E46 (non-m) 18" Wheel Options

[Cement 782]

So I might be able to pull the trigger on some new rims a lot sooner than anticipated yuuuusssssss !!

Had always been set on the Apex ARC-8, it's just such a classic wheel on the E46 🤤 But in basically every image you see online they are on M3's so can have the concave profile and wider fitments and of course just look awesome with the pumped guards.

The only option with concavity in the ARC-8 (for non-m) is the 18x9 ET30 but I hear mixed opinions on fitment ... I'm ok to roll the guards somewhat and ideally get 255's in the rear, happy to go with a staggered fitment and get the flatter profile in the front if needs be. Pretty sure staggered would have to be done as the ET30 would be problematic in the front, so front ends up likely a 18x8.5 ET38.

Is anybody running a 18x9 ET30 who can share some personal experience ? Or better still is in Auckland so I can take a peek perhaps ?

Any other options or recommendations to consider ? The Apex at the new pricing is already top of budget ... they were $2495 when I made my wish list some time ago, now I see are $3820 😭

Edited June 2, 2023 by Cement

[Eagle 1522]

Yeah i was tempted to get some FL-5's in 18x8.5 ET35 but hard to justify the cost vs benefit.

I think the main issue with fitment is the many different factors between everyone setup and driving. Get lots of contradictory info. 

I drove with the stock rear alloys on the front for a test (18x8.5 ET51 255\35R18 tyre ) and had no issues with stock msport setup

I used 15mm spacers on the stock front alloys(225\40 18x8 ET47) and bought them down to ET32. I didnt drive with them because appeared like they would rub slightly on the inner guards at full lock\suspension movement.  

[Cement 782]

Great call spacing out the stock rims to the desired offset !! Info from willtheyfit.com says i will need 18.4mm in front and 29.7mm at the rear to get a good simulation ... will have a rummage around for some washers / wood / old cans etc over the weekend

[Eagle 1522]

If you borrow my Eibach hubcentric ones for finalization if you like.

[Cement 782]

So have been looking at another option that might be fun, and is cheaper than Apex ... Work's Emotion lineup !! Single piece that is ... don't get too excited Potentially some better offset options here as they are somewhat custom built to spec when ordered, to get some good concave at the rear this does mean going to a 18x9.5 ET38 ... which arguably will fit better at the guard but with reduced clearance to the damper compared to the Apex 18x9 ET30.

The biggest issue I have is in the arts 'n crafts department and visualising what would suit best. Google is much happier to spit out pictures of 40 degree camber 12" wide rims or massive 3 piece options on wide bodies than the every mans E46 non-M

There are some E46 images out there but nothing with a good street / flush-ish fitment from what I have seen. One was a 4 door sitting so high any wheels would look ass !!

Anybody have an eye for rims, mad photoshop skills or good old fashioned random voting to add a steer ? The Work Emotion lineup worth looking at imho is as below ... and a pic of my car follows.

Also torn on silver vs bronze vs white ... or something else 😕 <--- Those would be my preference order generally fyi.

 

 

Edited June 7, 2023 by Cement

[Herbmiester 909]

The M8R looks nice. I guess its a BBS replica so of course it looks good.

[qube 3568]

I used to run 18x8.5 et22 square with 235/40/18 on an e46 coupe non M and had to roll the guards. it still would rub on bumps at speed. the guards could have been rolled a bit more though.

 

 

a good fitment example for the e46 non M is the style 193 with 225/40 + 255/35 tyres.

you can use these specs as a reference to see how the apex/work wheels might fit

pics here:

 

 

Edited June 12, 2023 by qube

[Cement 782]

So after a bunch more arm chair investigation I'm going to lock in the M8R's in 18x9.5 ET38 rear and 18x8.5 ET38 fronts.

Should be here in 10-20 weeks 😬