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BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > Wheels and Tires -- Sponsored by The Tire Rack > ► New Stronger & Lighter SM-10 & FL-5 Wheels by APEX
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      05-18-2017, 02:15 PM   #1
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► New Stronger & Lighter SM-10 & FL-5 Wheels by APEX

Last year APEX worked with the community to develop a new and improved track wheel. Over 700 of you took our lengthy survey and we ended up moving forward with both proposals instead of just one. You wanted a wheel that was lighter and stronger than our more recent designs. The SM-10 and FL-5 were developed based on your feedback.

Both wheels arrive early-mid June 2017, and we’re already working on expanding the number of available sizes.





Feature Highlights:
  • Lighter by 2 lbs. on average vs. EC-7
  • Stronger than all prior designs
  • I” Beam Machining on spokes
  • Revised inner lip design
  • VIA certified in Japan to JWL standard
  • BBK clearance including 380mm kits
  • OEM mounting hardware and stud kit compatible
  • OEM center cap compatible
  • TPMS compatible
The SM-10 and FL-5 designs are APEX’s first wheels to feature advanced CNC machining that removes material along the sides of every spoke. This creates a stronger and lighter “I” beam spoke design. To get a similar styling cue, many other brands just use aesthetic accent lips on their designs which add material and weight.

Style is the lowest priority on our list. We prioritize function over form. These wheels keep the superior BBK clearance of our older EC-7 design. Brembo 380mm and other 380mm kits can clear. We beefed up the inner lip by adding extra material, resulting in better protection again bends during serious abuse.

These Evolution line designs are produced via flow-forming. This process roll forges the barrels, reducing weight and gives the wheel the strength it needs take on the street and the track.

SM-10 Sizes and Specifications


The SM-10 combines a straight 10-spoke design with “I” beam machining to produce a lightweight wheel that is a departure from our traditional mesh styles. Multiple face profiles continue to provide superior big brake clearance and maximized concavity for all sizes.
  • 18x8.5” ET35 - 18.4 lbs. - Arriving June
  • 18x9.0” ET30 - 19.5 lbs. - Arriving June
  • 18x9.0” ET42 - 19.3 lbs. - TBD
  • 18x9.5” ET22 - 20.5 lbs. - ETA Q3
  • 18x9.5” ET28 - 20.3 lbs. - Aug/Sept. Dependent on M2 Group Buy
  • 18x9.5” ET35 - 20.0 lbs. - Arriving June
  • 18x9.5” ET43 - 19.9 lbs. - TBD
  • 18x10.0” ET25 - 20.5 lbs. - Arriving June
  • 18x10.0” ET33 - 20.7 lbs. - TBD
  • 18x10.5” ET22 - 21.4 lbs. - ETA Q3
  • 18x10.5” ET40 - 21.2 lbs. - Aug/Sept. Dependent on M2 Group Buy
  • 18x11.0” ET44 - 21.0 lbs. - Arriving June
Profile 2 Face


Profile 3 Face


FL-5 Sizes and Specifications


The FL-5 takes advantage of Dual Flow Forming plus our newest “I” beam machining technique. Still a one-piece wheel, the Dual Flow Forming strengthens both inner and outer barrels while maximizing front lip depth for each unique width and offset
  • 18x8.5” ET35 - 19.0 lbs. - Arriving June
  • 18x9.0” ET30 - 20.2 lbs. - Arriving June
  • 18x9.0” ET42 - 20.0 lbs. - TBD
  • 18x9.5” ET22 - 20.2 lbs. - Arriving June
  • 18x9.5” ET28 - 20.9 lbs. - Aug/Sept. Dependent on M2 Group Buy
  • 18x9.5” ET35 - 20.5 lbs. - Arriving June
  • 18x9.5” ET43 - 20.4 lbs. - TBD
  • 18x10.0” ET25 - 21.0 lbs. - Arriving June
  • 18x10.0” ET33 - 21.4 lbs. - TBD
  • 18x10.5” ET22 - 21.3 lbs. - Arriving June
  • 18x10.5” ET40 - 21.2 lbs. - Aug/Sept. Dependent on M2 Group Buy
  • 18x11.0” ET44 - 21.6 lbs. - TBD
Medium Lip


Deep Lip


Gallery


Click the images to view more finish options on Flickr


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      05-18-2017, 03:07 PM   #2
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Any plans to offer these in 19's?
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      05-18-2017, 03:10 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dereksM3 View Post
Any plans to offer these in 19's?
Thank you for your interest. At APEX, our driving force is to equip the performance driving community with quality, lightweight wheels tailored to each specific chassis, ensuring proper fitment while maximizing the fender space at hand.

