BMW 3 (E36) Tire Sizes and Rim Dimensions by Model Year and Trim

The BMW 3 (E36), produced from 1990 to 2000, offers varying tire sizes and rim dimensions depending on the model year and trim. Common tire markings include widths from 195 to 225 mm with aspect ratios ranging between 45 and 60, combined primarily with rim diameters between 15 and 17 inches.\n\nEntry-level trims typically feature narrower rims, such as 6.5J×15 or 7J×15, paired with 195/60R15 or 205/55R15 tires, while sportier trims and later model years often come equipped with wider rims like 7J×16 or 7.5J×17, supporting 205/50R16 or 225/45R17 tires.\n\nWhen comparing trims, note that rim width and diameter directly impact tire compatibility and handling characteristics. Always refer to manufacturer recommendations to ensure correct tire-to-rim fitment, especially when upgrading or replacing tires across different E36 trims.

Year
Make / model / trim Year Tire size Wheel
BMW 3 (E36) 316 i1998195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 318 i1998195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 318 is1998195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 318 tds1998195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 320 i1998195/65R156.5" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 323 i 2.51998195/65R156.5" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 325 td1998195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 325 tds1998195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 328 i1998205/60R157" × 16"
BMW 3 (E36) M3 3.21998225/35R197.5" × 19"
BMW 3 (E36) 316 i1997195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 318 i1997195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 318 is1997195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 318 tds1997195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 320 i1997195/65R156.5" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 323 i 2.51997195/65R156.5" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 325 td1997195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 325 tds1997195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 328 i1997205/60R157" × 16"
BMW 3 (E36) M3 3.21997225/35R197.5" × 19"
BMW 3 (E36) 316 i1996195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 318 i1996195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 318 is1996195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 318 tds1996195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 320 i1996195/65R156.5" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 323 i 2.51996195/65R156.5" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 325 td1996195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 325 tds1996195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 328 i1996205/60R157" × 16"
BMW 3 (E36) M3 3.21996225/35R197.5" × 19"
BMW 3 (E36) 316 i1995195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 318 i1995195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 318 is1995195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 318 tds1995195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 320 i1995195/65R156.5" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 323 i 2.51995195/65R156.5" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 325 i1995205/60R157" × 16"
BMW 3 (E36) 325 td1995195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 325 tds1995195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 328 i1995205/60R157" × 16"
BMW 3 (E36) M3 3.01995225/35R197.5" × 19"
BMW 3 (E36) M3 3.21995225/35R197.5" × 19"
BMW 3 (E36) 316 i1994195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 318 i1994195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 318 is1994195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 320 i1994195/65R156.5" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 325 i1994205/60R157" × 16"
BMW 3 (E36) 325 td1994195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 325 tds1994195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) M3 3.01994225/35R197.5" × 19"
BMW 3 (E36) 316 i1993195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 318 i1993195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 318 is1993195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 320 i1993195/65R156.5" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 325 i1993205/60R157" × 16"
BMW 3 (E36) 325 td1993195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 325 tds1993195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 316 i1992195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 318 i1992195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 320 i1992195/65R156.5" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 325 i1992205/60R157" × 16"
BMW 3 (E36) 325 td1992195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 316 i1991195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 318 i1991195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 320 i1991195/65R156.5" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 325 i1991205/60R157" × 16"
BMW 3 (E36) 325 td1991195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 316 i1990195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 318 i1990195/65R157" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 320 i1990195/65R156.5" × 15"
BMW 3 (E36) 325 i1990205/60R157" × 16"

For bolt pattern (PCD), offset ET, center bore, and mounting details, open the bolt pattern page for BMW 3 (E36).

FAQ

What tire size is common for the BMW 3 (E36) base models?
Base models usually come with 195/60R15 or 205/55R15 tires on 6.5J×15 or 7J×15 rims.
Can I use 17-inch rims on any E36 trim?
17-inch rims are typically found on sportier trims and later model years; verify fitment before upgrading rims.
How do rim width and diameter affect tire selection on the E36?
Rim width and diameter determine the tire sizes compatible with your vehicle, influencing handling and safety.
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