BMW has been around for decades, introducing hundreds of automobile models to drivers of all levels. Hence, it is no surprise confused beginners struggle to find a one-size-fits-all guide to BMW’s bolt pattern and flow-formed wheel sizing.
Keep scrolling to learn more!
In this article:
What is The BMW Lug Pattern?
Most BMW models have either 5x120mm (5×4.72”), meaning that they have 5 lug nuts forming a circle of 120mm in diameter. And its center bore measures 72.55mm. But some models come with a 5×112 (4×4.41″) lug pattern.
The following chart will delve further into each series and model:
| Series | Model Code | Gen | Bolt Pattern (mm) |
| BMW 1-Series | E87 | 2004 – 2007 | 5 x 120 |
| E88/ E82/ E81/E87 | 2007 – 2012 | ||
| F21/ F20 | 2015 – 2020 | ||
| F52, F40 | 2017 – 2024 | 5 x 112 | |
| BMW 2-Series | F23/ F22 | 2013 – 2021 | 5 x 120 |
| F44 | 2019 – 2024 | 5 x 112 | |
| G42 | 2021 – 2024 | ||
| BMW 3-Series | 3 Series I/II | 1975 – 1994 | 4 x 100 |
| 3 Series III/V 3 Series IV (BMW 3-series E46 5 lug) 3 Series VI (F30 wheel) | 1990 – 2003 | 5 x 120 | |
| BMW 4-Series | F36/ F33/ F32 | 2013 – 2017 | 5 x 120 |
| F36/ F33/ F32 Facelift | 2017 – 2020 | ||
| G26/ G23/ G22 | 2020 – 2024 | 5 x 112 | |
| BMW 5-Series | 5 Series I to VI | 1972 – 2010 | 5 x 120 |
| 6 Gran Turismo | G32/ G32 Facelift | 2017 – 2024 | 5 x 112 |
| 7 Series | 7 Series I to V | 1977 – 2015 | 5 x 120 |
| 7 Series VI/VII | 2015 – 2024 | 5 x 112 | |
| 8 Series | E31 | 1989 – 1999 | 5 x 120 |
| G16/ G15/ G14 | 2018 – 2024 | 5 x 112 | |
| I Series | i3/ G26 i4/ G70 i7 | 2013 – 2024 | 5 x 112 |
| IX | I20 iX/ U11 iX1/ G08 iX3 | 2020 – 2024 | 5 x 112 |
| M2 | F87 | 2015 – 2021 | 5 x 120 |
| G87 | 2023 – 2024 | 5 x 112 | |
| M3 | G80 | 2020 – 2024 | 5 x 112 |
| M4 | F83/ F82 | 2014 – 2020 | 5 x 120 |
| G83/ G82 | 2021 – 2024 | 5 x 112 | |
| M5 | F90 VI | 2020 – 2024 | 5 x 112 |
| M8 | F93/ F92/ F91 | 2019 – 2024 | 5 x 112 |
| X1 | X1 II/III | 2019 – 2024 | 5 x 112 |
| X2 | F39 X2 | 2017 – 2024 | 5 x 112 |
| X3 | X3 I/II | 2003 – 2017 | 5 x 120 |
| X3 III/M | 2017 – 2024 | 5 x 112 | |
| X4 | F26 X4 | 2014 – 2018 | 5 x 120 |
| G02 X4/ F98 X4 M | 2018 – 2024 | 5 x 112 | |
| X5 | X5 I to III | 1999 – 2018 | 5 x 120 |
| X5 IV | 2018 – 2024 | 5 x 112 | |
| X5 M | E70/F85 | 2009 – 2019 | 5 x 120 |
| F95 | 2019 – 2024 | 5 x 112 | |
| X6 | X6 I/II | 2008 – 2019 | 5 x 120 |
| X6 III | 2019 – 2024 | 5 x 112 | |
| X6 M | E71, F86 | 2009 – 2019 | 5 x 120 |
| F96 | 2020 – 2024 | 5 x 112 | |
| X7 | G07/ G07 Facelift | 2018 – 2024 | 5 x 112 |
| Z4 | Z4 I/II | 2002 – 2017 | 5 x 120 |
| Z4 III | 2018 – 2024 | 5 x 112 |
Is It Possible to Modify The BMW Bolt Pattern?
Yes. And even better, there are quite a lot of options to choose from. A common strategy is to purchase wheel adapters, which can adjust the patterns without changing your existing wheel hub. They come in numerous models and sizes, too, so feel free to browse.
Another popular choice is spacers – which help move the plastic wheel pads off the hubs to upgrade the former’s offsets.
Check out with the manufacturer or scour through search online reviews to ensure the wheel spacer size meets safety standards and works well with the car.
And if – for some reason – both spacers and adapters are not available – the only choice left is to swap the entire BMW hub to change the pattern. Not all drivers have the expertise required to perform the task, so seeking professional help is best.
How to Measure The BMW Wheel Bolt Pattern?
Thankfully, the process is straightforward. Just grab your measuring tape or ruler and follow my detailed mapping:
- First, count the wheel lugs on the cast wheel sets. And, to be honest, that might not be really necessary – since all BMW models have five.
- Next, measure the pattern’s diameter. Start with one of the holes’ outer edges, then expand across the whole circle.
- Measure until you reach the center bore of the most adjacent lug hole. The pitch circle diameter should either be 4.41 inches (112 millimeters) or 4.72 inches (120 millimeters).
What Cars Have The Same Lug Bolt Pattern As BMW?
Standard wheels and cars that also have the common bolt pattern of 5×120 are from:
- Acura
- Cadillac
- GMC
- Chevrolet C/K 1500; Chevrolet Express / Van
- Land Rover
- Honda
- Pontiac
- Lexus
- Volkswagen
- Tesla
- Ford Mustang; Ford Transit; Ford Expedition
Meanwhile, the 5×112 performance wheel clearance pattern thrives in:
- Chrysler
- Opel Corsa, Opel Meriva
- Maybach
- Volkswagen
- Mercedes Benz; Mercedes E-Class; Mercedes A-Class; Mercedes M-Class / ML-Class; Mercedes Vito
- Audi TT; Audi Coupe
Does A Bolt Circle Pattern Have To Be Exact?
Yes, correct bolt patterns guarantee maximum tire life under harsh racing track temps. Incorrect patterns (even with just a gap of 2-3mm) may result in misaligning, excessive pressure on the aluminum wheel stud size, tire sidewall, and suspension components.
These issues inevitably make the wheel weaker. Over time, vehicle vibrations, instability, and hardware failures are to be expected, sometimes even leading to catastrophic failure in the suspension arms, shooting brake, and ceramic brake rotor discs. Imagine the disaster that would follow if you could not stop the car in emergency situations!
Conclusion
A BMW chassis bolt pattern is either 5 x 120 or 5 x 112. Information regarding these patterns is always available in BMW alloy wheel diagrams; and even if you lose them, measurement is still a breeze.
Remember these numbers to ensure proper wheel fitment and wheel size – whether factory or aftermarket wheels – and write to me if you still need more help on bolt patterns, racing wheel offsets, or wheel recommendations.
