17x8" 20mm offset Forged 16lbs "RC" style whe

paintpro21 · Post by **paintpro21** » May 06, 2008 12:44 AM

see my last post for the most current updates

I recently organized a GroupBuy for 17x8 et20 and 15x8 et20 wheels for the e30 m3 guys. I posted about them here as well as I knew a few people were interested. I've been working on a light weight, semi-forged, one piece, mesh wheel design.

I've created a Blog to track the development of the wheel as I wait for final images and a sample wheel. You can check the blog out at http://racewheels.blogspot.com and you can see the original thread at http://www.s14.net/forums/showthread.php?t=32138 Feel free to ask any question here about the wheel or leave comments on the blog.

(sample image only, not final version. this was designed by looking at a photo only)

xer0trigger · Post by **xer0trigger** » May 06, 2008 12:57 AM

If only these came in a 4x100 for my non-M E30, I'd be a very happy man.

paintpro21 · Post by **paintpro21** » May 06, 2008 1:16 AM

xer0trigger wrote:If only these came in a 4x100 for my non-M E30, I'd be a very happy man.

I was talking with them about having the 4x100 pattern done. but the quantity needed is pretty high (around 40-50 sets

) with these being priced around 250ish I'm not sure if there would be enough demand as the e30 guys are generally very frugal even if it's extemely cheap compared to any other wheel in that weight and quality catagory.

The first production batch will be 5 lug fitments in e36/e46 offsets and this 5 series offset.

paintpro21 · Post by **paintpro21** » May 06, 2008 8:34 PM

looks like the some of the pages weren't showing up on the blog. it's updated again.

dinanm3atl · Post by **dinanm3atl** » May 07, 2008 12:00 AM

Available?

paintpro21 · Post by **paintpro21** » May 07, 2008 11:52 AM

dinanm3atl wrote:Available?

They are in development, they'll be shipping a sample to me soon. They should be here late june or july.

paintpro21 · Post by **paintpro21** » May 23, 2008 7:23 PM

I just received new imagery of the wheel. The weight for the 17x8 et38 wheel is currently at 15.6lbs but were believe we can get it down to between 14.8 - 15.1lbs. The et20 version shouldn't weight much more as it's just adding a ring of metal to the center.

www.racewheels.blogspot.com

C.J. · Post by **C.J.** » May 23, 2008 9:34 PM

So they will be 250 per wheel, correct?

paintpro21 · Post by **paintpro21** » May 23, 2008 10:45 PM

for people who will be participating in the pre-order yes. The regular retail was going to be close to 300 but with these new low weights, I'm almost certain the et20's (smaller batch) will be priced at 300. Can't say there wouldn't be a sale or something, but 250 is a sure number for pre-orders. Once the mold is underway that will begin. I don't want to collect anything prematurely.

-Eddy P

paintpro21 · Post by **paintpro21** » Jun 20, 2008 10:13 PM

The wheels are coming along. I should be receiving final designs in the next few days. Once those are approved, they will go into production. There have been some very mild tweeks to the wheel design.

I put together a poll that will help select which colors to have the wheel produced in. the et20 fitment can only be produced in larger batches, so getting the correct colors selected now is important, otherwise it may be a long time before additional wheels can be made again.

Check out http://www.racewheels.blogspot.com/ for wheel updates and please take the short 9 questions survey.

Russianblue · Post by **Russianblue** » Jun 22, 2008 6:56 AM

anyone have a picture of an e28 wearing these? (the BBS originals obviously)

topE28 · Post by **topE28** » Jun 22, 2008 5:11 PM

Excellence work!!!!!

would be nice if you go with 4x100
F7R8

bmwm3n528 · Post by **bmwm3n528** » Jun 22, 2008 9:44 PM

I'm assuming these won't be as "concaved" as the 5/7 offset RCs?

paintpro21 · Post by **paintpro21** » Jun 22, 2008 11:37 PM

bmwm3n528 wrote:I'm assuming these won't be as "concaved" as the 5/7 offset RCs?

