AG M359 vs. Apex EC-7

Isaiah5411 · 08-22-2015, 12:53 PM

Well...I had my Alufelgens refinished recently and the paint is already peeling off.

Rather than have them powder coated - which I shoulda done from the start - I've decided to go to a different wheel and slightly different setup. Right now, I am running the 19x8.5 ET35 CS-7s in a square setup, using 12mm Macht Schnell spacers in the rear and 235/35-19 Michelin PSS all around.

Since I like to try to keep things looking as OEM as possible and I like the look of the OEM 359 on the E9x, I am thinking about going to either the AG M359s or Apex EC-7s in 19x9 ET35 and running 245/35-19s all around. (Not quite sure how the spacers will work in the rear. Haven't done the math yet...may have to go to a slightly smaller one.)

Anyway, what is the consensus of opinion on the overall quality and the finish of each of these wheels...Avant Garde M359 vs Apex EC-7?

techwhiz · 08-22-2015, 04:09 PM

I have the EC7 wheel in a 19x9 ET35 and 19x9.5 ET33.
I'm running 245/35 up front and a 275/30 in the rear.

The Apex wheels are 2nd to none in quality.
The nice thing is Apex stocks the wheels so if you ever has an issue you can buy just one wheel.

killbill91 · 08-22-2015, 04:21 PM

I was in the same boat wanting to keep OEM look so I pulled the trigger on AG M359's... Just couldn't beat the looks! As far as quality and finish, as long as you maintain them I say they should hold steady.

Isaiah5411 · 08-22-2015, 10:51 PM

Thanks! So...that's one for Apex and one for AG. I should be able to decide now.

I have read a few negative reviews about the finish of the M359s while others thought the ones they got were perfect. Guess that's the way it'll be with these things, although I've only heard good things about Apex so far. I'm leaning toward the EC-7s.

Any more input??

dbworld4k · 08-23-2015, 12:24 AM

AG = cheap quality overpriced shit like any other random Joe Blow wheel company out there.

At least Apex wheels have a reputation for being light and good quality for hard driving. Get the EC7s and don't look back.

Isaiah5411 · 08-23-2015, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbworld4k

AG = cheap quality overpriced shit like any other random Joe Blow wheel company out there.

At least Apex wheels have a reputation for being light and good quality for hard driving. Get the EC7s and don't look back.

I'm sure you'll draw some fire for that comment, but thanks for the response. Of course, that's the kind of opinion we are looking for when asking this sort of question. Did you or a buddy have them and have issues (e.g. finish, problem balancing, etc.)?

killbill91 · 08-23-2015, 12:11 PM

Woah! Ok I'm done with this thread... good day!

Isaiah5411 · 08-23-2015, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killbill91

Woah! Ok I'm done with this thread... good day!

Sorry 'bout that. Looks like you haven't been on the forum for very long, but...you've probably been here enough to know that people often express STRONG opinions. But, I believe, they also need to back up those opinions.

I'd rather see you defend your purchase than split. I think they're beautiful rims. I'm just trying to get a handle on the finish issues I've read about.

killbill91 · 08-23-2015, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Isaiah5411

Sorry 'bout that. Looks like you haven't been on the forum for very long, but...you've probably been here enough to know that people often express STRONG opinions. But, I believe, they also need to back up those opinions.

I'd rather see you defend your purchase than split. I think they're beautiful rims. I'm just trying to get a handle on the finish issues I've read about.

Haha nah I know, I was just being sarcastic. Sarcasm doesn't translate very well over text... Sounded good in my head but doesn't come out so great here.

But I don't want to sway with one brand over another. I have seen threads with the issues you speak of and I have seen threads speak highly of them. For me, I don't thrash my car and take great care in cleaning and maintaining it. So those issues don't bother me as much as someone who rips across pot hole minefields or battles gravel roads everyday.

From my understanding, AG uses the same process as OEM in their wheel creation process. Apex I am not too sure about but from my readings they offer some more durability from their manufacturing process.

In the end, AG offers a lifetime warranty for structural defects and 1 year on finish defects... Apex has a 2 year warranty on structural and again 1 year on finish defects.

So from my standpoint, I want wanted the looks, I wanted that fine OEM look, and AG has a spot on rep for the 359's which won for me!

Just my two cents!

Isaiah5411 · 08-24-2015, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killbill91

Haha nah I know, I was just being sarcastic. Sarcasm doesn't translate very well over text... Sounded good in my head but doesn't come out so great here.

But I don't want to sway with one brand over another. I have seen threads with the issues you speak of and I have seen threads speak highly of them. For me, I don't thrash my car and take great care in cleaning and maintaining it. So those issues don't bother me as much as someone who rips across pot hole minefields or battles gravel roads everyday.

From my understanding, AG uses the same process as OEM in their wheel creation process. Apex I am not too sure about but from my readings they offer some more durability from their manufacturing process.

