- BMW Rims, Tires, and Bolt Pattern
- Where to Find BMW Wheel Bolt Pattern Sizes
- Known BMW Bolt Patterns Modifications
- Consequences of Incorrect BMW Bolt Pattern Selection
- Three Generations of BMW Crossovers
- BMW Rim Styles
- Known BMW Bolt Patterns Modifications
- Consequences of Incorrect BMW Bolt Pattern Selection
- Three Generations of BMW Crossovers
- BMW Rim Styles
Wheel rims play a crucial role in a car's movement on the road surface. Therefore, knowing the drilling pattern of a car's wheel rims will guide you in making the right choice. Over time, car owners start paying attention to enhancing its exterior. Tuning comes to the rescue with the replacement of various components in vehicles. The bolt pattern of a BMW is one of the crucial parameters to consider in this case.
The main component of a car's appearance is the rims. They are designed not only for visual appeal but also for the vehicle's handling and stability on the road.
BMW Rims, Tires, and Bolt Pattern
As you are aware, there is a wide range of rims available, including original ones from the factory and those with a custom design. Usually, rims and tires are changed with the onset of each new season.
However, you can change them to:
- enhance the design;
- refresh worn-out rims.
It is advisable to still use original factory products.
Wheel rims must meet all the requirements set by the manufacturer:
- drilling pattern;
- width;
- diameter;
- offset.
The selection of tires should also be accurate to ensure that incorrect sizes do not hinder the operation of the vehicle. The BMW E39 bolt pattern indicates whether the selected rims can be installed in the car. If the parameters do not match, some cars use hub centric rings for fitting.
It is not recommended to install such elements in BMW vehicles.
To ensure that cars are stable and easily manageable, it is essential to correctly select the sizes of rims and tires.
The bolt pattern is denoted as PCD. These parameters indicate the diameter of the center mounting holes. They also indicate the number of required fastenings.
Let's take, for example, the drilling pattern of BMW X5 E53. Its parameters are 5×120.
Decoding the values
- Five fastening elements in the form of bolts or nuts are required to ensure proper mounting to the chassis.
- 120 — the diameter size of the holes for the bolts in millimeters.
It is crucial to adhere to such parameters when purchasing wheels. Based on these values, you can select the most optimal product.
Where to Find BMW Wheel Bolt Pattern Sizes
Wheel rim drilling patterns are available in various options and tailored to specific modifications.
V represents the hub width of the wheel rim.
Usually, drivers do not engage in measurements. Everything is in the technical specifications. The important aspect here is to determine the sizes based on the diameter of the central holes of the wheel rims. The information can also be found on the spare wheel's rim.
Known BMW Bolt Patterns Modifications
The BMW E39 model range includes various cars. Therefore, information regarding the bolt pattern should be sourced from official business resources of significant value. This way, you will make the right purchase of new car tires based on the parameters of volume, power, and weight of the car.
Some designations:
ET – indicates the offset of the wheel rims. It is the inset depth, in German translation. If the offset is increased, the wheel will sit deeper. Vice versa. All wheel rims have mounting planes that make contact with the hubs during installation.
The rim offset is the distance from the mounting planes to the vertical axes of the wheel rims.
The axes divide the wheel rims into two symmetrical halves. This is an important geometrical characteristic, and neglecting the ET value is not advisable. The safety of movement depends on the ET value. Moreover, incorrect selection of this parameter can lead to rapid wear of suspension components.
When drivers select wheel rims, they make mistakes:
- They choose rims based on external appearance: attractive geometry, appeal, shine, etc.
- Oftentimes, consultants provide incorrect information, and they trust it.
- They disregard the markings.
If the wheel rim offset is incorrectly chosen, it will affect the car's wheelbase. The wheels will either be tucked inside the body or stick out beyond the body boundaries.
Consequences of Incorrect BMW Bolt Pattern Selection
Undesirable consequences may arise.
- The steering axis will shift.
- Bearings will quickly deteriorate.
- Handling will worsen. Tires will wear out quickly.
- The suspension's service life will shorten.
Hence, it is crucial not to deviate even by a millimeter from the standard values.
DIA represents the diameter of the central hole. Usually, wheels are produced with the largest possible center hole. Special hub centric rings are used to install such wheels, aiding in centering on the hub during installation.
