Track Wheels... Where to start

[TCom]

I'm new to the F80 platform and it's been a while since I've been to the track. I'd like to get a set of wheels and tires I can run at the track so I don't my M666 wheels and tires.

In trying to do some reading about popular setups there are so many variables in different setups if just left me with new questions about what would fit my car.

I plan to run the stock suspension (ride height and camber). I'd like to run a square setup that won't rub. I'd like to maximize the tire width but don't have to have the absolute maximum. I am trying to figure out if I need an 18x10 or 18x10.5 and am not sure what width tire will fit my setup.

What ET do I need for a square setup and will I need spacers on one of the ends?

I'd also like to hear some tire suggestions. I don't need a pure race tire but something well suited to the track but decent wear. RE71? GY Supercar 3R?

Thanks for any advice you can share.

[Suds]

18”x10” rims offer many tire sizes and manufacturers, I would start looking there.
I have a set of BMW 513m rears ET 40, I run a 12-15mm spacer in the front, with 275/35/18 RE71 tires.
Also, a set of Apex SM10s rims 18”x10” with Nitto NT01’s in 275/35/18.
I run spacers in the front so I can switch the rims front to rear.

Here is a great fitment guide form Apex wheels.
https://support.apexraceparts.com/hc...-Fitment-Guide

[SYT_Shadow]

By now you can just piggyback on what others have done.

A square setup minimizes cost and is a great option.

There's no need to stick to 10" setups as if we were in 2002 with the e46M3. 10.5 fits happily square. Look for ET40 to ET36 range, that requires a spacer up front and is a direct fitment in the rear.

A 10.5 setup will happily run any tire from a 265 to a 305, so you have lots to choose some. Almost everyone makes a 275/35 tire.

You absolutely want to add camber plates. This makes a huge difference. I've put over 100k miles on ground control street and race camber plates in different M3s and am very pleased. I get it aligned once and can alter camber at the track so I don't have to run a compromise setting, then alter it again before driving home. You just need a small wrench and an alignment guy that's reasonably smart.

Good wheel options are
-Bimmerworld TA5R, what I run
-Titan7
-Apex

RE71 tires are my favorite but they aren't made anymore, so you can look for RT660, RS4, SC3R, A052, etc etc. RS4 have lots of life so I'd start with those.

[TCom]

So a little more research and what I would like to do is Run a 275/35/18 initially but put it on a wheel that can run a 295/30/18 if I feel like i need the extra rubber. I hear you on camber plates being highly recommended so it will be the first thing I do after the wheel/tire setup but would like to get it out on track prior to that.

Apex said the 18x10.5 ET40 won't work on the car with a 275/35/18 without camber adjustment so I'm wondering if anyone has had a different experience or if there is another option that gives me the 275 to 295 options that will work without camber plates initially.

Suds, do you feel like the 275/35/18 is sufficient width or leave you wanting more?

[jfritz27]

Originally Posted by TCom

So a little more research and what I would like to do is Run a 275/35/18 initially but put it on a wheel that can run a 295/30/18 if I feel like i need the extra rubber.

As Shadow said, an 18 x 10.5" ET ~36 would be your ticket there with an appropriate spacer up front as dictated by your camber, suspension, and tire size

[TCom]

Originally Posted by jfritz27

As Shadow said, an 18 x 10.5" ET ~36 would be your ticket there with an appropriate spacer up front as dictated by your camber, suspension, and tire size

Thanks for reiterating that. I've been so focused on the Apex wheels and getting the right fit I totally overlooked the Bimmerworld wheels and the fact they had an offset that would help accomplish what I was looking for.

[Tonym344]

Apex has a pretty comprehensive fitment guide. I run square 275/35/18 on 18x10" ET25 APEX EC-7 Wheels. Fitment guide allows up to 285 with stock setup which is where I will go this season. I mainly go to Watkins Glen, being able to rotate tires really saves them.

https://support.apexraceparts.com/hc...-Fitment-Guide