E9x 3-Series (non-M) Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide

  • Updated

2006-2013 3-Series sedan (E90), coupe (E92), and convertible (E93).

 

apex BMW e90 e91 e92 e93 e9x arc8 ec7 fl5 sm10 wheels fitment
ARC-8 // Front & Rear: 17x9" ET30 with 255/40-17

View all E9x non-M images

Vehicles Covered in this Guide
2006-2013 3-Series sedan (E90) & Wagon (E91), coupe (E92), and convertible (E93).
LCI sedans and wagons (2009 and up) have different fitment requirements for the rear wheels. Rear fender clearance is reduced by 8mm due to a wider rear track width. See notes in red for information regarding these cars. This does NOT apply to LCI coupe (E92) and convertible (E93) models.

Chassis Introduction
The E9x generation of 3-Series is loved for its out-of-the-box capabilities, as well as endless aftermarket support. We produce a wide range of fitments for the E9x platform ranging from OEM+ replacement sizes to aggressive track/race fitments. Note: Due to BMW production changes, the LCI sedan and wagon has reduced rear wheel clearance. See notes in red below for our specific recommendations.

Available Wheel Designs
All APEX wheel designs are available for this chassis.

 

Forged Designs  Flow Formed Designs      

ARC-8R

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EC-7R

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ARC-8

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EC-7

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VS-5RS

VS5RS1810ET25_Brushed_2K_01-500.png

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EC-7RS

EC7RS1811ET7-5120-671_C_Brushed_2K_01-500.png

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FL-5

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SM-10

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Bolt Pattern Thread Pitch Center Bore
5x120mm M12x1.5mm 72.56mm

 

 

 

OEM+ Fitments

Easy upgrades for street-driven cars

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apex BMW e90 e91 e92 e93 e9x arc8 ec7 fl5 sm10 wheels fitment
SM-10 // Front & Rear: 18x9" ET30 with 255/35-18

These fitments prioritize (in order):
1. Ease of fitment
2. Aesthetics
3. Performance

Ideal for the driver who wants a no-nonsense direct bolt-on fitment. These fitments are a small step up from stock wheels and tires, and offer a small but noticeable performance improvement.

Square Setups
Recommended for most types of street and performance driving. Allows proper front-to-rear tire rotation to extend tire life & improve handling balance.

  • Front & Rear: 17x8.5" ET40 with 235/40-17 tires
    • Available in: ARC-8
    • Direct fit.
    • OEM 225/45-17 tires can also be used.
    • 235/45-17 tires can also be used as a direct fit. 
    • 245/40-17 tires can also be used, but 5mm front spacers may be required with certain aftermarket suspensions, see below.

  • Front & Rear: 18x8.5" ET35 or ET38 (ARC-8) or ET40 (VS-5RS) with 235/40-18 tires
    • Available in: ARC-8, EC-7, FL-5, SM-10, VS-5RS
    • Direct fit
    • Popular fitment
    • OEM 225/40-18 tires can also be used.
    • 245/40-18 tires can also be used, but 5mm front spacers may be required with certain aftermarket suspensions, see below. 12mm spacers recommended for VS-5RS with ET40 offset.
  • Front & Rear: 19x8.5" ET35 with 235/35-19 tires
    • ARC-8, EC-7, SM-10
    • Direct fit
    • Popular fitment
    • 245/35-19 tires can also be used, but 5mm front spacers may be required with certain aftermarket suspensions, see below.
  • Front & Rear: 19x9" ET28 (ARC-8) or ET30 with 245/35-19 tires
    • Available in: ARC-8, EC-7, SM-10, VS-5RS
    • Direct fit
    • Popular fitment
    • 5mm front spacers may be required with certain aftermarket suspensions, see below.

Staggered Setups
Maintains stock-like handling characteristics, tires can only be rotated left to right. Maximizes both front and rear tire width.