In the end, AG offers a lifetime warranty for structural defects and 1 year on finish defects... Apex has a 2 year warranty on structural and again 1 year on finish defects.

So from my standpoint, I want wanted the looks, I wanted that fine OEM look, and AG has a spot on rep for the 359's which won for me!

Just my two cents!

Thanks! The AG M359s certainly are great looking rims!

And I have to agree that finish damage is often user error based on my experience. I always hand wash the car and wheels (and wax the wheels using WheelWax), but...my BMW dealership managed to kill the finish on two sets of rims (my old VMR VB3s and these Alufelgens) by applying a wheel cleaner in their clean-up routine after servicing the car. Needless to say, I don't have them clean the car after servicing anymore.

killbill91 · 08-24-2015, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Isaiah5411

Thanks! The AG M359s certainly are great looking rims!

And I have to agree that finish damage is often user error based on my experience. I always hand wash the car and wheels (and wax the wheels using WheelWax), but...my BMW dealership managed to kill the finish on two sets of rims (my old VMR VB3s and these Alufelgens) by applying a wheel cleaner in their clean-up routine after servicing the car. Needless to say, I don't have them clean the car after servicing anymore.

Yeah I say if you stick to that method and do the cleaning yourself, you shouldn't have an issue no matter the wheels you get.

classyfast · 08-27-2015, 10:17 PM

I will say this, over the years I've seen many paint chip issues with a handful of AG m359 wheels. It is somewhat common from all the stuff I've ever read on here. I have not seen too many cracked AG m359 wheels though. So that's good.

I do believe all reps are the same China garbage that all the csl reps you see on eBay are. I also believe AG m359s should be priced exactly like the Alzor ECS m359 style wheels which is about 580$ for a set of 19's. A rep is a rep. Call it how it is. Both Alzor and AG have the same cert/ratings and typically backed by seller for replacement so it should be easy getting a replacement. ECS and Alzor wins that battle.

I don't understand however how or why Apex charges close to 1200$ for their 18's and 1400+ for their 19" variations. Not sure if flow formed or whatever but they are considerably more than other rep companies.....which is what they are. Light strong whatever, I see them cracked and bent on here too.

I guess there is no simple answer here.....

chau · 08-31-2015, 02:57 PM

Personally I'd go for the Apex wheels since I've seen a few threads about people cracking AG wheels. Looking at your responses, it seems like you're leaning towards the AG wheels.

hongsc · 08-31-2015, 11:29 PM

Paint sucks on the AV m359. Maybe take it to another shop to get it done right?

secretsquirrel · 09-01-2015, 07:07 AM

I've heard nothing but good things about Apex wheels, but if where comparing wheels by complains, we're not doing it right. There are 10-15x people running AG wheels vs Apex wheels.

motoridersd · 09-01-2015, 11:04 PM

I am in the process of trying to decide which wheels to get and are considering both. In for more recommendations. An acquaintance was mentioning Apex wheels are JWL certified, where AGs are not. I have no idea if that makes a difference.

There's an Apex Group buy going on now, so they can at least be had with some discount over retail price.

classyfast · 09-01-2015, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motoridersd

I am in the process of trying to decide which wheels to get and are considering both. In for more recommendations. An acquaintance was mentioning Apex wheels are JWL certified, where AGs are not. I have no idea if that makes a difference.

There's an Apex Group buy going on now, so they can at least be had with some discount over retail price.

Where are the group buys???

