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.
| Make / model / trim | Year | Tire | Rim width (in) | Rim diam. (in) | Bolt pattern | Offset ET | Bore DIA | Mounting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 g | 2000 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 i | 2000 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 tds | 2000 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 ti | 2000 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 323 ti | 2000 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 g | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 i | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 tds | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 ti | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 323 ti | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 g | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 i | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 tds | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 ti | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 323 ti | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 g | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 i | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 tds | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 ti | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 323 ti | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 g | 1996 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 i | 1996 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 tds | 1996 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 ti | 1996 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 g | 1995 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 i | 1995 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 tds | 1995 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 ti | 1995 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 g | 1994 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 316 i | 1994 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 ti | 1994 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*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.
| Size 1 | Size 2 | Diff | Diff(%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 25.0" | 25.4" | 0.5" | 1.89% |
| Width | 7.7" | 8.5" | 0.8" | 10.26% |
| Circumference | 78.4" | 79.9" | 1.5" | 1.86% |
| Profile height | 5.0" | 4.2" | -0.7" | -15.08% |
| Turnover per mile | 807 | 793 | 14 | -1.73% |
| Clearance | - | - | +0.2" | - |






Speedometer Error
(First wheel OEM size)
| Reading | 20 mph | 30 mph | 40 mph | 50 mph | 60 mph | 70 mph | 80 mph | 90 mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | 20.4 | 30.5 | 40.7 | 50.9 | 61.1 | 71.2 | 81.4 | 91.6 |
