E34 - E36 Rims

[ScottyWM]

I should know this but I don't know where to find it ... will my E34 rims fit on my E36? Would I need any spacers?

[Tiger]

Won't fit at all.

[ScottyWM]

Damn, I need new rims and tires for the E36 and there was a perfect set of wheels with brand new tires on craigslist - but they were the same as my E34's.

I have never paid attention to all the talk about wheel fitment because I was never interested in doing any changes from stock. But the E36 rims are in terrible shape from my two daughters learning to drive on it and they need to be replaced. Is there a chart somewhere that shows what will fit?

[Tiger]

All 3 series BMW will fit each other... E36, E46 and current 3 series.

All 5 and 7 series fit each other.

It is possible to fit the 3 series on the 5 or 7 series with spacers... but not other way around.

[Tiger]

Do a quick search on ebay with sets in your area... to avoid shipping cost. Lots of them for $300 a set... with and without tires.

[BMWDriver]

Actually, a lot of 3 series owners stretch their fenders to fit low offset wheels, which means they take 5/7 series wheels, especially the very popular style 5(aka basket weave), 17 inch wheels. E30 owners in particular have to stretch 'em. Does not look like it happens a lot with e36 owners. 5 and 7 series wheels are farther out than 3 series. The normal 5 series offset is 20, and 3 is 35-40. M series cars are a bit different.

I run 3 series wheels with 15 mm spacers, otherwise it rubs inside.

So, they could work; a test fit will definitely sort it all out with steering turning and careful observation off the ground. But, you have to be careful what size tires you would put on. The max size in front for a 3 I think is 225. I often see staggered setups with 205 in front and 225 in the back. You can always go wider in the back. Also, tire wall is not the same on 3 series, has to be a bit less, meaning thickness from the ground to the rim.

And, last but not least, wheel width is important. 7 to 8.5 inch is not too much of a problem. Anything wider though is serious consideration for a no-no or good stretch with spacers; but I don't think that's your case (9 to 11 inch).

[Ross]

I had a set for sale a while back an E36 owner wanted to buy. He was told they WOULD WORK so I was insistant on trying. Fronts fit, rears would rub the fender(with 225/60s). He was grateful I insisted.
The offset is wrong, perhaps with a narrower tire but E36 wheels are a dime a dozen.
I think E36 calls for 36 mm offset, E34 is 20mm.