The diameter of the central hole and the centering protrusion diameter on the car's hub must correspond to each other. If the DIA is larger, special transitional centering rings are used to center the wheels during installation.
If you have wheels of the correct radius, width, drilling pattern, and offset, you can still go wrong with incorrectly selected internal centering hole. This hole assists in fitting on the suspension hub, and the gap — clearance between the wheel rim and the hub — should be minimal.
J — a specific design feature
The 5 series model with the E39 body is produced with:
- 16-inch rim diameter
- 7.0J width
- ET -20 mm
- Bolt pattern — 5×120
- DIA — 74.1 mm
Three Generations of BMW Crossovers
What wheel rim design options with a designer's approach does the company offer.
- The first models of BMW 5 crossovers had the E53 body. From 2000 to 2007. They had rims R17, 18, 19, 20. The bolt pattern was 5 x 120, with a central hole diameter of 72.6.
- In the second generation of crossovers with the E70 body, rims R18, 19, 20, 21 were used. The bolt pattern was 5 x 120, with a central hole diameter of 74.1.
- The latest models of crossovers with the F15 body have wheel diameters of R18, 19, 20, 21. The bolt pattern is 5 x 120, with a central hole diameter of 74.1
- The models with the E34 body were produced before the E39. The E39 had enlarged central holes. Therefore, be attentive when purchasing rims and tires.
The popular BMW E39 crossover has the same drilling pattern sizes as the standard sedans produced by the company
When crossovers are produced, efforts are made to increase the drilling pattern and use bolts with increased sizes. This is required due to the increased weight and power of off-road vehicles. Often, off-road vehicles and crossovers of other models are produced with enhanced parameter values.
Thus, the production process is cost-effective. The holes are drilled not for a specific model but for all. This is also beneficial for car owners as it eliminates confusion.
BMW Rim Styles
The design of the rims always complements the car's exterior elements.
For developers, it is crucial to adhere to the following factors:
- The main distinction is that covers are always installed to hide the mounting holes. The covers feature the brand logo with a unified size and color scheme.
- Car enthusiasts consider the BMW brand a globally recognized sports model. This is because in the 90s, the wheels were designed to have an aggressive rally look. Some models had thin cast spokes (3, 5, 8, 12). Some models were designed with grid-like patterns.
- A distinguishing feature is the size of the rims. These are very large wheels. Their diameter is R18 and above, with a low profile. This is the hallmark of the company, especially when it comes to series 4, 5, 6.
- Each new series features individually designed wheels with their unique numbering.
BMW rims with the 37 style have 16 spokes. Their dimensions are 7.0Jx16. These are simple, unassuming rims, which is why they were installed in the 5 series BMW E39 in its most basic modifications.
The 66 style also belongs to the BMW E39 5 series. They featured 5 stylish split thin spokes, which helped the car in a rich configuration to exude the status of a true sports car. The dimensions were in the range of 8.0J-9.0Jx17.
All BMW car enthusiasts must adhere to the drilling pattern parameters of their vehicles. This way, you can comfortably choose new high-quality rims and enjoy driving behind the wheel.
The first digit always indicates the number of fasteners. The second digit indicates the diameter. To determine the drilling pattern parameters, special formulas need to be used:
- Three holes V=A×1.
- Four — V=A×1.414.
- Five — V=A×1.701.
As you have understood, it is necessary to determine the value of A.
This is the gap between the holes. It is called the hub diameter of the rim. By measuring it, you can determine the value. And knowing this dimension, you can easily choose the desired sizes.
V represents the hub width of the wheel rim.
Usually, drivers do not engage in measurements. Everything is in the technical specifications. The important aspect here is to determine the sizes based on the diameter of the central holes of the wheel rims. The information can also be found on the spare wheel's rim.
Known BMW Bolt Patterns Modifications
The BMW E39 model range includes various cars. Therefore, information regarding the bolt pattern should be sourced from official business resources of significant value. This way, you will make the right purchase of new car tires based on the parameters of volume, power, and weight of the car.
Some designations:
ET – indicates the offset of the wheel rims. It is the inset depth, in German translation. If the offset is increased, the wheel will sit deeper. Vice versa. All wheel rims have mounting planes that make contact with the hubs during installation.