Incorporating this mindset, when we first release a new design or fitment for a specific chassis, our goal first and foremost is to provide track / performance driving enthusiasts with cost effective solutions which offer up maximum performance. There are a host of benefits with 18" wheels as many of you know:
  • Reducing weight / rotational mass which has a dramatic effect on performance overall
  • More tire sidewall equates to a more comfortable ride quality as well as better rim protection
  • More tire options (this is evolving over time however)
  • Cheaper tire options which leads to cheaper seasonal running costs

With brakes increasing in size from the factory, not all wheel manufactures offer 18" wheels that can clear properly. These two new APEX designs were constructed specifically to accommodate the large factory brakes as well as a variety of massive aftermarket BBK's like the Brembo 6 piston 380mm kit.

We understand that the first release may not please everyone. Once we have released wheels for this specific segment of the market, we always have the option of following up with alternate diameters and sizing should their be enough demand from the community.

- Ryan
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      05-18-2017, 11:20 PM   #4
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the photoshopped picture got me I was like no way 18's looking good wait photoshopped they would look too small. love the design I would be interested in 19's also
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      05-19-2017, 10:25 AM   #5
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sm-10 in 19s would be my vote.
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      05-19-2017, 12:47 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by odus View Post
the photoshopped picture got me I was like no way 18's looking good wait photoshopped they would look too small. love the design I would be interested in 19's also
Quote:
Originally Posted by wdeerfield View Post
sm-10 in 19s would be my vote.
Thank you for your interest, I answered similar questions/comments in regards to 19" wheels in another thread, so I'll paste my response here.

At APEX, our driving force is to equip the performance driving community with quality, lightweight wheels tailored to each specific chassis, ensuring proper fitment while maximizing the fender space at hand.

Incorporating this mindset, when we first release a new design or fitment for a specific chassis, our goal first and foremost is to provide track / performance driving enthusiasts with cost effective solutions which offer up maximum performance. There are a host of benefits with 18" wheels as many of you know:
  • Reducing weight / rotational mass which has a dramatic effect on performance overall
  • More tire sidewall equates to a more comfortable ride quality as well as better rim protection
  • More tire options (this is evolving over time however)
  • Cheaper tire options which leads to cheaper seasonal running costs

With brakes increasing in size from the factory, not all wheel manufactures offer 18" wheels that can clear properly. These two new APEX designs were constructed specifically to accommodate the large factory brakes as well as a variety of massive aftermarket BBK's like the Brembo 6 piston 380mm kit.

We understand that the first release may not please everyone. Once we have released wheels for this specific segment of the market, we always have the option of following up with alternate diameters and sizing should their be enough demand from the community.
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      05-21-2017, 04:04 PM   #7
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^ So then, that's a no to making these in 19s? LOL
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      05-21-2017, 05:02 PM   #8
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Do you sell wheels only in the US? Or have resellers in the UK?
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      05-21-2017, 05:57 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kid Red View Post
^ So then, that's a no to making these in 19s? LOL
Apologize, I probably gave more info in my response then necessary, however I like to share our train of thought with the community. The short answer, found at the end of my previous rant is:

Once we have released wheels for this specific segment of the market, we always have the option of following up with alternate diameters and sizing should their be enough demand from the community.

So far many enthusiasts in these threads have displayed interest in 19's, and we are already getting the ball rolling on popular 19" sizes We are not ready to attribute plausible release dates for 19" versions just yet, but we will certainly keep the community in tune.

