Self-maintenance and repair is an effective way to save money even with aftermarket wheels but it carries the risk of damage due to a lack of knowledge and experience, even with the most basic stage – installation of the lug.

Remember that a BMW is a huge investment, and you never want any fault to cost you millions of dollars in wheel cost. It is best to check our article for BMW x5 bolt pattern and torque specs.

BMW Wheel Bolt Pattern

Most BMW vehicles share the same lug pattern of 5×120 mm or 5×4.72 inches. This means that five lug bolts form an imaginary circle with a diameter of 120mm. However, a few exceptions, such as the BMW M2 or Series 3, come with a 5×112 bolt design.

There are also several customizations in the life of a product line, such as the BMW 3-Series – the most popular version in the family. Launched in 1975, these cars have gone through 7 generations with three different lug patterns.

The first editions from 1975 to 2000, the E21 and E30, displayed a 4×100 pattern. This means that the 4 lug holes are evenly spaced 100 mm apart. The following four generations featured a 5×120 mm pattern from 1990 to 2019.

Since 2018, the manufacturer has launched the newest BMW generation (series 3) with a spectacular change in correct bolt pattern. They released models with a 5×112 design. As such, the number of wheel studs remains the same, but the bolt circle diameter is reduced to 112mm.

Factory Specs Of 3-Series Proper Wheel Fitment

While the BMW bolt pattern has not changed much over 50 years, specifications such as center bore, tire and rim dimensions, and torque specs have diversified from generation to generation. To choose the finest wheel lugs for your luxury vehicle, you must check the specs of the right model.

Note: The wheel specs below mainly focus on USDM (products for the US market) only.

BMW 3 Series I (E21): 1975 – 1983 (4×100 mm)

Center bore measurement: 57.1 mm
Thread size: M12 x 1.25
Wheel fasteners: Lug nut
Torque spec: 115 Nm
Rim & tire dimensions

Engine Choices	Tire Size	Rim Sizes
320i and 320IS I4	185/70R13	5.5Jx13 ET25

BMW 3 Series II (E30): 1982 – 1994 (4×100 mm)

Center bore: 57.1 mm
Thread size: M12 x 1.25
Wheel fasteners: Lug nut
Torque spec: 115 Nm
Rim & tire dimensions

Engine Choices	Tire Size	Rim Sizes
318i and 318IS	195/60R14	5.5Jx14 ET35
325, 325ES and 325E I6	195/65R14 or 195/60R14	5.5Jx14 ET35
325IX	205/55R15	7Jx15 ET41
M3 2.3	205/55ZR15	7Jx15 ET30

BMW 3 Series III (E36): 1990 – 2000 (5×120 mm)

Center bore: 72.6 mm
Thread size: M12 x 1.25
Wheel fasteners: Lug nut
Torque spec: 115 Nm
Rim & tire dimensions

Engine Choices	Tire Size	Rim Sizes
318i	185/65R15	6Jx15 ET42
318IS, 323i, 323IS, 325i, 325IS, 328i, and 328IS I4	205/60R15	7Jx15 ET47
318TI	185/65R15 or 205/60R15	6Jx15 ET42 or7Jx15 ET47
M3	225/45ZR17 or 245/40ZR17	7.5Jx17 ET41 or8.5Jx17 ET41

BMW 3 Series IV & Facelift (E46): 1998 – 2007 (5×120 mm)

Hub bore: 72.6 mm
Thread size: M12 x 1.25
Wheel fasteners: Lug nut
Torque spec: 100 Nm
Rim & tire dimensions

Engine Choices	Tire Size	Rim Sizes
323CI, 325CI, 325i, 325XI I6	205/55R16 or 225/45ZR17	7Jx16 ET46 or 8Jx17 ET47
323i I6	195/65R15	6.5Jx15 ET42
328CI and 328i I6	205/55R16, 225/45ZR17, 245/40ZR17	7Jx16 ET46, 7.5Jx17 ET41 8.5Jx17 ET50, or 8Jx17 ET47
330CI, 330i, 330XI I6	205/50R17, 225/45ZR17, or 245/40ZR17	7Jx17 ET47, 7.5Jx17 ET41 8.5Jx17 ET50

