the ARC8s are probably not as strong as the BBS. The finish is not perfect. And they come with super cheesy CF center caps. If costs were a concern, I'd go the ARC8 route and you'd be missing very little.

The only potential thing I have not experience is how well/if the ARC8s work with TPMS. I haven't seen any complaints either.
I never said the Apex wheels were bad, just that the BBS are better. I mean if you are contemplating the BBS, why would the Apex even come into consideration? Seems like mostly a budget thing at that point.
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2011, 12:12 PM   #9
M3roar
Lieutenant
M3roar's Avatar
19
Rep
456
Posts

Drives: 2010 e92 M3
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Houston, Texas

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2010 BMW M3 e92  [9.34]
1998 BMW M3  [8.50]
Quote:
Originally Posted by THE TECH View Post
I never said the Apex wheels were bad, just that the BBS are better. I mean if you are contemplating the BBS, why would the Apex even come into consideration? Seems like mostly a budget thing at that point.
No really just budget, also if you want to run big spacers or not.
__________________
"Out of pure habit, I gave a black M3 a point by on the way home from work this evening." - ThunderMoose
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2011, 01:32 PM   #10
bigjae1976
Major General
bigjae1976's Avatar
1566
Rep
8,074
Posts

Drives: 11 E90 M3 Individual
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Houston, TX

iTrader: (22)

Garage List
2004 BMW M3  [4.50]
2011 BMW E90 M3  [5.25]
2013 BMW 328i  [5.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by THE TECH View Post
I never said the Apex wheels were bad, just that the BBS are better. I mean if you are contemplating the BBS, why would the Apex even come into consideration? Seems like mostly a budget thing at that point.
I didn't mean to imply you were. Agreed...if you have ca$h, go with the BBS. I'd take a set of RGR or RS-GTs over the ARC8s...if I could spend $3k+ on wheels.
__________________
2018 F30 320iX Melbourne Red
2011 E90 M3 Monte Carlo Blue
2004 E46 M3 Imola Red
2000 E36/7 Z3 Steel Blue
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2011, 01:49 PM   #11
Z K
Major General
Z K's Avatar
1886
Rep
5,504
Posts

Drives: E90 M3, G20 M340i
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: San Francisco

iTrader: (3)

If you are interested in performance, the ZCP is pretty much out the window. It's the heaviest wheel and it'll slow you down.

The ARC wheels are light and inexpensive which makes it a great track wheel. Track wheels get beat up and you always need a way to replace them inexpensively. IMHO, it's the ugliest one out of the wheels you mentioned. In 18" it just looks tiny on the M3. The stock 18" wheels easily look 10x better.

The BBS GT4 looks great but you need adapters to get it to fit and if you damage one, it'll be expensive to replace.
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2011, 03:03 PM   #12
M3roar
Lieutenant
M3roar's Avatar
19
Rep
456
Posts

Drives: 2010 e92 M3
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Houston, Texas

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2010 BMW M3 e92  [9.34]
1998 BMW M3  [8.50]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Z K View Post
If you are interested in performance, the ZCP is pretty much out the window. It's the heaviest wheel and it'll slow you down.

The ARC wheels are light and inexpensive which makes it a great track wheel. Track wheels get beat up and you always need a way to replace them inexpensively. IMHO, it's the ugliest one out of the wheels you mentioned. In 18" it just looks tiny on the M3. The stock 18" wheels easily look 10x better.

The BBS GT4 looks great but you need adapters to get it to fit and if you damage one, it'll be expensive to replace.
UGLY! you have got to be kidding... check out the fine examples in my Apex thread.... my car is the black one toward the bottom of the page with silver wheels... no was does it look too small or even small.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...1#post10962561
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2011, 03:13 PM   #13
///m3d
Captain
///m3d's Avatar
231
Rep
896
Posts

Drives: E82 1M3 Clone 2.0 StreetClone
Join Date: May 2011
Location: California

iTrader: (2)

Do you run the ARC's on the street as well or just the track?
__________________
Current: 1///M3 Clone 2.0 - The Build Log, 2009 E90 ///M3 - JB | BLK | SPEED CLOTH | SLICKTOP | 6MT
Previous: 2005 E46 ///M3 - IB | M CLOTH, 1999 E36 ///M3/2/5 DINAN S3 - Estoril | BLK, 1999 E36 ///M3/2/5 - TiAg | BLK, 1998 E36 ///M3/4/5 - Estoril | BLK, 2005 E46 ///M3 - SG | CIN, 2002 E39 ///M5 - TiAg | BLK, 2010 E92 ///M3 - LMB | BLK, 2008 E90 ///M3 - IB | BLK, 2006 E46 ///M3 - IR | CIN
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2011, 03:35 PM   #14
M3roar
Lieutenant
M3roar's Avatar
19
Rep
456
Posts

Drives: 2010 e92 M3
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Houston, Texas

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2010 BMW M3 e92  [9.34]
1998 BMW M3  [8.50]
Quote:
Originally Posted by ///m3d View Post
Do you run the ARC's on the street as well or just the track?
yes for a few days before a track day... haha.. I got PS2s on my stock 19s and I prefer to use those for daily use. As far as looks goes. I would honestly consider keeping the ARC8s for daily. They look sooo aggressive... heres a picture from the other thread.



to compare with 19s


Last edited by M3roar; 12-12-2011 at 03:49 PM..
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2011, 03:48 PM   #15
Z K
Major General
Z K's Avatar
1886
Rep
5,504
Posts

Drives: E90 M3, G20 M340i
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: San Francisco

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by M3roar View Post
UGLY! you have got to be kidding... check out the fine examples in my Apex thread.... my car is the black one toward the bottom of the page with silver wheels... no was does it look too small or even small.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...1#post10962561
They look aggressive as in it's wide and it has a concave face, doesn't mean it's a particularly stylish design and in 18" size on the M3, it looks small.

