Anybody running 17x8.5 square?

[stephenkirsh]

Looking at a square set up with Apex arc-8 17x8.5.

Do my reasons add up?:
- 17 pounds per wheel (9 pound savings over 135s, 1.2 pounds over their 18")
- Cheaper than 18"
- Tires look to be $30-50 cheaper on a 17" than an 18"
- Slightly softer ride

Questions:
1.) what tire size would be appropriate?
2.) how reputable are Apex wheels?
3.) any reason not to go with 17" (besides appearance and lack of BBK compatibility)

[danewilson77]

Thinking is sound. You did not include the off set of the wheels, so we can back you up.

I'd probably run 245/255's on those.

[Avetiso]

Apex wheels are reputable. You can run certain BBKs.

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[jakksfor20]

Do my reasons add up?:
- 17 pounds per wheel (9 pound savings over 135s, 1.2 pounds over their 18")- Yes
- Cheaper than 18"- Yes
- Tires look to be $30-50 cheaper on a 17" than an 18"- Yes
- Slightly softer ride-Yes

Questions:
1.) what tire size would be appropriate? -If you are going squared, then run 245.
2.) how reputable are Apex wheels? -When they are selling over 100 sets 2 years in a row during a Group Buy, then yes they are reputable. I haven't heard of anyone having any manufacturing issues. I've had mine (18") for 18 months and couldn't be more pleased.
3.) any reason not to go with 17" (besides appearance and lack of BBK compatibility)- Depends on what you want them for. Aesthetics? Go 18". Track use? Go 17" if not doing a BBK

[stephenkirsh]

Anything to worry about with offset? I wasn't expecting to need spacers. I'm only just learning what it is.

Yea my plan was 255s.

BBK isn't an issue; too hard core for me.

[Avetiso]

ET 42mm is a good offset.

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[derbo]

Looking at a square set up with Apex arc-8 17x8.5.

Do my reasons add up?:
- 17 pounds per wheel (9 pound savings over 135s, 1.2 pounds over their 18")
- Cheaper than 18"
- Tires look to be $30-50 cheaper on a 17" than an 18"
- Slightly softer ride

Questions:
1.) what tire size would be appropriate?
2.) how reputable are Apex wheels?
3.) any reason not to go with 17" (besides appearance and lack of BBK compatibility)



1. 245/40/17 or 255/40/17.
2. They are fine. Tons of people use them without problems.
3. BBK compatibility is fine. It can clear the 135i setup without spacers. Stoptech with spacers. Besides appearance I don't see any real reason to say no to this.




My specs 17x8.5 +40 running 245/40/17 squared. The contact patch from the Direzzas is a bit similar to other brand's 255 so I'm okay with it. 255/40/17 is also fine which is what I plan to change to after these tires go.

http://i.imgur.com/8qQ84DIl.jpg


http://i.imgur.com/8ZoSJsml.jpg

Currently I am using a 12.5mm spacer to clear the Stoptech BBK in image 2. I believe a smaller spacer will work but I have not tried yet. I am currently looking for a 7mm spacer to try or a 5mm spacer.


I personally think the 17s look more aggressive than the 18s when paired with beefy track tires like this. :)






Dario,

the 17x9 is + 42 but the 8.5 is +40.

[stephenkirsh]

Awesome write up, thanks derbo.

Were you on 135s before the apex wheels?

[derbo]

Awesome write up, thanks derbo.

Were you on 135s before the apex wheels?

The APEX rims are my track setup wheels. I don't daily drive the car anymore and the tires on the 135s are end of its life. My car looks better with the APEX wheels since I have the recaro and stoptech installed.

[wertyu78]

I run 17x8.5 TRM C2's (ET40) with 265/40/17 Dunlp Z1's. Very "stuffed" look. I love it. Aggressive.

[stephenkirsh]

The APEX rims are my track setup wheels. I don't daily drive the car anymore and the tires on the 135s are end of its life. My car looks better with the APEX wheels since I have the recaro and stoptech installed.

