BMW 3 Touring (E36) Tire Sizes & Rim Dimensions by Year and Trim
The BMW 3 Touring (E36), produced from 1995 to 1999, features varying tire sizes and rim dimensions depending on the model year and trim. Early E36 Touring models typically use 15 to 16-inch rims, with common tire sizes like 195/60R15 and 205/55R16. Higher trims or sport packages may come with wider rims and lower profiles for enhanced handling.\n\nTire size markings on the BMW 3 Touring (E36) help identify the correct fitment. The size indicates width, aspect ratio, and diameter (e.g., 205/55R16: 205 mm width, 55% aspect ratio, 16-inch rim). Rim dimensions are expressed as width × diameter in inches (e.g., 7J×16)\n\nWhen comparing trims, note that sportier versions often have wider rims (7 to 7.5 inches) and larger diameters (16-inch) to accommodate broader tires. Standard trims may have narrower rims (6 to 6.5 inches) with smaller diameters. Always verify compatibility with your specific E36 Touring model year and trim for safe and optimal performance.\n\nConsulting manufacturer specifications or a trusted tire professional ensures the best match for replacements or upgrades, balancing driving comfort, performance, and safety.
| Make / model / trim | Year | Tire size | Wheel |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 316 i | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 318 i | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 318 tds | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 320 i | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 323 i | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 325 tds | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 328 i | 1999 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 316 i | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 318 i | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 318 tds | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 320 i | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 323 i | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 325 tds | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 328 i | 1998 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 316 i | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 318 i | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 318 tds | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 320 i | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 323 i | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 325 tds | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 328 i | 1997 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 316 i | 1996 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 318 i | 1996 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 318 tds | 1996 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 320 i | 1996 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 323 i | 1996 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 325 tds | 1996 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 328 i | 1996 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 318 i | 1995 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 318 tds | 1995 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 320 i | 1995 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 323 i | 1995 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 325 tds | 1995 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
| BMW 3 Touring (E36) 328 i | 1995 | 195/65R15 | 7" × 15" |
For bolt pattern (PCD), offset ET, center bore, and mounting details, open the bolt pattern page for BMW 3 Touring (E36).
FAQ
- What tire sizes are common on the BMW 3 Touring (E36)?
- Common tire sizes include 195/60R15 and 205/55R16, depending on the model year and trim.
- How do rim widths vary across E36 Touring trims?
- Standard trims usually have 6 to 6.5-inch wide rims, while sport trims feature 7 to 7.5-inch wide rims.
- Why is it important to match tire size to the E36 Touring's rim dimensions?
- Matching tire size and rim dimensions ensures safe fitment, maintains handling performance, and prevents mechanical 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 |
