BMW 3 Coupe (E36) Tire Sizes and Rim Dimensions by Year and Trim
The BMW 3 Coupe (E36), produced from 1990 to 1999, features varying tire sizes and rim dimensions depending on the model year and trim level. Common tire widths range from 195 mm to 225 mm, with aspect ratios typically between 50 and 55. Rim diameters generally span 15 to 17 inches, with width measurements from 6.5 to 8 inches.\n\nEarly base trims often use 195/65R15 tires on 6.5 × 15 inch rims, while higher trims and sport packages may equip 205/50R16 or 225/45R17 tires on wider rims for enhanced handling and aesthetics. Track and M3 editions feature even more performance-oriented specifications.\n\nWhen comparing trims, focus on the tire sidewall markings that indicate width, aspect ratio, and diameter, matching them with the rim width × diameter to ensure compatibility. This approach helps identify exact or recommended fitments for replacements or upgrades without compromising safety or performance.\n\nAlways refer to the vehicle’s placard or manual for factory recommendations on tire size and rim dimensions. Consider the load index and speed rating appropriate for your model year and trim to maintain driving stability and control.
| Make / model / trim | Year | Tire size | Wheel |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 316 i | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 318 is | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 320 i | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 323 i | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 325 i | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 328 i | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) M3 3.2 | 1999 | 225/35R19 | 7.5" × 19" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 316 i | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 318 is | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 320 i | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 323 i | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 325 i | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 328 i | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) M3 3.2 | 1998 | 225/35R19 | 7.5" × 19" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 316 i | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 318 is | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 320 i | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 323 i | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 325 i | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 328 i | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) M3 3.2 | 1997 | 225/35R19 | 7.5" × 19" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 316 i | 1996 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 318 is | 1996 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 320 i | 1996 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 323 i | 1996 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 325 i | 1996 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 328 i | 1996 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) M3 3.2 | 1996 | 225/35R19 | 7.5" × 19" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 316 i | 1995 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 318 is | 1995 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 320 i | 1995 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 323 i | 1995 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 325 i | 1995 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 328 i | 1995 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) M3 3.0 | 1995 | 225/35R19 | 7.5" × 19" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) M3 3.2 | 1995 | 225/35R19 | 7.5" × 19" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 316 i | 1994 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 318 is | 1994 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 320 i | 1994 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 325 i | 1994 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) M3 3.0 | 1994 | 225/35R19 | 7.5" × 19" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 316 i | 1993 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 318 is | 1993 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 320 i | 1993 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 325 i | 1993 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) M3 3.0 | 1993 | 225/35R19 | 7.5" × 19" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 318 is | 1992 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 320 i | 1992 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) 325 i | 1992 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Coupe (E36) M3 3.0 | 1992 | 225/35R19 | 7.5" × 19" |
For bolt pattern (PCD), offset ET, center bore, and mounting details, open the bolt pattern page for BMW 3 Coupe (E36).
FAQ
- What tire sizes are common for the BMW 3 Coupe (E36)?
- Common tire sizes range from 195/65R15 on base trims to 225/45R17 on sportier trims.
- How do rim widths vary by E36 trim?
- Rim widths typically range from 6.5 inches to 8 inches depending on the trim and performance package.
- Can I use tires from one trim on another E36 model?
- You can compare tire size markings and rim widths to ensure compatibility, but always confirm fitment with the specific model and year to avoid issues.
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 |
