BMW 3 (E36) Wheel Lug Pattern, Offset, and Rim Size Reference

The BMW 3 (E36), produced between 1990 and 2000, uses specific wheel lug patterns essential for proper wheel fitment. Most E36 models feature a 5x120 mm lug pattern, meaning 5 lug nuts spaced on a 120 mm pitch circle diameter (PCD). Accurate knowledge of this pattern ensures compatibility when selecting aftermarket wheels or replacements.\n\nOffset values (ET) for the E36 typically range from ET20 to ET35 depending on the model and wheel size. Proper offset maintains wheel alignment and clearance with brake components and suspension parts. The center bore for the E36 is universally 72.6 mm, which centers the wheel hub correctly.\n\nRim sizes vary across the production years and trims but generally fall between 14 and 17 inches in diameter. Confirming the rim size, offset, and lug pattern together is key to safe and optimal wheel installation on any BMW 3 (E36).\n\nOur year-sorted reference tables provide detailed specifications for the E36 wheel fitment, helping you find the correct bolt pattern, offset, center bore, and rim size for your exact model year.

Year
Make / model / trim Year Tire Rim width (in) Rim diam. (in) Bolt pattern Offset ET Bore DIA Mounting
BMW 3 (E36) 316 i1998195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 318 i1998195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 318 is1998195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 318 tds1998195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 320 i1998195/65R156.5155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 323 i 2.51998195/65R156.5155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 325 td1998195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 325 tds1998195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 328 i1998205/60R157165×1204772.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) M3 3.21998225/35R197.5195×1204572.6M14*1,25
BMW 3 (E36) 316 i1997195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 318 i1997195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 318 is1997195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 318 tds1997195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 320 i1997195/65R156.5155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 323 i 2.51997195/65R156.5155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 325 td1997195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 325 tds1997195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 328 i1997205/60R157165×1204772.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) M3 3.21997225/35R197.5195×1204572.6M14*1,25
BMW 3 (E36) 316 i1996195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 318 i1996195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 318 is1996195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 318 tds1996195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 320 i1996195/65R156.5155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 323 i 2.51996195/65R156.5155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 325 td1996195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 325 tds1996195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 328 i1996205/60R157165×1204772.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) M3 3.21996225/35R197.5195×1204572.6M14*1,25
BMW 3 (E36) 316 i1995195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 318 i1995195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 318 is1995195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 318 tds1995195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 320 i1995195/65R156.5155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 323 i 2.51995195/65R156.5155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 325 i1995205/60R157165×1204772.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 325 td1995195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 325 tds1995195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 328 i1995205/60R157165×1204772.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) M3 3.01995225/35R197.5195×1204572.6M14*1,25
BMW 3 (E36) M3 3.21995225/35R197.5195×1204572.6M14*1,25
BMW 3 (E36) 316 i1994195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 318 i1994195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 318 is1994195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 320 i1994195/65R156.5155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 325 i1994205/60R157165×1204772.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 325 td1994195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 325 tds1994195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) M3 3.01994225/35R197.5195×1204572.6M14*1,25
BMW 3 (E36) 316 i1993195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 318 i1993195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 318 is1993195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 320 i1993195/65R156.5155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 325 i1993205/60R157165×1204772.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 325 td1993195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 325 tds1993195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 316 i1992195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 318 i1992195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 320 i1992195/65R156.5155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 325 i1992205/60R157165×1204772.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 325 td1992195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 316 i1991195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 318 i1991195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 320 i1991195/65R156.5155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 325 i1991205/60R157165×1204772.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 325 td1991195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 316 i1990195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 318 i1990195/65R157155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 320 i1990195/65R156.5155×1204272.6M12*1,5
BMW 3 (E36) 325 i1990205/60R157165×1204772.6M12*1,5

FAQ

What is the standard wheel lug pattern for a BMW 3 (E36)?
The standard wheel lug pattern for the BMW 3 (E36) is 5x120 mm, meaning five lug nuts arranged on a 120 mm pitch circle diameter.
What offset (ET) values are typical for BMW 3 (E36) wheels?
Typical offset values for BMW 3 (E36) wheels range from ET20 to ET35 depending on the model and rim size.
What is the center bore size for BMW 3 (E36) wheels?
The center bore size for BMW 3 (E36) wheels is 72.6 mm, which ensures the wheel is properly centered on the hub.
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