  • Front: 17x8.5" ET40 with 225/45-17 tires
    Rear: 17x9.5" ET35 with 255/40-17 tires
    • Available in: ARC-8
    • Direct fit.
    • 235/40-17 front tires can also be used as a direct fit
    • 275/40-17 rear tires may require rolled fenders and/or negative camber depending on ride height.
    • xDrive must use 225/45-17 front and 255/40-17 rear tires.

  • Front: 18x8.5" ET35, ET38 (ARC-8), or ET40 (VS-5RS) with 235/40-18 tires
    Rear: 18x9.5" ET35 with 265/35-18 tires
    • Available in: ARC-8, EC-7, FL-5, SM-10, VS-5RS
    • Direct fit.
    • Popular fitment
    • 245/40-18 front tires can be used.
    • 275/35-18 rear tires may require rolled fenders and/or negative camber depending on ride height.
    • LCI: Sedan and wagon may require rolled rear fenders and/or negative camber to prevent rubbing. 255/35-18 rear tires may be used as a direct fit.
    • xDrive must use 235/40-18 front and 265/35-18 rear tires.
    • xDrive LCI sedan and wagon must use 225/40-18 front and 255/35-18 rear tires.
  • Front: 18x9" ET30 or ET31 (EC-7) with 235/40-18 tires
    Rear: 18x9.5" ET35 with 265/35-18 tires
    • Available in: ARC-8, EC-7, EC-7RS, FL-5, SM-10, VS-5RS
    • Popular fitment
    • 5mm front spacers may be required with certain aftermarket suspensions, see below.
    • 245/40-18 front tires can be used.
    • 275/35-18 rear tires may require rolled fenders and/or negative camber depending on ride height.
    • LCI: Sedan and wagon may require rolled rear fenders and/or negative camber to prevent rubbing. 255/35-18 rear tires may be used as a direct fit.
    • xDrive must use 235/40-18 front and 265/35-18 rear tires.
    • xDrive LCI sedan and wagon must use 225/40-18 front and 255/35-18 rear tires.
  • Front: 19x8.5" ET35 with 235/35-19 tires
    Rear: 19x9.5" ET33 with 265/30-19
    • Direct fit.
    • Available in: ARC-8, EC-7, SM-10
    • 245/35-19 front tires can be used.
    • 275/30-19 rear tires may require rolled fenders and/or negative camber depending on ride height.
    • LCI: Sedan and wagon may require rolled rear fenders and/or negative camber to prevent rubbing.
    • xDrive must use 235/35-19 front and 265/30-19 rear tires.
    • xDrive LCI sedan and wagon must use 225/35-19 front and 255/30-19 rear tires.

LCI Sedan and Wagon-Specific Staggered Setup
Maintains stock-like handling characteristics, tires can only be rotated left to right. Maximizes both front and rear tire width. This staggered fitment is produced specifically for the E90/E91 chassis where rear fender clearance is reduced.

  • Front: 18x8.5" ET35 with 235/40-18 tires
    Rear: 18x9.5" ET43 with 265/35-18 tires
    • Available in: EC-7
    • Direct fit.
    • 245/40-18 front tires can be used.
    • 275/35-18 rear tires may require rolled fenders and/or negative camber depending on ride height.
    • xDrive must use 235/40-18 front and 265/35-18 rear tires.
    • xDrive LCI sedan and wagon must use 225/40-18 front and 255/35-18 rear tires.

 

 

 

Stance Fitments

Aggressive fitments focused on appearance and concavity. 

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 ARC-8 // Front: 19x9" ET28 with 235/35-19 // Rear: 19x9.5" ET33 with 265/30-19

These fitments prioritize (in order):
1. Aesthetics
2. Performance
3. Ease of fitment

Ideal for the driver who wants to fill out the wheel wells with the widest possible rubber and perfectly flush offsets. Sometimes these fitments are a direct bolt-on, but often times require small spacers, negative camber, or rolled fenders for the sake of dialing in the perfect blend of function and form.