Quote:
Originally Posted by butch_ View Post
Do you sell wheels only in the US? Or have resellers in the UK?
We sell worldwide, however to keep this thread technical I will PM you for further communication.

- Ryan
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      05-21-2017, 06:32 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ApexRaceParts View Post
Apologize, I probably gave more info in my response then necessary, however I like to share our train of thought with the community. The short answer, found at the end of my previous rant is:

Once we have released wheels for this specific segment of the market, we always have the option of following up with alternate diameters and sizing should their be enough demand from the community.

So far many enthusiasts in these threads have displayed interest in 19's, and we are already getting the ball rolling on popular 19" sizes We are not ready to attribute plausible release dates for 19" versions just yet, but we will certainly keep the community in tune.


- Ryan
I've always loved your wheels. However, this is my daily and not a track car and I will never put 18s on any car I own. I always check out your selection and it's always 18s. I look forward to some 19" of the popular styles you carry.
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      05-22-2017, 03:21 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kid Red View Post
I've always loved your wheels. However, this is my daily and not a track car and I will never put 18s on any car I own. I always check out your selection and it's always 18s. I look forward to some 19" of the popular styles you carry.
Thank you for the feedback. In effort to keep this thread on track with technical info related to the 18" SM-10 and FL5, I will follow up with a PM in regards to 19" inventory

- Ryan
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      05-22-2017, 08:19 PM   #12
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Those SM-10s look great, good job! I did notice EC-7s were low stock wherever I looked so I've been leaning towards VMR V710FF. I'm in the market for 19's and will be making my decision June/July. Hopefully some SM-10s in 19" come out by then so I can make a more informed decision. Feel free to PM me when/if you're coming out with the 19" version.
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      06-05-2017, 03:34 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eddiehatchblack View Post
Those SM-10s look great, good job! I did notice EC-7s were low stock wherever I looked so I've been leaning towards VMR V710FF. I'm in the market for 19's and will be making my decision June/July. Hopefully some SM-10s in 19" come out by then so I can make a more informed decision. Feel free to PM me when/if you're coming out with the 19" version.
We appreciate the feedback! We do have additional 19" ARC-8 wheels arriving in July, so stay tuned for those. We do not have any concrete plans just yet for a 19" SM-10 wheel, but something we are considering for the future

-Matt
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      06-05-2017, 03:35 PM   #14
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We love the new design of our SM-10 and FL-5 wheels! Here are some up close beauty shots of the new “I” Beam Machining on the spokes :thumbsup2:



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      06-05-2017, 03:55 PM   #15
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Check out these detail shots of our FL-5 wheels which showcase the new "I" beam machined spokes, and the new lip design!



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      06-07-2017, 05:24 PM   #16
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Here is another great shot showing the differences between the FL-5 and SM-10 wheels!

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      06-08-2017, 08:30 AM   #17
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sm-10 in 19s would be so nice. love the I beam design. definitely interested in a 19x8.5 et 33 and 19.9.5 et 38 if possible for my f30.
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      06-08-2017, 10:51 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wdeerfield View Post
sm-10 in 19s would be so nice. love the I beam design. definitely interested in a 19x8.5 et 33 and 19.9.5 et 38 if possible for my f30.
Thank you, we have received very similar feedback from many enthusiasts in regards to a 19" diameter, and I do believe that will be something we tackle towards the end of the year

- Ryan
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      06-08-2017, 04:54 PM   #19
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Here is a first look of the SM-10 and FL-5 wheels in the Satin Black finish!

Sm-10:




FL-5:


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      06-08-2017, 06:02 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ApexRaceParts View Post
Thank you, we have received very similar feedback from many enthusiasts in regards to a 19" diameter, and I do believe that will be something we tackle towards the end of the year

- Ryan
I'll happily be your first customer because those SM-10's look BEAUTIFUL!
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      06-13-2017, 02:03 PM   #21
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I'll happily be your first customer because those SM-10's look BEAUTIFUL!
We appreciate the kind words! We agree that they do look great

-Matt
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      06-13-2017, 02:04 PM   #22
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Here is a comparison of all of the available finishes on the SM-10 and FL-5 wheels:



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