Apex wheels: Arc-8, EC-7, PS-7

[BavarianZHP]

Hello all,

Situation: 2] 18x8 m135 fronts, 1] 18x8.5 m135 rear.

A few days ago, my right rear passenger 18x8.5 wheel cracked, flattening and ruining the tire with it. I thought about this all last night and think I may replace all 4 wheels, instead of going the route of finding 2 m135 fronts to produce a square setup (or 3 8x8.5 rears)... First off, I'm not an aggressive driver by any means. I DD my car. I tend to be economical and go function-over-form if given the opportunity (hence the squared set up). I also LOVE the OEM look and this absolutely pains me from leaving the m135s... but I tell myself these wheels are old (and heavy, tend to crack, etc...) and who knows when the others will go? They've all seen the same road.

I'm considering the following at Apex wheels but will look at other options.. I'm not a "flashy" guy and prefer more subdued less "pimpy" styles:

Specifications:
- 18x8.5 square ET35 which will have Conti DWS tires (any recommendations on tire size? 235?)
- hyper silver color

http://www.apexraceparts.com/apex-products/e46/#.VAIyGvldXh4


1) Apex ARC-8... I think everyone is familiar with this one! $289/wheel

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc12/Bike_enthusiast/7a64edd9-fdc2-405f-a608-2ee265acaac3_zps61e93fd0.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/Bike_enthusiast/media/7a64edd9-fdc2-405f-a608-2ee265acaac3_zps61e93fd0.jpg.html)

2) Apex EC-7 $294/wheel

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc12/Bike_enthusiast/4d9e3710-6a97-48d4-b426-451d23ad3d05_zps4d22a078.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/Bike_enthusiast/media/4d9e3710-6a97-48d4-b426-451d23ad3d05_zps4d22a078.jpg.html)

3) Apex PS-7 $289/wheel

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc12/Bike_enthusiast/60306a11-03a0-438f-96b7-312516923f0a_zpsf0b79f7a.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/Bike_enthusiast/media/60306a11-03a0-438f-96b7-312516923f0a_zpsf0b79f7a.jpg.html)




I went with Apex as their wheel forming process seems good - not the gravity cast type (which I believe the m135's are) and the reputation seems excellent.

I'm looking forward to your input and thoughts!

FYI: Apex has free shipping until the 1st. I'm planning on taking advantage of it.

[webster]

i love the PS-7s. I probably would have gotten those if they produced a staggered set. they are a couple pounds heavier than the arc-8s but still relatively light at ~20lbs.

i love the arc-8s. they are the most "OEM" looking as well. my least favorite are the EC-7s. not sure why, i think they just look kinda blah for some reason. can't go wrong with any though.

[UdubBadger]

ARC8's just look so damn good with the flat face on a ZHP

[ELCID86]

I like all. Prefer #2&3.


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[WOLFN8TR]

Apex PS-7's and 235/40's on all four with 10mm Spacers in the rear to give you the "Staggered" look. 235's are cheaper, look good, plus you can now rotate the tires!

[BavarianZHP]

Apex PS-7's and 235/40's on all four with 10mm Spacers in the rear to give you the "Staggered" look. 235's are cheaper, look good, plus you can now rotate the tires!

Excellent! I think I'll go exactly that route. 235/40 10mm spacers on rears!

[WOLFN8TR]

VMR 710's, 18x8.5" ET35, running Yokohama 235/40/18's all the way around. These pics are without 10mm spacers on the rear.


http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/08/17/f04197f3f1af6caef66959364c66f5ca.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/08/17/7bb67d931eaca8f9ff93c49136c1860a.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/08/17/c4bafa065f6fc1f3256ff9894b68c374.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/08/17/9f09ba5dbed0ec01e82332ade45b072b.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/08/17/4818f08e385a4393f7329506916deae2.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/08/17/0034a79866299e35e16399df38aa3343.jpg

[BavarianZHP]

I actually like the look!!! :applause I may try it without any spacers to see how I like it first! Man, those VMR710's look practically identical to the Apex PS-7 wheels. I'm struggling to find the aesthetic differences. Looks like I'll have to do some research on VMR? Do you miss the look of the stock wheels? That's the one only reason why I'm hesitating. It's not much of a reason, but I think nothing can beat the stock/"non-special" look of the ZHP.

[BavarianZHP]

I think I'll be going with the PS-7's (18x8.5 ET35) tonight and will be purchasing 235/40 Conti DWS tires through tirerack (affiliate link WTF!). My wallet is not going to like this...

[derbo]

I like the EC7s. :)

[stephenkirsh]

another vote for Arc-8. I've bought a set but haven't yet put them on the car. Looking forward to that.

[BavarianZHP]

It was a tough decision... Arc 8 or PS-7.. But I just went with the PS-7's. Pretty much a flip of the coin! I'll be sure to take pics and weigh the wheels, etc... when they come in.

[ELCID86]

... (affiliate link WTF!).

I think you mean FTW! :biggrin

Can't wait to see pics!


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[BavarianZHP]

I think you mean FTW! :biggrin

Can't wait to see pics!


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.


Indeed WTF, I meant FTW... ;) HAHAHAHA. Did not catch that.

[WOLFN8TR]

I actually like the look!!! :applause I may try it without any spacers to see how I like it first! Man, those VMR710's look practically identical to the Apex PS-7 wheels. I'm struggling to find the aesthetic differences. Looks like I'll have to do some research on VMR? Do you miss the look of the stock wheels? That's the one only reason why I'm hesitating. It's not much of a reason, but I think nothing can beat the stock/"non-special" look of the ZHP.

The VMR 710's are very close to the Apex PS-7's the only difference is the weight and Apex is Rotary forged. Oh and a tad bit more mulla. I like the 135's but I like the VMR's also. I had to get rims with a more positive offset was the reason I switched.


I think I'll be going with the PS-7's (18x8.5 ET35) tonight and will be purchasing 235/40 Conti DWS tires through tirerack (affiliate link WTF!). My wallet is not going to like this...

Sweet, Those will look great!
I just installed my 10mm spacers on the rear today. I will post some pics tomorrow for ya.