BMW 3 Compact (E36) Wheel Lug Pattern, Offset & Center Bore Specifications

The BMW 3 Compact (E36) features a specific wheel lug pattern designed to ensure proper fitment and safety. Typically, this model uses a 5×120 mm lug pattern, which is standard among many BMW vehicles of its era. Understanding the lug count and pitch circle diameter (PCD) is essential when selecting compatible wheels.\n\nOffset ET values for the E36 3 Compact generally range between ET30 and ET40, which significantly affect wheel position relative to the fenders and suspension components. Correct offset helps maintain driving dynamics and prevents wheel interference.\n\nThe center bore for the 3 Compact (E36) is commonly 72.6 mm, matching the hub diameter to ensure a precise wheel fit and balance. Rim sizes vary depending on production year and trim, often ranging from 14 to 16 inches, balancing aesthetics and performance.\n\nThis year-sorted reference helps you identify correct wheel lug patterns, offset ET, center bore, and rim sizes for your BMW 3 Compact (E36), offering a reliable guide for wheel replacement and upgrades.

Year
Make / model / trim Year Tire Rim width (in) Rim diam. (in) Bolt pattern Offset ET Bore DIA Mounting
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 g2000195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 i2000195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 tds2000195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 ti2000195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 323 ti2000195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 g1999195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 i1999195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 tds1999195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 ti1999195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 323 ti1999195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 g1998195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 i1998195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 tds1998195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 ti1998195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 323 ti1998195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 g1997195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 i1997195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 tds1997195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 ti1997195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 323 ti1997195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 g1996195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 i1996195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 tds1996195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 ti1996195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 g1995195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 i1995195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 tds1995195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 ti1995195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 g1994195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 i1994195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 ti1994195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5

FAQ

What is the BMW 3 Compact (E36) lug pattern size?
The BMW 3 Compact (E36) uses a 5×120 mm wheel lug pattern.
What offset ET values are typical for the BMW 3 Compact (E36) wheels?
Offset ET values for the 3 Compact (E36) usually range from ET30 to ET40.
What center bore size fits the BMW 3 Compact (E36)?
The center bore size for this model is 72.6 mm.
Tire size calculatorShow

Compare two tire sizes — diameter, speedometer error, and clearance change.

inchmm
Size 1Size 2DiffDiff(%)
Diameter25.0"25.4"0.5"1.89%
Width7.7"8.5"0.8"10.26%
Circumference78.4"79.9"1.5"1.86%
Profile height5.0"4.2"-0.7"-15.08%
Turnover per mile80779314-1.73%
Clearance--+0.2"-
25.0"
7.7"
old tire side
25.5"
8.5"
new tire side
old tire
15"
old rim
5.0"
new tire
17"
new rim
4.2"

Speedometer Error

(First wheel OEM size)

Reading20 mph30 mph40 mph50 mph60 mph70 mph80 mph90 mph
Actual20.430.540.750.961.171.281.491.6