BMW 8 (E31) Wheel Lug Pattern, Offset ET & Center Bore Reference
The BMW 8 (E31), produced from 1989 to 1999, features precise wheel lug patterns essential for proper wheel fitment. Understanding the lug count and PCD (pitch circle diameter) ensures the correct wheel mounting specification for safety and performance.\n\nTypically, the BMW 8 (E31) uses a 5×120 mm lug pattern, which is standard for BMW models of this era. Alongside the lug pattern, offset ET (Einpresstiefe) values usually range between 15 and 25 mm, balancing wheel positioning and suspension clearance.\n\nCenter bore diameter is crucial for wheel centering and vibration-free driving. For the BMW 8 (E31), the center bore commonly measures 72.6 mm. Wheels designed with matching bore and offset parameters guarantee compatibility without modification.\n\nRim sizes for the BMW 8 (E31) vary by production year and model variant, commonly spanning 16 to 18 inches. When selecting aftermarket wheels or replacements, confirming year-specific data for bolt pattern, offset, and center bore is vital for optimal fitment.
| Make / model / trim | Year | Tire | Rim width (in) | Rim diam. (in) | Bolt pattern | Offset ET | Bore DIA | Mounting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 8 (E31) 840 Ci | 1999 | 235/45R17 | 8 | 17 | 5×120 | 20 | 74.1 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 Ci | 1999 | 235/45R17 | 8 | 17 | 5×120 | 20 | 74.1 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 8 (E31) 840 Ci | 1998 | 235/45R17 | 8 | 17 | 5×120 | 20 | 74.1 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 Ci | 1998 | 235/45R17 | 8 | 17 | 5×120 | 20 | 74.1 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 8 (E31) 840 Ci | 1997 | 235/45R17 | 8 | 17 | 5×120 | 20 | 74.1 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 Ci | 1997 | 235/45R17 | 8 | 17 | 5×120 | 20 | 74.1 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 8 (E31) 840 Ci | 1996 | 235/45R17 | 8 | 17 | 5×120 | 20 | 74.1 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 8 (E31) 840 i | 1996 | 235/45R17 | 8 | 17 | 5×120 | 20 | 74.1 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 Ci | 1996 | 235/45R17 | 8 | 17 | 5×120 | 20 | 74.1 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 CSi | 1996 | 235/45R17 | 8 | 17 | 5×120 | 20 | 74.1 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 8 (E31) 840 i | 1995 | 235/45R17 | 8 | 17 | 5×120 | 20 | 74.1 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 Ci | 1995 | 235/45R17 | 8 | 17 | 5×120 | 20 | 74.1 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 CSi | 1995 | 235/45R17 | 8 | 17 | 5×120 | 20 | 74.1 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 8 (E31) 840 i | 1994 | 235/45R17 | 8 | 17 | 5×120 | 20 | 74.1 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 Ci | 1994 | 235/45R17 | 8 | 17 | 5×120 | 20 | 74.1 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 CSi | 1994 | 235/45R17 | 8 | 17 | 5×120 | 20 | 74.1 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 i,Ci | 1994 | 235/45R17 | 8 | 17 | 5×120 | 20 | 74.1 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 8 (E31) 840 i | 1993 | 235/45R17 | 8 | 17 | 5×120 | 20 | 74.1 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 CSi | 1993 | 235/45R17 | 8 | 17 | 5×120 | 20 | 74.1 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 i,Ci | 1993 | 235/45R17 | 8 | 17 | 5×120 | 20 | 74.1 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 i,Ci | 1992 | 235/45R17 | 8 | 17 | 5×120 | 20 | 74.1 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 i,Ci | 1991 | 235/45R17 | 8 | 17 | 5×120 | 20 | 74.1 | M12*1,5 |
| BMW 8 (E31) 850 i,Ci | 1990 | 235/45R17 | 8 | 17 | 5×120 | 20 | 74.1 | M12*1,5 |
FAQ
- What is the BMW 8 (E31) wheel lug pattern?
- The BMW 8 (E31) typically features a 5×120 mm lug pattern, meaning five lug nuts spaced on a 120 mm diameter circle.
- What offset ET values are recommended for BMW 8 (E31) wheels?
- Recommended offset ET values for the BMW 8 (E31) generally range between 15 mm and 25 mm depending on the wheel design and year.
- Why is the center bore important for BMW 8 (E31) wheel fitment?
- The center bore of about 72.6 mm ensures the wheel is properly centered on the hub, minimizing vibrations and ensuring a secure fit.
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 |