The rim offset is the distance from the mounting planes to the vertical axes of the wheel rims.
The axes divide the wheel rims into two symmetrical halves. This is an important geometrical characteristic, and neglecting the ET value is not advisable. The safety of movement depends on the ET value. Moreover, incorrect selection of this parameter can lead to rapid wear of suspension components.
When drivers select wheel rims, they make mistakes:
- They choose rims based on external appearance: attractive geometry, appeal, shine, etc.
- Oftentimes, consultants provide incorrect information, and they trust it.
- They disregard the markings.
If the wheel rim offset is incorrectly chosen, it will affect the car's wheelbase. The wheels will either be tucked inside the body or stick out beyond the body boundaries.
Consequences of Incorrect BMW Bolt Pattern Selection
Undesirable consequences may arise.
- The steering axis will shift.
- Bearings will quickly deteriorate.
- Handling will worsen. Tires will wear out quickly.
- The suspension's service life will shorten.
Hence, it is crucial not to deviate even by a millimeter from the standard values.
DIA represents the diameter of the central hole. Usually, wheels are produced with the largest possible center hole. Special hub centric rings are used to install such wheels, aiding in centering on the hub during installation.
The diameter of the central hole and the centering protrusion diameter on the car's hub must correspond to each other. If the DIA is larger, special transitional centering rings are used to center the wheels during installation.
If you have wheels of the correct radius, width, drilling pattern, and offset, you can still go wrong with incorrectly selected internal centering hole. This hole assists in fitting on the suspension hub, and the gap — clearance between the wheel rim and the hub — should be minimal.
J — a specific design feature
The 5 series model with the E39 body is produced with:
- 16-inch rim diameter
- 7.0J width
- ET -20 mm
- Bolt pattern — 5×120
- DIA — 74.1 mm
Three Generations of BMW Crossovers
What wheel rim design options with a designer's approach does the company offer.
- The first models of BMW 5 crossovers had the E53 body. From 2000 to 2007. They had rims R17, 18, 19, 20. The bolt pattern was 5 x 120, with a central hole diameter of 72.6.
- In the second generation of crossovers with the E70 body, rims R18, 19, 20, 21 were used. The bolt pattern was 5 x 120, with a central hole diameter of 74.1.
- The latest models of crossovers with the F15 body have wheel diameters of R18, 19, 20, 21. The bolt pattern is 5 x 120, with a central hole diameter of 74.1
- The models with the E34 body were produced before the E39. The E39 had enlarged central holes. Therefore, be attentive when purchasing rims and tires.
The popular BMW E39 crossover has the same drilling pattern sizes as the standard sedans produced by the company
When crossovers are produced, efforts are made to increase the drilling pattern and use bolts with increased sizes. This is required due to the increased weight and power of off-road vehicles. Often, off-road vehicles and crossovers of other models are produced with enhanced parameter values.
Thus, the production process is cost-effective. The holes are drilled not for a specific model but for all. This is also beneficial for car owners as it eliminates confusion.
BMW Rim Styles
The design of the rims always complements the car's exterior elements.
For developers, it is crucial to adhere to the following factors:
- The main distinction is that covers are always installed to hide the mounting holes. The covers feature the brand logo with a unified size and color scheme.
- Car enthusiasts consider the BMW brand a globally recognized sports model. This is because in the 90s, the wheels were designed to have an aggressive rally look. Some models had thin cast spokes (3, 5, 8, 12). Some models were designed with grid-like patterns.
- A distinguishing feature is the size of the rims. These are very large wheels. Their diameter is R18 and above, with a low profile. This is the hallmark of the company, especially when it comes to series 4, 5, 6.
- Each new series features individually designed wheels with their unique numbering.
BMW rims with the 37 style have 16 spokes. Their dimensions are 7.0Jx16. These are simple, unassuming rims, which is why they were installed in the 5 series BMW E39 in its most basic modifications.
The 66 style also belongs to the BMW E39 5 series. They featured 5 stylish split thin spokes, which helped the car in a rich configuration to exude the status of a true sports car. The dimensions were in the range of 8.0J-9.0Jx17.
All BMW car enthusiasts must adhere to the drilling pattern parameters of their vehicles. This way, you can comfortably choose new high-quality rims and enjoy driving behind the wheel.
