BMW 3 Touring (E36) Wheel Lug Pattern and Offset Reference
The BMW 3 Touring (E36) models, produced during the 1990s, primarily use a 5×120 mm wheel lug pattern. This bolt pattern specifies a lug count of 5 and a pitch circle diameter (PCD) of 120 mm, a common BMW specification for that era. It ensures proper fitment of aftermarket and OEM wheels when considering other critical measurements.\n\nAlong with the 5×120 mm lug pattern, wheel offset (ET) values for the E36 3 Touring typically range from ET30 to ET45, depending on the model year and factory wheel options. Correct offset is key to maintaining wheel clearance around suspension components and preserving proper handling.\n\nThe standard center bore diameter for the E36 3 Touring wheels is 72.6 mm. This hub-centric measurement prevents wheel vibration by centering the wheel perfectly on the hub. Rim sizes for the E36 3 Touring generally span from 15 to 17 inches in diameter with widths between 7 and 8.5 inches, allowing versatility for both performance and comfort-oriented setups.\n\nFor enthusiasts and professionals selecting wheels for the BMW 3 Touring (E36), referencing the year-sorted lug pattern, offset, center bore, and rim dimensions ensures compatible and safe wheel installation tailored to this classic BMW model.
| Make / model / trim | Year | Tire | Rim width (in) | Rim diam. (in) | Bolt pattern | Offset ET | Bore DIA | Mounting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 316 i | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 318 i | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 318 tds | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 320 i | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 323 i | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 325 tds | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 328 i | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 316 i | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 318 i | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 318 tds | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 320 i | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 323 i | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 325 tds | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 328 i | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 316 i | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 318 i | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 318 tds | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 320 i | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 323 i | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 325 tds | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 328 i | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 316 i | 1996 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 318 i | 1996 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 318 tds | 1996 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 320 i | 1996 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 323 i | 1996 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 325 tds | 1996 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 328 i | 1996 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 318 i | 1995 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 318 tds | 1995 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 320 i | 1995 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 323 i | 1995 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 325 tds | 1995 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 328 i | 1995 | 195/65R15 | 7 | 15 | 5×120 | 42 | 72.6 | M12*1,5 |
FAQ
- What is the BMW 3 Touring (E36) wheel lug pattern?
- The BMW 3 Touring (E36) uses a 5×120 mm wheel lug pattern, which means 5 lug nuts arranged on a 120 mm pitch circle diameter.
- What offset values are suitable for E36 3 Touring wheels?
- Offset values typically range from ET30 to ET45 for the E36 3 Touring, ensuring proper wheel clearance and handling.
- What is the center bore size for BMW 3 Touring (E36) wheels?
- The standard center bore diameter is 72.6 mm, designed to fit snugly on the vehicle hub to prevent vibrations.
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 |
