You asked, we listened! We're excited to announce that we've started production of an M2C-specific track setup that clears the new 2NH 400mm front/380mm rear factory big brake setup. Since no 18" wheel can fit over this monstrous brake setup, 19" wheels are required. Through community feedback, we decided to produce these fitments in our popular EC-7 design in widths and offsets that were specifically designed with the goal of maximizing tire width under the fenders with minimal modifications.
We referenced our existing 18" wheel specifications devoted to the standard M2 (18x9.5" ET28 / 18x10.5" ET40), and after much discussion and research, we have decided to make a small change to the rear wheel offset that you'll appreciate. Many M2 enthusiasts expressed concern with rear fender clearance, and since our mission is to provide M2 Competition owners with 19" wheel solutions that properly accommodate popular track/race compounds, we have decided to raise the rear offset from ET40 to ET45. This small, yet meaningful change in offset will move the rear wheels 5mm inboard where there is room to spare, while maintaining a flush fitment in relation to the fenders. The result is wheel specifications tailored for 265/30-19 front and 295/30-19 rear tires, and while other staggered tire combinations will work, the majority of popular r-compounds like Toyo R888-R, Michelin Sport Cup2, and Pirelli Trofeo R are only available in this size configuration (more on that topic below).
Implementing the optimum wheel offsets means no spacers are required with stock suspension, lowering springs or a wide variety of aftermarket coilovers. As expected, small 3mm or 5mm spacers may be required up front with coilovers that are known for compromising clearance such as KW, Öhlins, or the BMW M Performance Coilover kit.
Not only will these wheels provide value to those lucky enough to call themselves M2C owners, but they are also ideal for any standard M2 owner who prefers 19" wheels. We welcome any and all feedback regarding these fitments and look forward to seeing them mounted on more cars.
"APEX EC-7"
"Wheel Sizes"
"Fitment Recommendations & Tire Availability"
[SIZE="4"]
Staggered vs. Rotatable Square Configurations[/SIZE]
As defined in the chart above, we anticipate the most popular setup to be the staggered wheel fitment wrapped in 265/295 tires. There are pros and cons of both staggered and square configurations, and a laundry list of contributing factors to conclude which is superior like chassis type, suspension components, alignment settings, HP and TQ figures, whether or not aero is present, etc., so for the sake of brevity lets keep the comparison high level.
Earlier generations like the E36, E46, and even the E9X M3 are
typically better suited running a rotatable square setup. Not only does the ability to rotate wheels and tires on all four corners of the car have a dramatic impact on the seasonal tire budget, but these chassis also respond very well to square configurations from a performance perspective. Squaring things up is an easy way to dial out unwanted understeer while improving turn-in, and it often results in a more neutral handling experience overall. Square fitments can limit your tire width, as you are bound to what you can manage to fit under the narrower front fender arches. With the E36 (S50/S52), E46 (S54) and E9X (S65) M3 generations, the respective naturally aspirated power plants are not pumping out overwhelming amounts of horsepower or torque, therefore, with negative camber dialed in enthusiasts are able to stuff compounds that are plenty wide under the front fenders, and the rears simply follow suit. In short, by going with a rotatable square setup for the aforementioned chassis, you really aren't sacrificing rear end grip to gain all of the benefits square fitments have to offer.
Enter the F8X M generation which scavenges power through forced induction, the conversation becomes a little more interesting. It is up to the driver to decide which wheel and tire configuration best suit his/her personal skill level behind the wheel, driving style, seasonal budget, and ultimately goals and intentions when attending HPDE's. These cars can make some serious power with very simple modifications like a tune, so rear end grip becomes more of a concern. While one driver piloting an F8X M is perfectly satisfied running 275's on all four corners of the car to gain all of the benefits of a square setup, another driver in pursuit of shaving down lap times or finishing on the podium will prioritize maximizing front and rear end grip at all costs. As they say, big HP figures look attractive on paper, but you have to be able to put that power down to the pavement. This is most noticeable when applying throttle on corner exit, and cars like the Mustang GT350 and Camaro ZL1 1LE find themselves in the same predicament.
The last major contributing factor is tire availability. With 18" wheels, there is an overwhelming amount of support from tire manufactures, and for many years this diameter (and smaller) was the primary focus for manufacturers offering track and race compounds. As the industry shifts to larger brake setups and in turn larger diameter wheels, tire manufacturers are
slowly expanding their 19"+ offerings. At the end of the day, you can have the perfect wheel specifications, but they are of no value to you if there aren't tires to choose from. Tire availability or lack thereof in your desired compound may influence your decision you to run a square or staggered configuration. The good news is that we are offering both solutions.
We took the liberty of listing tire options in each of the respective configurations with an emphasis on performance street tires, r-compounds, semi slicks, and racing slicks. We are really hoping more extreme summer and r-compounds become available in the appropriate 19" sizes. If we missed anything, just let us know and we will edit the list.
[SIZE="4"]
Tire Availability - Staggered Configurations[/SIZE]
F: 265/30-19 / R: 285/30-19
Performance Street
Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2
Kumho Ecsta PS91
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500
Extreme Summer
None available
Streetable Track and Competition
None available
Semi-slicks & Slicks
None available
F: 265/30-19 / R: 295/30-19
Performance Street
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S [COLOR="Blue"]* APEX favorite *[/COLOR]
Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2
Kumho Ecsta PS91
Extreme Summer
None available
Streetable Track and Competition
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 [COLOR="Blue"]* APEX favorite *[/COLOR]
Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R [COLOR="Blue"]* APEX favorite *[/COLOR]
Toyo R888R
Semi-slicks & Slicks
None available
F: 275/30-19 / R: 295/30-19
Performance Street
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S [COLOR="Blue"]* APEX favorite *[/COLOR]
Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2
Kumho Ecsta PS91
Extreme Summer
None available
Streetable Track and Competition
None available
Semi-slicks & Slicks
None available
F: 275/30-19 / R: 305/30-19
Performance Street
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S [COLOR="Blue"]* APEX favorite *[/COLOR]
Continental Extremecontact Sport
Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2
Kumho Ecsta PS91
Extreme Summer
None available
Streetable Track and Competition
None available
Semi-slicks & Slicks
None available
[SIZE="4"]
Tire Availability - Rotatable Square Configurations[/SIZE]
F&R: 265/30-19
Performance Street
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S [COLOR="Blue"]* APEX favorite *[/COLOR]
Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2
Kumho Ecsta PS91
Extreme Summer
None available
Streetable Track & Competition
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 [COLOR="Blue"]* APEX favorite *[/COLOR]
Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R [COLOR="Blue"]* APEX favorite *[/COLOR]
Toyo R888R
Semi-slicks & Slicks
None available
F&R: 275/30-19
Performance Street
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S [COLOR="Blue"]* APEX favorite *[/COLOR]
Continental Extremecontact Sport
Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2
Kumho Ecsta PS91
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500
Dunlop Direzza DZ102
Extreme Summer
Nitto NT05
Streetable Track & Competition
None available
Semi-Slicks and Slicks
None Available
"Photos"
The photos below depict how well the 19" EC-7 wheels compliment the beautiful lines of the M2 and M2C, however, please note that these cars are equipped with slightly different width, offset and tire specifications.
- Ryan