Staggered Setups
Maintains stock-like handling characteristics, tires can only be rotated left to right. Maximizes both front and rear tire width.

  • Front: 17x9" ET30 with 245/40-17 tires
    Rear: 17x9.5" ET35 with 255/40-17 tires
    • Available in: ARC-8, VS-5RS
    • Direct fit.
    • 235/40-17 front tires can also be used as a direct fit
    • 235/45-17 front tires can also be used as a direct fit
    • 275/40-17 rear tires may require rolled fenders and/or negative camber depending on ride height.
    • Coilovers that limit inner clearance will typically require 5mm spacers with 245 or wider tires. 
    • xDrive must use 225/45-17 front and 255/40-17 rear tires.
  • Front: 18x9" ET30 or ET31 (EC-7) with 235/40-18 tires
    Rear: 18x9.5" ET22 with 255/35-18 tires
    • Available in: ARC-8, EC-7, EC-7RS, SM-10, SM-10RS, VS-5RS
    • 245/40-18 or 255/35-18 front tires can also be used as a direct fit, but 5mm front spacers may be required with certain aftermarket suspensions, see below.
    • Rear rolled fenders may be required.
    • 265/35-18 rear tires can be used with rolled fenders and/or negative camber depending on ride height.
    • LCI: Sedan and wagon must use 18x9.5" ET35 rear wheels, which may require rolled rear fenders and/or negative camber.
    • xDrive must use 235/40-18 front and 265/35-18 rear tires.
    • xDrive LCI sedan and wagon must use 225/40-18 front and 255/35-18 rear tires.

  • Front: 18x9" ET30 or ET31 (EC-7) with 245/40-18 tires
    Rear: 18x10" ET33 with 275/35-18 tires
    • Available in: EC-7, SM-10
    • Popular fitment
    • 255/35-18 front tires can also be used as a direct fit. 
    • 5mm front spacers may be required with certain aftermarket suspensions, see below.
    • Rolled rear fenders may be required to prevent rubbing depending on ride height.
    • LCI: Sedan and wagon will require rolled rear fenders and/or negative camber to prevent rubbing. 265/35-18 rear tires will also help to reduce the likelihood of rubbing.
    • xDrive must use 235/40-18 front and 265/35-18 rear tires.
    • xDrive LCI sedan and wagon must use 235/40-18 front and 265/35-18 rear tires with rolled rear fenders.
  • Front: 19x9" ET28 (ARC-8) or ET30 with 245/35-19 tires
    Rear: 19x9.5" ET22 with 265/30-19 tires
    • Available in: ARC-8, EC-7, SM-10, VS-5RS
    • Rolled rear fenders may be required to prevent rubbing depending on ride height.
    • 255/30-19 rear tires can also be used to reduce the likelihood of rubbing. 
    • LCI: Sedan and wagon must use 19x9.5" ET33 with 265/30-19 tires, and may require rolled rear fenders to prevent rubbing.
    • xDrive must use 235/35-19 front and 265/30-19 rear tires.
    • xDrive LCI sedan and wagon must use 225/35-19 front and 19x9.5" ET33 rear with 255/30-19 tires.

 

 

 

Performance Street & Track

Wider fitments for enhanced performance

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apex BMW e90 e91 e92 e93 e9x arc8 ec7 fl5 sm10 wheels fitmentEC-7 // Front: 18x9" ET31 with 235/40-18 // Rear: 18x9.5" ET22 with 245/40-18

These fitments prioritize (in order):
1. Performance
2. Ease of fitment
3. Aesthetics

These fitments are effective for both performance oriented street cars and weekend track warriors. The suspension type, alignment settings, and tire brand/size can be changed accordingly to work for either scenario.

Square Setups
Recommended for most types of street and performance driving. Allows proper front-to-rear tire rotation to extend tire life & improve handling balance.

  • Front & Rear: 17x9" ET30 with 245/40-17 tires
    • Available in: ARC-8, VS-5RS
    • Direct fit.
    • 255/40-17 can be used but may require front negative camber.
    • 5mm front spacers may be required with certain aftermarket suspensions, see below.