The ZCP looks the best of the ones mentioned.
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2011, 04:11 PM   #16
MEHP
Enlisted Member
Germany
2
Rep
45
Posts

Drives: Track: M3 E46, Daily: M135i
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Germany

iTrader: (0)

I'd go for the GT4-wheel. Looks amazing, is light and solid. Bad thing is the price but I think it's worth it. On the track, there's nothing worse than a heavy wheel IMO.
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2011, 05:25 PM   #17
Eddy@ApexWheels
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
Eddy@ApexWheels's Avatar
442
Rep
1,658
Posts


Drives: E30 M3, F10 M5
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Bay Area, CA

iTrader: (6)

I can't comment on aesthetic design as that is purely a personal choice that has no impact on functionality, but I can point out a few technical details that should be considered if the purpose of the wheels are for a performance or practical use.

The ARC-8 is a spacer free direct fit for the E9X M3. The load rating exceeds JWL requirements and the wheels are VIA certified. They are available in 4 finishes and readily available.

Weights are as follows:

18x9.5" ET22 - 19.1lbs
18x10" ET25 - 19.95lbs
18x10.5" ET27 - 20.45lbs

The GT4 wheel requires a spacer in the rear of at least 18mm, and it is NOT certified for street use. It's sold as a race only wheel which means you do not know how it's been optimized for weight savings vs. strength. There are zero requirements for track only wheels, so we can't be sure it's an apples to apples comparison. There is no 10.5" size available in this design. It's available in one finish and is not as readily available. I'm not sure if it needs centering rings.

Weights are as follows:
18x9.5" ET25 - 21.3lbs
18x10" ET40 - 21.5lbs before 18mm spacer
__________________
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2011, 05:36 PM   #18
persian54
Lieutenant General
persian54's Avatar
United_States
921
Rep
15,818
Posts

Drives: M760/G83M4
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: The Valley, SoCal

iTrader: (298)

APEX wheels are great

Another wheel you can look into would be a set of Volk TE37SLs
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2011, 07:01 PM   #19
///m3d
Captain
///m3d's Avatar
231
Rep
896
Posts

Drives: E82 1M3 Clone 2.0 StreetClone
Join Date: May 2011
Location: California

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the suggestion but the Volk's aren't really my cup of tea.
Sounds like the Apex may be the better compromise wheel.

Paintpro:
Do the ARC's accept TPMS?
__________________
Current: 1///M3 Clone 2.0 - The Build Log, 2009 E90 ///M3 - JB | BLK | SPEED CLOTH | SLICKTOP | 6MT
Previous: 2005 E46 ///M3 - IB | M CLOTH, 1999 E36 ///M3/2/5 DINAN S3 - Estoril | BLK, 1999 E36 ///M3/2/5 - TiAg | BLK, 1998 E36 ///M3/4/5 - Estoril | BLK, 2005 E46 ///M3 - SG | CIN, 2002 E39 ///M5 - TiAg | BLK, 2010 E92 ///M3 - LMB | BLK, 2008 E90 ///M3 - IB | BLK, 2006 E46 ///M3 - IR | CIN

Last edited by ///m3d; 12-12-2011 at 08:05 PM..
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2011, 10:50 PM   #20
M3roar
Lieutenant
M3roar's Avatar
19
Rep
456
Posts

Drives: 2010 e92 M3
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Houston, Texas

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2010 BMW M3 e92  [9.34]
1998 BMW M3  [8.50]
Quote:
Originally Posted by ///m3d View Post
Thanks for the suggestion but the Volk's aren't really my cup of tea.
Sounds like the Apex may be the better compromise wheel.

Paintpro:
Do the ARC's accept TPMS?
I just run mine without TPMS... the light doesnt bug me.... but eventually if I can I might put some on.
Appreciate 0
      12-13-2011, 11:26 AM   #21
Eddy@ApexWheels
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
Eddy@ApexWheels's Avatar
442
Rep
1,658
Posts


Drives: E30 M3, F10 M5
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Bay Area, CA

iTrader: (6)

Yes, they accept TPMS sensors. Also OEM lugs, and OEM center caps.

most don't run them for dedicated track setups, but for dual duty or street only they are installing sensors.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      12-13-2011, 12:31 PM   #22
///m3d
Captain
///m3d's Avatar
231
Rep
896
Posts

Drives: E82 1M3 Clone 2.0 StreetClone
Join Date: May 2011
Location: California

iTrader: (2)

Yeah I would be dual duty so I think I would like to keep them intact.
__________________
Current: 1///M3 Clone 2.0 - The Build Log, 2009 E90 ///M3 - JB | BLK | SPEED CLOTH | SLICKTOP | 6MT
Previous: 2005 E46 ///M3 - IB | M CLOTH, 1999 E36 ///M3/2/5 DINAN S3 - Estoril | BLK, 1999 E36 ///M3/2/5 - TiAg | BLK, 1998 E36 ///M3/4/5 - Estoril | BLK, 2005 E46 ///M3 - SG | CIN, 2002 E39 ///M5 - TiAg | BLK, 2010 E92 ///M3 - LMB | BLK, 2008 E90 ///M3 - IB | BLK, 2006 E46 ///M3 - IR | CIN
Appreciate 0
Closed Thread

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:21 AM.




m3post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST