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 4 cited source(s), last verified 2026-10-26.

What is the factory spec for the Factory wheel-bolt thread and seat, E36 (M12x1.5 cone-seat bolts) on a BMW 3 Series (E36, 1992-1999)?

Q: What is the factory spec for the Factory wheel-bolt thread and seat, E36 (M12x1.5 cone-seat bolts) on a BMW 3 Series (E36, 1992-1999)?

Factory specification. All US E36 models, including the 318ti and M3, use M12x1.5 wheel bolts (not studs) with a 60-degree cone seat on a 5x120 pattern with a 72.6 mm hub bore. BMW's torque table confirms M12 bolts; the thread pitch and seat come from wheel guides and a retailer, so the row is tier 2.

Added 2026-10-26 · Updated 2026-10-26

Short answer: Factory specification Reported

Verdict:Factory spec Reported confidence (2 of 3) · 4 sources

Factory specification: All US E36 models, including the 318ti and M3, use M12x1.5 wheel bolts (not studs) with a 60-degree cone seat on a 5x120 pattern with a 72.6 mm hub bore.

Years: 1992-1999 · Applies to: · 4 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	Factory wheel-bolt thread and seat, E36 (M12x1.5 cone-seat bolts)
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

All US E36 models, including the 318ti and M3, use M12x1.5 wheel bolts (not studs) with a 60-degree cone seat on a 5x120 pattern with a 72.6 mm hub bore. BMW's torque table confirms M12 bolts; the thread pitch and seat come from wheel guides and a retailer, so the row is tier 2.

Specs

thread: M12x1.5
seat: 60-degree cone (wheel guides)
fastener: bolts, not studs

Other wheels fitment for the E36

OEM E36 318i sedan steel wheel (6Jx15 ET42, 185/65R15) — Specification Factory spec
OEM E36 318/323/328 15-inch wheel (7Jx15 alloy or 6.5Jx15 steel, ET47) — Specification Factory spec
OEM E36 318/323/328 sport wheel (7Jx16 alloy ET45/46, 225/50ZR16) — Specification Factory spec
Factory E36 318ti wheel (15x6 ET42, 185/65R15) — Specification Factory spec
OEM E36 M3 Style 22 wheels (17x7.5 ET41, square, 1995) — Specification Factory spec
OEM E36 M3 Style 39M wheels (17x7.5 / 17x8.5 ET41, staggered, 1996-99) — Specification Factory spec

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 tightening torques 36 10 AZD: wheels — BMW AG TIS (issue status 12/2007; hosted by workshop-manuals.com) (mfr spec; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
Wheel bolt M12.
The ultimate BMW bolt pattern and centerbore guide — Apex Wheels (wheel maker) (vendor article; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
BMW M3 genuine wheels (E36 M3 section) — Finish Line Wheels (wheel retailer, North America) (vendor article; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
M12x1.5 bolts.
BMW OEM wheel Style 22 (E36 M3 Contour) — BMW OEM Wheel Styles (wheel library) (editorial; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
M12x1.5, 60-degree cone.

Summaries are in our own words. Fitment is not guaranteed — disclaimer.

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