What Is the Bolt Pattern on a BMW 328i?

The bolt pattern on most modern BMW 328i models is 5×120, meaning five wheel bolts arranged on a 120 mm diameter circle, but the exact specification can vary slightly by generation and market, so it is crucial to confirm by model year and chassis code before buying wheels.

Understanding the BMW 328i Bolt Pattern

The BMW 328i has been produced across multiple generations—from the E36 to the F30 and beyond—each with shared design language but evolving engineering details. Among the constants is BMW’s long-standing use of a 5×120 bolt pattern on its 3 Series models, including the 328i, with differences arising mainly in offset and center bore rather than bolt pattern itself.

Core Wheel Specs for Common BMW 328i Generations

To understand the bolt pattern in context, it helps to look at the broader wheel specifications—bolt pattern, center bore, and offset range—across popular BMW 328i generations. This gives a clearer picture of compatibility when choosing aftermarket or used wheels.

E36 328i (Approx. 1995–1999, Depending on Market)

The E36 328i marked a key step in BMW’s 3 Series evolution and established standards that would influence later models. Its bolt pattern aligns with the typical BMW 3 Series setup of that era.

• Bolt pattern: 5×120
• Center bore: 72.6 mm
• Typical OEM wheel sizes: 15–17 inches
• Typical offset range (ET): ~ET35–ET47 (varies by wheel design)

For the E36 328i, the 5×120 bolt pattern is consistent across trims, but correct offset and center bore remain just as important for clearance and proper fitment.

E46 328i (Early 3 Series Successor – Not All Markets Had 328i Throughout)

The E46 generation introduced updated suspension and styling, but BMW retained the familiar bolt pattern. In some regions the 328i designation gave way quickly to 325i/330i, so prospective buyers should double-check the exact variant.

• Bolt pattern: 5×120
• Center bore: 72.6 mm
• Typical OEM wheel sizes: 16–18 inches
• Typical offset range: generally ET35–ET50 depending on width and style

Again, while the bolt pattern stays at 5×120, wheel width and offset differences mean not every 3 Series wheel will behave identically on an E46 328i without checking clearances.

E90/E91/E92/E93 328i (Approx. 2006–2013)

The E9x generation 328i (sedan, wagon, coupe, and convertible) is one of the most common 328i variants on the road today. Its wheel specs are widely shared across the platform, making it easier to source compatible wheels.

• Bolt pattern: 5×120
• Center bore: 72.6 mm
• Typical OEM wheel sizes: 16–19 inches
• Typical offset range: roughly ET30–ET47 depending on wheel width and body style

Owners of E9x 328i models will find that most BMW 3, 5, and some 1 Series wheels with 5×120 and 72.6 mm center bore can fit, as long as offset and tire sizes are correctly chosen.

F30/F31/F32/F36 328i (Approx. 2012–2018)

The F-series 328i (notably the F30 sedan and F31 touring, plus related coupes and Gran Coupés) carried over BMW’s 5×120 standard but moved further toward larger wheel options and more aggressive offsets, especially with M Sport packages.

• Bolt pattern: 5×120
• Center bore: 72.6 mm
• Typical OEM wheel sizes: 17–19 inches (20-inch available in some trims/packages)
• Typical offset range: approximately ET30–ET47, varying by width and body style

Although the F30-era 328i maintains the same nominal bolt pattern and center bore as earlier generations, the bodywork and suspension geometry mean that fitment that worked on an E46 or E90 may not be ideal without offset and tire adjustments.

What “5×120” Actually Means

Understanding the bolt pattern terminology helps avoid mistakes when shopping for wheels. The “5×120” specification is an industry-standard way to describe how a wheel mounts to the hub.

• The first number “5” indicates the number of wheel bolts (or studs) used to secure the wheel.
• The second number “120” is the diameter, in millimeters, of the imaginary circle that passes through the centers of all the bolt holes (the Pitch Circle Diameter or PCD).
• BMW 3 Series models, including the 328i, use wheel bolts rather than studs and nuts in most markets.
• The pattern must match exactly; a 5×114.3 or 5×112 wheel will not correctly fit a BMW hub designed for 5×120 without adapters.

By decoding “5×120” in this way, buyers can quickly filter out incompatible wheels and focus only on options that share the correct number of bolts and PCD.

Other Critical Wheel Fitment Factors: Center Bore and Offset

While the bolt pattern is fundamental, a safe and vibration-free fit also depends on the center bore and offset. BMW 328i models are typically hub-centric, meaning the wheel centers on the hub via the center bore rather than the bolts alone.

Center Bore: 72.6 mm on Most BMW 328i Models

The center bore is the diameter of the hole in the center of the wheel that fits over the hub. For most modern BMW 3 Series, including 328i variants from E36 through F30, the standard center bore is 72.6 mm.

• OEM BMW 328i wheels: 72.6 mm center bore, hub-centric fit.
• Aftermarket wheels: often come with a larger bore (e.g., 73.1 mm) and use hub-centric rings to adapt to 72.6 mm.
• If the wheel’s center bore is smaller than 72.6 mm, it generally cannot be safely mounted on a BMW 328i without machining.
• Correct center bore fit helps prevent vibration at higher speeds and reduces stress on the wheel bolts.