That is correct, these won't be as concave as 5 series wheels. The 5 series version was 17x8.5 et15. It's a terrible fit for the e30 m3 without stretched tires. And worthless on the 3 series which this track wheel is the primary market for. These were modeled after my brand new motorsport edition wheels designed for the 3 series. A new mold has to be created anytime you change the face of the wheel, which costs 10k. the concave wheels have terrible break clearance because the spokes are flat and get in the way of calipers (except on vehicles with a huge break hat) The wheels were primarily designed for the e36 obviously, and they can be converted to work on the e30 m3 to provide maximum BBK caliper clearance with the extended hub and flat spokes. There are so few cars that could run that concave version it's just not financially feasible. The weight on these will still be really light which seems to be most people priority from polling results so far. Alpina wheels aren't concave and they still look great, so I don't think the less concave spokes are a down side.

4 lug versions around et20-25 may be available in the second round of production as that required a change to the center of the mold.

Thanks to those who toke the poll, if you haven't please take a minute to do so.

bmwm3n528 · Post by **bmwm3n528** » Jun 23, 2008 12:09 AM

I completely understand, and even though I do like the "concave" look I can definitely appreciate the higher offset wheel's benefits.

Here's a shot of Roy's race-car for an idea of what these might look like on an E28...

paintpro21 · Post by **paintpro21** » Jun 23, 2008 1:17 AM

bmwm3n528 wrote:I completely understand, and even though I do like the "concave" look I can definitely appreciate the higher offset wheel's benefits.

Here's a shot of Roy's race-car for an idea of what these might look like on an E28...

Cool, I never saw the the higher offset wheel with spacers on an e28. As you know et20 17x8 is a nice fitment. Style 5 wheels and e34 m5 and wheels are that size/offset as fits nicely in the wheel wells. So it's still a great fitment. and if people are willing to run spacers then an 8.5 and 9" version will also be available. Although I'm sure the et20 version will cover 99% of people needs.

are there any other pics of that car?

bmwm3n528 · Post by **bmwm3n528** » Jun 23, 2008 9:13 AM

paintpro21 wrote:are there any other pics of that car?

I'm sure Roy's got plenty. PM "RoyW"

Kenny Blankenship · Post by **Kenny Blankenship** » Jun 23, 2008 2:09 PM

Please put me down as very interested in these wheels. I've been considering trying out 17" wheels on the track for the M7 due to availability (or lack thereof) of track tires. I have a set of brand new 2 piece BBS RXII wheels (look like RCs but have bolts) but can't get myself to use them due to the severe brake dust that comes from my racing pads. These wheels seem like a great alternative.

Question (hope it hasn't been asked), is there a center cap for these wheels?

paintpro21 · Post by **paintpro21** » Jun 23, 2008 4:21 PM

Eric Q wrote:Please put me down as very interested in these wheels. I've been considering trying out 17" wheels on the track for the M7 due to availability (or lack thereof) of track tires. I have a set of brand new 2 piece BBS RXII wheels (look like RCs but have bolts) but can't get myself to use them due to the severe brake dust that comes from my racing pads. These wheels seem like a great alternative.

Question (hope it hasn't been asked), is there a center cap for these wheels?

These will come with a center cap yes, but they are not the huge lug bolt cover screw on dish with the center nut. These wheels are race wheels so weight was the primary goal. The center are was designed to accept OEM BMW click in center caps. They will come with a centercap from the manufacturer, but it can be overlayed with roundel stickers or replaced with a whole new cap.

The last photos show a cap installed, but they didn't colorize it so it's hard to tell it is there.

paintpro21 · Post by **paintpro21** » Jun 25, 2008 6:40 PM

I should be getting final designs tonight or tomorrow morning. Updates will be on the blog

Click Here to take survey

paintpro21 · Post by **paintpro21** » Sep 01, 2008 8:16 PM

The wheel mold is complete and a sample is being created and sent to me. Once that arrives I will have all the official details on the wheels and the pre-order will open up. I've been getting more calls and emails recently. It's possible this first batch of et20 wheels may sell out, which would mean people who don't jump on the pre-order, may have to wait longer for the second production run (which requires other offsets to be created at the same time as well, so no telling at this time how many months that would be). No worries yet though as it will be about a week or two before anybody can officially reserve a set.

there is some updated content on the blog

www.racewheels.blogspot.com

paintpro21 · Post by **paintpro21** » Jan 15, 2009 11:16 PM

Well, there was a significant delay which you can read about on the blog, but samples are now finally in the mail and I will have them in multiple fitments and colors early next week. Here is a single image of a completed wheel by the factory in a test of the motorsport silver finish. A diamond silver (bbs silver) and diamond black wheel will be arriving as well.

