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 tightening torque, E36 on a BMW 3 Series (E36, 1992-1999)?

Q: What is the factory spec for the Factory wheel-bolt tightening torque, E36 on a BMW 3 Series (E36, 1992-1999)?

Factory specification. 120 ± 10 N·m per BMW's TIS torque table (issue 12/2007), which lists the M12 wheel bolt for the E36; a wheel guide citing BMW service information agrees. Note: the 1998 US owner's manual lists 100 N·m (72 lb-ft) and says to recheck after about 600 miles, and a wheel library says older manuals give 100 N·m. Because two BMW documents disagree, the row stays at 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: 120 ± 10 N·m per BMW's TIS torque table (issue 12/2007), which lists the M12 wheel bolt for the E36; a wheel guide citing BMW service information agrees.

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 tightening torque, E36
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

120 ± 10 N·m per BMW's TIS torque table (issue 12/2007), which lists the M12 wheel bolt for the E36; a wheel guide citing BMW service information agrees. Note: the 1998 US owner's manual lists 100 N·m (72 lb-ft) and says to recheck after about 600 miles, and a wheel library says older manuals give 100 N·m. Because two BMW documents disagree, the row stays at tier 2.

Specs

torque: 120 ± 10 N·m per BMW TIS (12/2007); the 1998 US owner's manual lists 100 N·m (72 lb-ft)

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)
120 ± 10 N·m.
BMW Wheel Tightening Torque Specifications — Bimmer Guides (editorial; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
E36 in the 120 + 10 N·m group.
1998 BMW 318i/318is, 323is/323ic, 328i/328is/328ic Owner's Manual (US) — BMW AG (complete manual PDF hosted by bmwsections.com) (mfr spec; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
100 N·m (72 lb-ft); recheck after about 600 mi.
BMW OEM wheel Style 22 (E36 M3 Contour) — BMW OEM Wheel Styles (wheel library) (editorial; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
120 N·m; older manuals give 100 N·m.

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