  • Front & Rear: 18x9" ET30 or ET31 (EC-7) with 255/35-18 tires
    • ARC-8, EC-7, EC-7RS, FL-5, SM-10, SM-10RS, VS-5RS
    • Popular fitment
    • Direct fit.
    • 335is models may experience slight tire contact on front fender liner during full-lock turns.
    • 245/40-18 tires can also be used as a direct fit option. 
    • 5mm front spacers may be required with certain aftermarket suspensions, see below.

Staggered Setups
Maintains stock-like handling characteristics, tires can only be rotated left to right. Maximizes both front and rear tire width.

  • Front: 17x9" ET30 with 245/40-17 tires
    Rear: 17x9.5" ET35 with 255/40-17 tires
    • Available in: ARC-8, VS-5RS
    • Direct fit.
    • 5mm front spacers may be required with certain aftermarket suspensions, see below.
    • 275/40-17 rear tires can be used with rolled rear fenders and/or negative camber.
    • LCI: Sedan and wagon must use 255/40-17 rear tires to prevent rubbing. 275/40-17 rear tires can be used with rolled fenders and/or negative camber.
    • xDrive must use 225/45-17 front and 255/40-17 rear tires.
  • Front: 18x9" ET30 or ET31 (EC-7) with 245/40-18 tires
    Rear: 18x10" ET33 with 275/35-18 tires
    • Available in: EC-7, SM-10
    • Popular fitment
    • 255/35-18 front tires can also be used as a direct fit. 
    • If using ARC-8 design, 18x9.5" ET35 rear wheels may be used.
    • 5mm front spacers may be required with certain aftermarket suspensions, see below.
    • Rolled rear fenders may be required to prevent rubbing depending on ride height.
    • LCI: Sedan and wagon will require rolled rear fenders and/or negative camber to prevent rubbing. 265/35-18 rear tires will also help to reduce the likelihood of rubbing.
    • xDrive must use 235/40-18 front and 265/35-18 rear tires.
    • xDrive LCI sedan and wagon must use 235/40-18 front and 265/35-18 rear tires with rolled rear fenders.

LCI Sedan and Wagon-Specific Staggered Setups
Maintains stock-like handling characteristics, tires can only be rotated left to right. Maximizes both front and rear tire width. This staggered fitment is produced specifically for the LCI E90/E91 chassis where rear fender clearance is reduced.

  • Front: 18x9" ET31 with 255/35-18 tires
    Rear: 18x9.5" ET43 with 265/35-18 tires
    • Available in: EC-7
    • Direct fit.
    • 335is models may experience slight tire contact on front fender liner during full-lock turns.
    • Popular fitment
    • 275/35-18 rear tires can be used with rolled fenders and/or negative camber.
    • xDrive must use 235/40-18 front and 265/35-18 rear tires.

 

 

 

Hardcore Track & Race

Track focused fitments that require significant modifications.

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apex BMW e90 e91 e92 e93 e9x arc8 ec7 fl5 sm10 wheels fitmentARC-8 // Front & Rear: 17x9.5" ET35 with 255/40-17 (mods required)

These fitments prioritize (in order):
1. Performance
2. Ease of fitment
3. Aesthetics

These no-compromise fitments are ideal for dedicated track / race cars. They rely on aggressive negative camber specifications and often require rolled rear fenders to prevent rubbing. Since you'll be using all available real estate under the fender arches to accommodate these wide wheels, coilovers with linear race springs are a must for inner clearance (JRZ, MCS, Ground Control, AST, Moton, etc.).

Square Setups
Recommended for most types of street and performance driving. Allows proper front-to-rear tire rotation to extend tire life & improve handling balance.

