Apex EC-7 wheels buckled and twisted

[MFKN3]

I’ve got a set of 18” EC-7 that I use at the track for timeattack events with semi slicks. My M3 is 95% a track car and to date these wheels have been used at the track only.

I got the rubber replaced recently to be told by the tyre tech that 3 of the 4 wheels are considerably buckled and I should get them checked or replaced. He showed me one and I could see considerable ‘flat spots’ on the inner rim.

I took it to a repair shop and had them spun, to find 2 of the 4 are severely buckled and twisted through the centre, the third is heavily buckled and the fourth is lightly buckled. So now have a large repair bill.

These Apex wheels apparently can’t handle the heat and ripple strips and I’ve lost faith in them.

I get some buckling is not uncommon in track wheels, but has anyone else encountered severe problems with Apex?

[tdott]

Sounds like track abuse, any rim is going to have issues hitting curbs and going off at high speeds, that is part of the game.
Sounds like common damage for flow formed wheels.

Try the forged lineup as they are stronger. They also have an enduro spec wheel which is heavier but stronger.


If you bought from Apex they have a 50% off replacement warranty for these type of physical damage.

[berns]

The EC-7 is just their standard budget wheel. They offer both forged sprint wheels and forged endurance line now. I have yet to bend my sprint VS5-RS. Reach out to APEX if you bought from them.

If not, consider a proper track wheel from their lineup or Titan7.

[jmeenach]

Get one of their forged wheels and you should be OK. I have the VR5-RS with 20+ track days and haven't had any issues.

Apex also stands behind their products in my experience, so you should give them a call like others mentioned. Not sure if the 50% replacement can be applied to the purchase of a different wheel of theirs, but it's definitely worth the ask.

[nickauger]

I've been throught 3 of 4 wheels on my last set of EC7 . Same problem. They are not robust enought for track use.

[MFKN3]

Thanks for all the input and updates. I asked the wheel repairer if I should look at getting the forged version and he said he also gets plenty of the forged wheels in for the same repairs. He asked if my car had been wrecked as they were that bad annd that they were out by up 5mm.

Despite how bad they were, the hankook td semi slicks did a good job at ‘hiding’ the problems, but there was slight vibrations at high speed. I think most wheels getting tracked properly, experience some buckling and it’s not always 100% observable in the drivers seat.

I agree the EC7 are simply not robust enough for track use. Forged may be slightly better.

I’ll be looking for a new set of wheels in due course

[jmeenach]

Go for either Apex forged (especially the enduro line) or Titan7.

As it relates to your wheel repair guy's comment, this is more common with track wheels (Apex or otherwise) than you'd probably think. Many of my friends that run E88's on track in Germany have to rebuild barrels every season, and that cost is higher than the 50% price of a new Apex.

[roastbeef]

have you contacted apex? they have a great warranty replacement program. might vary by country, but its worth a shot. they are a good company.