Do you notice a performance difference with the Apex wheels over the heavier 135s? That's my main driver for getting them (also, the number of 135s cracking lately have me nervous).

[LivesNearCostco]

I run 17x8.5 ET 40 D-force wheels for track. They are slightly lighter (0.5 lbs?) and probably less strong in the spokes than the Apex Arc-8.

You can run 225 to 255 width tires. 225 would be a little stretched, 255 would be slightly stuffed, depending on brand of tire. There a lot of debate whether 255 is better than 245 on 17x8.5" rims. The typical conclusion is that 255 is better than 245 in certain specific uses, typically AutoX, but this depends on tire model as some 245s from brand A are just as wide as 255s from brand B. Whether you need a front spacer depends on tire width, spring setup (coilovers or not) and how low and wide the lower spring perch is.

18" rims might give sharper turn-in or less tire squirm when cornering due to shorter sidewalls, but I chose 17" for similar reasons you listed: Lighter wheel, cheaper tires, softer road feel, don't have BBK.

There are a few reports of Apex Arc-8 developing crack in the inner lip, but these seem to be rare and I think in most cases Apex has and would replace those for you. There are more stories of the D-force LTW5 (what I have) cracking at the spokes, which is more serious. You can definitely feel the performance difference in wheel weight.

If I were doing it again, I would get Apex Arc-8 17x9" wheels and run 255/40/17 tires.

[stephenkirsh]

I was thinking 9", but with my increased castor on the front wheels (z4m bushings), I'm not sure I could do it without rubbing when turning the wheels to full lock.

Might be able to solve that with spacers, but then it's getting too wide probably.

[JKO_ZHP]

Lighter 17s vs the stock, heavier 18s = faster acceleration but a harder time maintaining higher speeds. Right.....?

[stephenkirsh]

Only upon lifting off the gas pedal.

[derbo]

I run 17x8.5 TRM C2's (ET40) with 265/40/17 Dunlp Z1's. Very "stuffed" look. I love it. Aggressive.

If I recall, Tirerack had Enkei produce these wheels. I think these are great for the price as well.




Do you notice a performance difference with the Apex wheels over the heavier 135s? That's my main driver for getting them (also, the number of 135s cracking lately have me nervous).

135s are heavier. The steering is more responsive but I like that. The acceleration is faster off the line but on highway speeds, it tends to loose mph faster.


I was thinking 9", but with my increased castor on the front wheels (z4m bushings), I'm not sure I could do it without rubbing when turning the wheels to full lock.

Might be able to solve that with spacers, but then it's getting too wide probably.

It might rub on the sway bar on full lock. How often do you go full lock? I have bracke ducts that rub on full lock and I don't go full lock very often.




Lighter 17s vs the stock, heavier 18s = faster acceleration but a harder time maintaining higher speeds. Right.....?

Faster off the line, faster decel too. It also increases steering wheel response.





17x9 is nice. I personally opt to not have that as I have clearance issues with a 8.5" rim and my brake duct hoses already. However, you aren't in the same situation as me, so a 17x9 is the perfect size for a 255 tire.

[STREETFIGHTER50]

I wish my RK's were 17x8.5. Then I'd definitely run a 255/40

[stephenkirsh]

It might rub on the sway bar on full lock. How often do you go full lock? I have bracke ducts that rub on full lock and I don't go full lock very often.
At least once a week.

[Dave1027]

Only thing I can add is that I was also unhappy with the ride quality and was considering going to 17's. In the end I stayed with the 135s and just replaced the tires. The ride is so much better with new rubber that I feel the car is now the perfect balance of handling and ride quality. Seems BMW knew what they were doing after all.

[derbo]

At least once a week.

I used to do full locks all the time making u turns. Since I know I rub on full lock (brake ducts hose) I tend to minimize when I need to. Usually I can make due with partial full lock (maybe half a turn less) and I won't have to deal with rubbing.


17s have cheaper tires. That's really the reason lol.


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