Finally! A real competitor to Apex arc8 - Bimmerwrold's new TA8S "8 spoke" CSL style

[Tbonem3]

So I made a mistake in my modding journey and got 19" wheels (because I couldn't resist CSLs), and have recently started to undo that and get back to light 18" wheels.

I was pretty sure I was going to get ARC-8s in something like 18x9.5/10" notwithstanding their abundance in the wild.

While crossshopping/pricing on Bimmerworld, I saw a new "TA" style of wheel in 17" and 18"

FINALLY, someone has made a true competitor to the ARC-8, a flow formed, lightweight, wide/lowoffset wheel in the CSL style AND it's $160 cheaper for a set of 4.

The new TA8S





I don't give a shit if Company A copies company B, and then Company C comes in and steals some ideas from Company B that stole from Company A anyway

I just want a wide, low offset 18" wheel that's 20lbs for $300-350 and fits the E46 aesthetic.

I like how it has more of a smooth flow design like the style 163 versus the sharper, more angular ARC-8. Though the RC (arc-8) looks great too, who can deny?

You also get some bonus points for not having the same exact wheels as almost every other E46 enthusiast out there.

My only other light weight 18" option was my previous set of wheels, the sportlines (modbargains.com), which are very good, but the finish and style was lacking, not to mention sizes. These new TA8S got the design better, and finish looks better too (not so flat and bright as sportlines).

I'm looking to pull the trigger soon. I may still go with ARC-8, but these are damn tempting...

I'm coming up with $1,556 + tax (free shipping - BW) for ARC8 9.5"/10", but $1,396 for these TA8S.

[Tbonem3]

From BW:

"Way more than simply a "replica", the TA8S has all of the features necessary to be one of the best flow-formed wheels on the market. Period.
+ 1,650lb (750kg) load rating
+ Light weight - 18x10 is 20.92lbs
+ Tested and passed SAE, JWL, and VIA testing standards
+ Focus on barrel and rim strength
+ Spokes that extend over the outer rim
+ Flow-formed, roll-forged barrel - high strength but low weight
+ Knurled bead seat reduces tire slippage
+ Large spoke clearance for big brake kits
+ Closed-face hub maximizes strength in the hub
+ Accepts factory lug bolts, wheel locks, or stud conversions
+ Accepts OE BMW center cap (TA8S cap included)
+ Protective recessed valve stem pocket
+ Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) compatible (not included)

The TA8S follows our forged TA16 and flow-formed TA5R wheels and adds timeless styling that looks amazing on almost any BMW model. The design will be instantly familiar to any BMW enthusiast but we added some unique touches to make it our own design - like spokes that reach all the way to the rim and extra machining on the outside of the Y-spoke. Of course it's instantly familiar because it looks so good on so many cars. Does the world really need another "Style 163" wheel? No but we wanted to offer the best one on the market!"

Actually, I would say yes the world did need another style 163 wheel, as ARC8s are actually BBS RC rep, not CSL, and, as I mentioned before, the CSL rep from Sportline is lacking in 2 big ways (finish/sizes).

VMRs are heavy and spokes too thin, but other than that, I can't think of another good CSL 163 rep

[dr_011]

I disagree that the Sportlines (especially before the cease and desist order) are lacking, but hey, that's all personal preference. Good luck getting back to some sweet 18s.

[Tbonem3]

The design and finish of the sportlines was definitely better before the C&D and the redesign. However, being limited to 8.5/9.5" wasn't so great, for me.

[jdamore44]

Personally I really like these Bimmerworld wheels.. I like the modern touch of the spoke with the step in it. Thanks for posting.

[lvm3sm46]

Do they really consider 20+ pounds lightweight?

[cobra]

Do they really consider 20+ pounds lightweight?

I think it's reasonably lightweight. The ARC8's are 20lb and the BBS RGR is 21.2lb, so these fall between those.

The stock rear 18x9's are 27lbs, which is 29% heavier while being 1" narrower...

[dukeofchen]

Pretty attractive price on these, would love to see them on an E46 to get a feel for the curved vs. sharp profile of the ARC-8s.

[repoman89]

I got their TA16 forged wheels late last year and am really impressed with them. 17.x pounds and my tire guy said it was the easiest balance he’s ever done. The anthracite finish looks great too. They’ve jacked up the price on those unfortunately since.

They survived one trip into the grass already with balance perfectly intact once I washed the dirt off lol. Hopefully their flow formed wheels are of similar quality.

[Tbonem3]

Good insights/feedback guys! They say they just came out in June.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to get them, so I'll do a whole review/photoshoot!

[Tbonem3]

Do they really consider 20+ pounds lightweight?

Keep in mind the widths/offsets we're talking about. Factory wheels in 8 and 8.5" with thinner centers (hi-offset) are mid 20lbs, but you've got these 10" wheels with low offset coming in at 20lbs, it's fantastic (for unsprung weight).

[BigDave]

Why be locked in to a mesh multi spoke? These D-Force wheels are 18.5lbs, and show off your floating rotors and six and four piston BBK's better. Uber strong for daily street use despite being called
race wheels" Owned them 12 years. I never bent them until I jumped a flooded submerged THREE FOOT CURB after a tropical storm. The car was airborne. Nothing broken....only two of the wheels were ovaled.. Cost me $100 per wheel to get them straightened. I run Michelin Pilot Sport 4s 265/35-18 on all corners unless I am running my heavy 19" three piece wheels.
Cost for four D-Force is $1386.
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-1...ace-wheel-set/

[jet_dogg]

Of course this is simply a guess but perhaps it's because they're heinous.

[Tbonem3]

💀


Dave, I'd rock the D force if I had a track rat miata or e30 or e36 maybe

[Nate047]

I have had my hands on a set of the TA5Rs for a while and the finish is great, I presume these are coming from the same place and will also be great.