Ensuring the wheel is properly hub-centric—either directly or with quality hub rings—is just as important as matching the bolt pattern for a smooth and safe ride.

Offset (ET): How Far the Wheel Sits In or Out

Offset, labeled “ET” on many wheels, measures how the mounting surface relates to the wheel’s centerline. While not part of the bolt pattern, it strongly affects clearance and stance on a BMW 328i.

• Positive offset (common on BMWs): the mounting surface is toward the outside of the wheel, pulling the wheel inward under the fender.
• OEM BMW 328i wheels typically have positive offsets in the ET30–ET50 range, varying by generation and width.
• Too low an offset can cause rubbing on the fenders, especially with wide tires or lowered suspensions.
• Too high an offset may cause the wheel or tire to contact suspension components or inner wheel wells.

While the 5×120 bolt pattern ensures bolt alignment, picking the right offset ensures the wheel actually fits within the car’s body and suspension envelope without interference.

Common Misconceptions and Pitfalls

Because many European and Japanese cars share similar-looking wheel designs, it is easy to assume they share bolt patterns. For the BMW 328i, this assumption can be costly and unsafe.

• 5×112 vs. 5×120: Many newer German cars (including some newer BMW platforms like G20 3 Series) use 5×112, but most 328i models up through the F30 generation are 5×120.
• 5×114.3 vs. 5×120: A very common Japanese and US bolt pattern, but it is not interchangeable with 5×120 without adapters.
• “Close enough” fit: Forcing a near-miss pattern or relying only on the bolts to center the wheel can lead to vibration, rapid wear, or even failure.
• Assuming all BMWs are identical: Some newer BMW platforms and electric models have changed bolt patterns, so it’s essential not to generalize beyond the specific model and generation.

A clear understanding of these differences helps BMW 328i owners avoid incompatible wheels that might mount poorly, damage components, or compromise safety.

How to Confirm the Bolt Pattern on Your Specific 328i

Even though the BMW 328i is overwhelmingly associated with a 5×120 bolt pattern, verifying your exact car’s specs is a prudent step, especially for boundary years or imported vehicles.

• Check the owner’s manual: Wheel specifications, including bolt pattern and recommended sizes, are typically listed.
• Look on the back of an OEM wheel: Many have casting marks that show size, offset (ET), and sometimes bolt pattern.
• Use reputable databases: Up-to-date wheel fitment guides (specialist wheel/tire sites or BMW enthusiast communities) usually list exact data by year and chassis.
• Consult a dealer or trusted shop: A BMW dealer or specialist shop can confirm fitment from your VIN.

By taking a moment to confirm rather than rely on assumptions, you significantly reduce the risk of ordering an expensive set of wheels that ultimately does not fit your 328i correctly.

Summary

For virtually all BMW 328i models produced from the mid-1990s through the F30 generation, the wheel bolt pattern is 5×120—five bolts on a 120 mm circle—paired with a 72.6 mm center bore. While the bolt pattern is consistent, factors such as offset, wheel width, and tire size vary by generation and trim, and they are crucial to proper fitment. Before buying aftermarket or used wheels, owners should confirm their exact model year and chassis, verify the 5×120 pattern and 72.6 mm center bore, and select offsets compatible with their suspension and bodywork. This approach ensures safe, vibration-free driving and preserves both performance and aesthetics on the BMW 328i.

What bolt pattern is a BMW 328i?

The BMW 328i has a 5×120 bolt pattern for models produced before approximately 2019, but newer models (around 2019 and later) have a 5×112 bolt pattern. The bolt pattern is determined by the model year, so it is crucial to check the specific year of your 328i before purchasing new wheels.
 
This video explains the wheel fitment for BMW 3 and 4 Series, including the bolt pattern: 1mthreepiece.usYouTube · May 7, 2025
Older models (pre-approx. 2019)

• Bolt Pattern: 5×120
• Center Bore: 72.6mm 

Newer models (approx. 2019 and later)

• Bolt Pattern: 5×112
• Center Bore: 66.1mm 

To ensure proper fitment, always verify the year of your specific 328i to confirm the correct bolt pattern before buying new wheels.

What is the bolt pattern on a 2013 BMW 328i?

The 2013 BMW 328i has a 5×120 bolt pattern, a 72.6 mm center bore, and uses M14x1.25 lug bolts. The “5×120” refers to five lug holes arranged in a 120mm diameter circle, which is consistent with the 3 Series models from 2004 to 2013. 

• Bolt Pattern: 5×120 mm
• Center Bore: 72.6 mm
• Lug Type: Bolts
• Thread Size: M14x1.25

What is the bolt pattern on a 2007 BMW 328i?

The 2007 BMW 328i has a 5×120 lug pattern. This means there are 5 lug holes and the diameter of the circle connecting them is 120 millimeters.
 

• Lug pattern: 5×120
• Other specs: The lug nuts have a 12 mm x 1.50 thread size.

Is BMW 5×120 or 5×112?

BMW Bolt Pattern and Centerbore: General Rules
Most modern E and F-chassis BMW passenger cars that have 5 lugs use a 5×120 bolt pattern and 72.56mm (sometimes shown as 72.6mm) centerbore. Newer G-chassis BMW models use a 5×112 bolt pattern and 66.6mm centerbore.