Introducing the all-new APEX FL-5
The FL-5 is the only APEX design that that takes advantage of Dual Flow Forming plus our newest “I” beam machining technique. Still a one-piece wheel, the Dual Flow Forming technology strengthens both inner and outer barrels while maximizing front lip depth for each unique width and offset. Overall strength has been increased over previous designs which ensure durability in both street and track environments. The advanced “I" beam spoke milling further reduces weight and adds a visual feature typically only found on the most expensive race wheels available on the market today.
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The New Stuff
1. “I-Beam” Spokes
This is the most significant new feature we’ve added. Weight is reduced by CNC machining material out from the sides of each spoke. It’s expensive and avoided by almost every manufacturer, but we’ve made it affordable through volume production.
2. Factory Support
Like all our APEX wheels, The FL-5 supports all OEM hardware like OEM Roundel center caps, wheel lugs, valve stems, and TPMS sensors. No centering rings are needed either.
3. Beefier Lips
By saving weight elsewhere, we’ve added extra material where it counts. We beefed up the barrel’s inner lip to better handle the abuse from the street and track.
4. Dual Flow-Formed
The FL-5 is our only design with a front lip, and it’s also our only wheel that features the use of rotary forging for both the front and rear barrels. We did this because we needed to produce the strongest front lip possible, and we can optimize the depth of the front lip for every unique width and offset when we use this more advanced production method.
Designed for the Performance Enthusiast
Light-weight
Flow-forming allows for a significant reduction in rotational mass by reducing barrel weight. This manufacturing technique allows our wheels to be almost as light as a traditional forged wheel, but without the significant increase in price.
Strength
Track duty requires a wheel that can handle the punishment of high lateral G’s, hitting berms, and every once in a while, a small off track excursion. Spoke and barrel design are a major factor in wheel strength. The flow-forming technique uses high pressure disks/rollers to roll the wheel’s barrel into its final shape. This gives the barrel the same strength properties as a forged wheel, since monoblock wheels go through a similar step to form their barrels. We design our spoke dimensions to help evenly distribute loads from the barrel to the center of the wheel. The lack of a front lip, and spokes directly connecting to the edge of the wheel, also add increased strength to the outer lip of the wheel.
Chassis-Specific Fitments
Stretched rubber, narrow tires, and fender rubbing are not elements to look for in a competitive wheel/tire setup. All of our wheels were designed with offsets that allow for proper fitment of extreme summer, and r-compound tires without the need for spacers or fender rolling. This means keeping the tire under the fender, and away from suspension components. Track oriented wheel widths are also important as they provide proper sidewall support under hard cornering. Too much rubber for a wheel results in excessive sidewall deflection, which translates into sloppy and delayed turning response.
Multiple Fitment Options
Most BMWs come with a staggered setup from the factory. Some choose to keep their car this way, while others like to switch out for an easy-to-rotate, square/neutral setup. This is generally based on driver’s preference and consideration of tire costs. Most BMW chassis benefit from being able to fit both square and staggered setups with relative ease. 9.5” or 10”-wide square setups are great for budget minded enthusiasts who want to extend their tires life by rotating between events, in addition to preferring the feel of a square setup. Square setups are popular on all models for track use due to the significant increase in front grip and turn-in response. Some owners comment that due to the extra power of their cars, a square setup will lean towards oversteer. For those who prefer more rubber in the rear, a staggered setup is the way to go. Wheels up to 11" wide are available for rear fitment. These can be combined with 9.5” or 10” fronts for a bolt-on spacer-free staggered setup.
BBK Clearance
Many owners install Big Brake kits on their cars. Having a smaller-diameter wheel that can clear large calipers is a must. Due to the low-offset nature of many BMWs, there are no clearance issues with the concave spokes. Barrel clearance was increased during the design phase to accommodate both StopTech and Brembo's 380mm kit.
The APEX Standard
1. FEA Optimization
We took more time than ever before on this step, revising and iterating our design to reduce weight as much as possible. After countless iterations we removed material from the sides of the spokes in a way that allowed us to increase strength over our previous designs.
2. Always Flow Formed
All APEX wheels feature Flow-Formed construction that utilizes rotary forging to produce a strong and lightweight barrel. The FL-5 is no exception.
3. True JWL & VIA Certification
Strength needs to be certified. Our wheels were not simply FEA tested in a computer simulation, or in-house tested to an unregulated standard. We conduct real-world crush-testing and all of our wheels conform to Japan’s JWL standard, as well as being 3rd-party tested by the VIA. All of our wheels carry a 690KG load rating.
Available Finishes
Sizes, Weights, and Pricing
Questions about tires, fenders, brakes, spacers, or suspension clearances?
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“Lip Profiles”
On-Car Photos & Renders
Check out our extensive collection of photos on our Flickr page.
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Tire Mounting and Balancing Service
Popular street and track tires are now available when you order APEX wheels. Add tires with your wheel order and get free tire mounting and balancing by our trusted enthusiast technicians. We use high-end, touchless equipment and inspect every wheel and tire combo thoroughly before they leave our warehouse. With our competitive tire pricing bundled with the savings of free mounting and balancing and convenience, it’s the ultimate wheel & tire package.
*Note: Tires will only ship mounted to the wheels in your order, and can not be sold separately. Tires and wheels must be purchased in the same transaction. Tire-only orders will be cancelled and refunded.
Available Tire Brands:
Ordering and Contact Information
- Hours: Monday - Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST
- Shipping: All orders are shipped directly from us via UPS. Local pickup also available at our Livermore, CA Warehouse. (Map It)