BMW 3 Series V & LCI (E90/E91/E92/E93): 2005 – 2013 (5×120 mm)

Center bore: 72.6 mm
Thread size: M12 x 1.25
Wheel fasteners: Lug nut
Torque spec: 120 Nm
Rim & tire dimensions

Engine Choices	Tire Size	Rim Sizes
325i, 325XI, 328i, 328i XDIVE, 328XI	205/55R16	7Jx16 ET34
330i, 330XI, 335i, 335i XDRIVE, 335XI	225/45R17	8Jx17 ET34
328i I6 and328i XDRIVE	205/55R16 or 225/45R17	7Jx16 ET31 or 8Jx17 ET34
335D, 335i, 335 XDRIVE I6	225/45R17	8Jx17 ET34
335IS I6	225/40ZR18 and 255/35ZR18	8Jx18 ET34 or 8.5Jx18 ET37

BMW 3 Series VI & LCI (F30/F31/F34): 2011 – 2019 (5×120 mm)

Center bore: 72.6 mm
Thread size: M14 x 1.25
Wheel fasteners: Lug nut
Torque spec: 140 Nm
Rim & tire dimensions

Engine Choices	Tire Size	Rim Sizes
320i, 320i XDRIVE, 328i, 328i XDRIVE, 330i, 330i XDRIVE, 340i, 340i XDRIVE (Petrol) 328D and 328D XDRIVE (Diesel) 330R (Hybrid)	225/50R17	7.5Jx17 ET37
335i, 335I XDRIVE (Petrol)	225/45ZR18	8Jx18 ET34
Active Hybrid 3	225/45ZR18	8Jx18 ET34
GT 330i XDRIVE	225/55ZR17	8Jx17 ET34
GT 328i XDRIVE	225/55R17	8Jx17 ET34
GT 335i XDRIVE	225/50R18	8Jx18 ET34
GT 340i XDIRVE	225/50ZR18	8Jx18 ET34

BMW 3 Series VII & LCI (G20/G21): 2018 – 2022 (5×112 mm)

Center bore: 66.6 mm
Thread size: M14 x 1.25
Wheel fasteners: Lug nut
Torque spec: 140 Nm
Rim & tire dimensions

Engine Choices	Tire Size	Rim Sizes
330E and 330E XDRIVE (Hybrid) 330i and 330i XDRIVE (Petrol)	225/45ZR18	7.5Jx18 ET25
M340i and M340i XDRIVE	225/45ZR18 or 255/40ZR18	7.5Jx18 ET25 8.5Jx18 ET40

Tightening BMW Lugs

You’ve caught up with the BMW common bolt patterns, but it is not the whole story. Sometimes, you remove the wheel apart for a tire assembly or rim custom and need to screw in the center holes correctly later.

The important point is: each bolt pattern requires a different tightening sequence to ensure a secure and snug fit.

For example, you must proceed in a cross-shaped order with the 4-lug pattern. Meanwhile, the 5 bolt holes require a star-shaped sequence so that you do not loosen the previously approached details.

Then invest in a torque wrench and work in the defined sequence. Remember to tighten to the recommended torque specification of 140 Nm. A helpful tip is to only twist half round on the first turn, then continue one more time until you hear a click.

FAQs

What Cars Have The Same Bolt Pattern As BMW?

You may find the “BMW fitment” as the standard for other car brands, such as Cadillac, Acura, Land Rover, JAC, Lexus, and Volkswagen.

Can You Fit 5×120 On 5×112?

Fortunately, YES. A PCD adapter comes to help you change your wheel hub from 5×120 to 5×112.

Conclusion

It is not difficult to clarify the lug pattern BMW because they often follow a standard. However, there are exceptions like the 3-series mentioned above.

Therefore, you should thoroughly compare the car generation and specific engine options to determine the right design for your wheel sets. Do not overlook it since you need the most precise specs to mount the wheels in the car.