How reliable is this fitment answer?

Confidence: Reported (2 of 3). Stated by one reasonably reputable source (retailer, shop, magazine). Not independently confirmed. Based on 3 cited source(s), last verified 2026-10-26.

What is the factory spec for the E36 factory brake disc sizes (non-M, compact, M3) on a BMW 3 Series (E36, 1992-1999)?

Q: What is the factory spec for the E36 factory brake disc sizes (non-M, compact, M3) on a BMW 3 Series (E36, 1992-1999)?

Factory specification. BMW's TIS technical data gives E36 front discs of 286 mm (M3: 315 mm) and rear discs of 280 mm solid, 276 mm vented, 272 mm on the compact and roadster, and 312 mm on the M3. An owner-forum list agrees and adds that early 318ti cars used solid 286 x 12 mm fronts and that the 276 mm vented rears were on 1996-99 323ic and 328ic convertibles. TIS data is global, not split by market or year, so tier 2.

Added 2026-10-26 · Updated 2026-10-26

Short answer: Factory specification Reported

Verdict:Factory spec Reported confidence (2 of 3) · 3 sources

Factory specification: BMW's TIS technical data gives E36 front discs of 286 mm (M3: 315 mm) and rear discs of 280 mm solid, 276 mm vented, 272 mm on the compact and roadster, and 312 mm on the M3.

Years: 1992-1999 · Applies to: · 3 sources · Last verified 2026-10-26

Safety-critical part. Manufacturer sources are cited, but they disagree or are incomplete for this fitment, so this entry is held below "Confirmed". Have the work done or checked by a qualified professional and confirm figures and part numbers against the service manual or the manufacturer.

Part	E36 factory brake disc sizes (non-M, compact, M3)
Vehicle	BMW 3 Series (E36, 1992-1999)
Years	1992-1999
Trim / condition
Verdict	Factory spec Specification
Confidence	Reported 2 of 3 — Stated by one reasonably reputable source (retailer, shop, magazine). Not independently confirmed.
Last verified	2026-10-26 (date the cited sources were last read)

Details

BMW's TIS technical data gives E36 front discs of 286 mm (M3: 315 mm) and rear discs of 280 mm solid, 276 mm vented, 272 mm on the compact and roadster, and 312 mm on the M3. An owner-forum list agrees and adds that early 318ti cars used solid 286 x 12 mm fronts and that the 276 mm vented rears were on 1996-99 323ic and 328ic convertibles. TIS data is global, not split by market or year, so tier 2.

Specs

front: 286 mm; M3 315 mm
rear: 280 mm solid, 276 mm vented, 272 mm compact/roadster, 312 mm M3
source note: BMW TIS technical data, global

Related build entries

Bigger front brakes: E46 330i 325 mm setup on a non-M E36

Other brakes fitment for the E36

E46 330i front brakes (325 x 25 mm rotors, calipers and carriers) — Fits with extra parts or work Fits with mods
E36 M3 front brakes (315 mm) with M3 spindles, for a non-M E36 — Fits with extra parts or work Fits with mods

More for this car

All BMW 3 Series (E36, 1992-1999) fitment answers · E36 common problems
Newsletter archive: past issues with every new and corrected entry

Sources

BMW TIS technical data 34 11: front wheel brakes, E36 — BMW AG TIS (issue status 12/2007; hosted by workshop-manuals.com) (mfr spec; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
BMW TIS technical data 34 21: rear wheel brakes (discs), E36 — BMW AG TIS (issue status 12/2007; hosted by workshop-manuals.com) (mfr spec; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
Upgrading brakes on E36 to E46 (non-M) (2009 thread) — NYSpeed / SpeedLife forums (owner forum) (editorial; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
Forum rotor list by model.

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