  • Front & Rear: 17x9.5" ET35 with 255/40-17 tires
    • Popular fitment
    • Available in: ARC-8, VS-5RS
    • At least 5mm front spacers are required for inner strut clearance. Aftermarket suspensions that are known for reduced inner clearance (see below) can not be used with this fitment.
    • Front negative camber may be required.
    • 275/40-17 tires can be used with additional negative camber and may require rolled rear fenders.

  • Front & Rear: 18x9.5" ET35 with 265/35-18 tires
    • ARC-8, EC-7, EC-7RS, FL-5, SM-10, VS-5RS 
    • At least 5mm front spacers are required for inner strut clearance. Aftermarket suspensions that are known for reduced inner clearance (see below) can not be used with this fitment.
    • At least -3 degrees of front negative camber required.
    • 275/35-18 tires can be used with additional negative camber.
    • LCI: Sedan and wagon may require rolled rear fenders and/or negative camber to prevent rubbing.

Staggered Setups
Maintains stock-like handling characteristics, tires can only be rotated left to right. Maximizes both front and rear tire width.

  • Front: 18x9.5" ET35 with 265/35-18 tires
    Rear: 18x10" ET33 with 275/35-18 tires
    • EC-7, SM-10
    • Popular fitment
    • At least 5mm front spacers are required for inner strut clearance. Aftermarket suspensions that are known for reduced inner clearance (see below) can not be used with this fitment.
    • At least -3 degrees of front negative camber required.
    • Rolled rear fenders may be required to prevent rubbing depending on ride height.
    • LCI: Sedan and wagon will require rolled rear fenders and/or negative camber to prevent rubbing.
    • xDrive must use 235/40-18 front and 265/35-18 rear tires.
    • xDrive LCI sedan and wagon must use 235/40-18 front and 265/35-18 rear tires with rolled rear fenders.

 

 

 

winter-fitments.jpg

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Our wheels are popular for winter use because of their unmatched caliper clearance. We recommend a square fitment in order to allow front-to-rear tire rotation, although staggered fitments can also be used.

Square setups

  • Front & Rear: 18x9" ET30 or ET31 (EC-7) with 245/40-18 winter tires
    • Available in: ARC-8, EC-7, EC-7RS, FL-5, SM-10, SM-10RS, VS-5RS
    • Direct fit.
  • Front & Rear: 19x9" ET28 (ARC-8) or ET30 with 245/35-19 winter tires
    • Available in: ARC-8, EC-7, SM-10, VS-5RS
    • Direct fit.

 

Additional Fitment Information

Concavity & Face Profiles
Each of our wheel designs is available in two or three different levels of concavity, which we call Profiles. The Profile is dictated by the width and offset, meaning wide lower-offset wheels will have more concavity, while narrow higher-offset wheels will have less concavity.

Available Face Profiles

ARC-8 EC-7 FL-5 SM-10
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To determine the face profile of a specific wheel visit the "Specifications" tab on the product page for that wheel. For example:

specifications_tab.png  face_profile.png

 

 

Identifying Suspension Types
If you’re using coilovers, see the image below to identify which type of coilover spring you have, as it may effect your wheel fitment.
coiloverclearance.jpg

Aftermarket E9x 3-Series Suspensions Known To Reduce Inner Clearance
(includes but not limited to):

  • Bilstein PSS9 & PSS10
  • KW Height-Adjustable Spring (HAS) kit
  • KW Variants
  • KW Clubsports
  • Öhlins Road & Track

About Camber Plates 

e9xm3camber.jpg

We've used an M3 photo, but the principles are the same. Adjustable camber plates do more than just aid in wide wheel and tire fitment. They provide increased grip and reduced tire wear by spreading the load evenly during cornering. Learn more in our blog article, The Positives of Negative Camber, then see our E9x camber plate pages here.

Big Brake Kit Clearances
brake-clearance.jpg
We have tested many big brake kits with most of the wheels listed in this guide. Please email us with any questions related to brake clearance, we’ll be happy to help.

Still have questions?
Fill out our Fitment Recommendation form
Call us: 925-245-0773
Email us: support@apexraceparts.com