Please do check out the blog for updates
www.racewheels.blogspot.com

paintpro21 · Post by **paintpro21** » Jan 21, 2009 5:09 PM

Wheels arrived, and fit/look great. pre-orders are now open for this wheel. First batch of production will be for 17x8"et20 which weights 16.94lbs and 17x9" et42 which weights 16.60lbs

Check out www.apexwheels.blogspot.com for pre-order information and www.racewheels.blogspot.com for more images. Please contact me if you are interested, now is the time to pre-order so we can get discount pricing.

17x8" et20 mounted on e30 m3 with Brembo BBK

17x8" et20 APEX ARC-8 next to Diamond Silver bbs rc wheel with tire for color comparison

ncpaladin · Post by **ncpaladin** » Jan 21, 2009 6:16 PM

In what country are these wheels manufactured?

Scottinva · Post by **Scottinva** » Jan 21, 2009 7:04 PM

These wheels look amazing

Bryan in SB · Post by **Bryan in SB** » Jan 21, 2009 7:35 PM

Just a quick question. What sort of liability coverage are carrying in offering these wheels?

paintpro21 · Post by **paintpro21** » Jan 21, 2009 8:51 PM

Bryan in SB wrote:Just a quick question. What sort of liability coverage are carrying in offering these wheels?

I am assuming your asking about warranty coverage.

The structure and strength of the wheel is guaranteed for life of that wheel, under normal and proper usage. However, if wheels are overloaded, excessively abused, exceed the maximum weights, wrong fitting, or re-engineering on the wheel is done without approval, abnormal fitting, or incorrect accessories used on the product, then the damage caused under those circumstances will be excluded from liability.

The paint on all clear coated wheels (These APEX wheels are all clear coated unless a batch of matt black is done) is covered by a two year warranty. This is for manufacturing defects and does not not cover chips or scratches caused by other damage during use.

Most important of all there is $5,000,000 in liability insurance covering their entire product line which as never been used once.

To answer the previous question the facility is in Asia, but is one of the top 5 factories in that part of the world. They produce over 2 million wheels a year primarily for OEM use. They do not use recycled aluminum in their castings and are one of the only facilities that has the flow forming technology (barrel forging) which is similar to what is used by BBS and other performance wheel manufacturers to strengthen their wheel and remove an extra 20%+ in weight off each wheel. These are not cheap cast wheels.

paintpro21 · Post by **paintpro21** » Jan 22, 2009 5:21 PM

Just wanted to add additional pics of the backside. The e28 has a deep hub so Brake clearance is a non issue unlike for the M3.

These are officially available for pre-order at the pricing listed on the blog. If you want custom colors, the discount price, and guaranteed availability, sign up now!

crazy88 · Post by **crazy88** » Jan 22, 2009 7:13 PM

So for the e28, what would the proper, or perfect et? What exactly would I need to specify for an e28 that in the future will get a big brake upgrade, possibly something custom like big Brembo brakes?

paintpro21 · Post by **paintpro21** » Jan 22, 2009 8:09 PM

crazy88 wrote:So for the e28, what would the proper, or perfect et? What exactly would I need to specify for an e28 that in the future will get a big brake upgrade, possibly something custom like big Brembo brakes?

The e28 would run the same 17x8" et20 (20mm offset) that is run on the e30 m3, the e34 5 series, and the e39 5 series.

These wheels can already clear a 6 piston BBK on the very hard to fit e30 m3. The e28 will have inches of clearance room instead of millimeters. Because not all sizes are arriving in the first shipment, All you need to do is select that you want the 17x8" et20 wheel.

You're local to me. If you have further questions, please give me a ring any time, I'm always up late and on the forums.

Thanks,

-Eddy Pintacsi
925-413-6280

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just an update. UPS arrived with my additional wheels today instead of next week. They sent a hyper black, and hyper silver wheel. They look too similar despite expectations, so Hyper black will not be available. Hyper silver will be the only premium color produced. Please note that Motorsport Silver looks very odd in this light, and the wheels will be rephotographed once it stops raining.

Hyper Black

Hyper Silver

Motorsport Silver (looks much darker in this light with the flash)

Hyper Black

Hyper Silver

Motorsport Silver

you guess which one is which

MyE28.com

MyE28.com

17x8" 20mm offset Forged 16lbs "RC" style whe

17x8" 20mm offset Forged 16lbs "RC" style whe

Wheel update