08-22-2015, 12:53 PM	#1
Isaiah5411 Lieutenant Colonel 187 Rep 1,677 Posts Drives: 2008 Montego Blue 328i E93 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Modagascar iTrader: (0)	AG M359 vs. Apex EC-7 Well...I had my Alufelgens refinished recently and the paint is already peeling off. Rather than have them powder coated - which I shoulda done from the start - I've decided to go to a different wheel and slightly different setup. Right now, I am running the 19x8.5 ET35 CS-7s in a square setup, using 12mm Macht Schnell spacers in the rear and 235/35-19 Michelin PSS all around. Since I like to try to keep things looking as OEM as possible and I like the look of the OEM 359 on the E9x, I am thinking about going to either the AG M359s or Apex EC-7s in 19x9 ET35 and running 245/35-19s all around. (Not quite sure how the spacers will work in the rear. Haven't done the math yet...may have to go to a slightly smaller one.) Anyway, what is the consensus of opinion on the overall quality and the finish of each of these wheels...Avant Garde M359 vs Apex EC-7? __________________ 2008 Montego "330i" /3.0 manifold /AA /Eurobox /PE /Alufelgen CS7 /Macht Schnell /Michelin PSS /XPel "O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires." (Isaiah 54:11)
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08-22-2015, 04:09 PM	#2
techwhiz Colonel 453 Rep 2,973 Posts Drives: e90 335i Sedan - Arctic Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Bay Area, Ca iTrader: (4)	I have the EC7 wheel in a 19x9 ET35 and 19x9.5 ET33. I'm running 245/35 up front and a 275/30 in the rear. The Apex wheels are 2nd to none in quality. The nice thing is Apex stocks the wheels so if you ever has an issue you can buy just one wheel. __________________ Arctic Metallic\CF Splitters, Spoiler, Mirror Covers\LED Tails\LSD\Tinted\Coded\Apex Square SM10-19"\LED Angel Eyes\Gloss Black Grill\Integrated V1 & Galaxy Tab\M-Performance Brakes\Cobb Tuned\xHP Flash\Resonator Removed and -> is your friend.
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08-22-2015, 04:21 PM	#3
killbill91 Chet Manley 9 Rep 98 Posts Drives: '09 335i E92 6MT Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: NOVA iTrader: (1)	I was in the same boat wanting to keep OEM look so I pulled the trigger on AG M359's... Just couldn't beat the looks! As far as quality and finish, as long as you maintain them I say they should hold steady.
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08-22-2015, 10:51 PM	#4
Isaiah5411 Lieutenant Colonel 187 Rep 1,677 Posts Drives: 2008 Montego Blue 328i E93 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Modagascar iTrader: (0)	Thanks! So...that's one for Apex and one for AG. I should be able to decide now. I have read a few negative reviews about the finish of the M359s while others thought the ones they got were perfect. Guess that's the way it'll be with these things, although I've only heard good things about Apex so far. I'm leaning toward the EC-7s. Any more input?? __________________ 2008 Montego "330i" /3.0 manifold /AA /Eurobox /PE /Alufelgen CS7 /Macht Schnell /Michelin PSS /XPel "O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires." (Isaiah 54:11)
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08-23-2015, 12:24 AM	#5
dbworld4k Banned 583 Rep 2,233 Posts Drives: '12 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: YYZ iTrader: (5) Garage List 2002 BMW M5 [10.00] 2009 BMW 335i [10.00]	AG = cheap quality overpriced shit like any other random Joe Blow wheel company out there. At least Apex wheels have a reputation for being light and good quality for hard driving. Get the EC7s and don't look back.
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08-23-2015, 12:11 PM	#7
killbill91 Chet Manley 9 Rep 98 Posts Drives: '09 335i E92 6MT Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: NOVA iTrader: (1)	Woah! Ok I'm done with this thread... good day!
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08-27-2015, 10:17 PM	#12
classyfast Banned 671 Rep 2,219 Posts Drives: e36m/e46m/E92 LCI 335/f30 335 Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	I will say this, over the years I've seen many paint chip issues with a handful of AG m359 wheels. It is somewhat common from all the stuff I've ever read on here. I have not seen too many cracked AG m359 wheels though. So that's good. I do believe all reps are the same China garbage that all the csl reps you see on eBay are. I also believe AG m359s should be priced exactly like the Alzor ECS m359 style wheels which is about 580$ for a set of 19's. A rep is a rep. Call it how it is. Both Alzor and AG have the same cert/ratings and typically backed by seller for replacement so it should be easy getting a replacement. ECS and Alzor wins that battle. I don't understand however how or why Apex charges close to 1200$ for their 18's and 1400+ for their 19" variations. Not sure if flow formed or whatever but they are considerably more than other rep companies.....which is what they are. Light strong whatever, I see them cracked and bent on here too. I guess there is no simple answer here.....
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08-31-2015, 02:57 PM	#13
chau Second Lieutenant 28 Rep 234 Posts Drives: 335d Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (0)	Personally I'd go for the Apex wheels since I've seen a few threads about people cracking AG wheels. Looking at your responses, it seems like you're leaning towards the AG wheels.
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08-31-2015, 11:29 PM	#14
hongsc Captain 153 Rep 982 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 328i Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Amazon Prime iTrader: (1)	Paint sucks on the AV m359. Maybe take it to another shop to get it done right? __________________ 2011 BMW 328i Space Grey\|18" Avant Garde m359\|Michelin Pilot Sport A/S2\|Eibach Pro-Kit Springs\|Koni FSD\|M3 U+L Control Arms\|Lux Angel Eyes\|Stoptech\|Hawk 5.0\|aFe Race Pipes\|BMW PE
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09-01-2015, 07:07 AM	#15
secretsquirrel Colonel 130 Rep 2,291 Posts Drives: f80 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Far North Dallas iTrader: (2)	I've heard nothing but good things about Apex wheels, but if where comparing wheels by complains, we're not doing it right. There are 10-15x people running AG wheels vs Apex wheels.
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09-01-2015, 11:04 PM	#16
motoridersd Wagon Pusher 60 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 2011 328i E91 M Sport 6 Spd Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW E91 328i 6MT [0.00]	I am in the process of trying to decide which wheels to get and are considering both. In for more recommendations. An acquaintance was mentioning Apex wheels are JWL certified, where AGs are not. I have no idea if that makes a difference. There's an Apex Group buy going on now, so they can at least be had with some discount over retail price.
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