What is the factory spec for the OEM E36 318i sedan steel wheel (6Jx15 ET42, 185/65R15) on a BMW 3 Series (E36, 1992-1999)?
Added · Updated
Short answer: Factory specification Confirmed
Verdict:Factory spec Confirmed confidence (3 of 3) · 1 source
Factory specification: BMW's 1998 US owner's manual lists a 6Jx15 steel wheel at ET42 with 185/65R15 88T tires for the 318i sedan.
Safety-critical part. This spec is confirmed from manufacturer documentation (listed under Sources). Still check it against the factory service manual for your exact car, or have a qualified shop do or check the work.
| Part | OEM E36 318i sedan steel wheel (6Jx15 ET42, 185/65R15) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | BMW 3 Series (E36, 1992-1999) |
| Years | 1998 |
| Trim / condition | 318i sedan (1998 owner's manual) |
| Verdict | Factory spec Specification |
| Confidence | Confirmed 3 of 3 — Backed by a manufacturer document, or two or more independent sources agree on a specific checkable fact. |
| Last verified | 2026-10-26 (date the cited sources were last read) |
Details
BMW's 1998 US owner's manual lists a 6Jx15 steel wheel at ET42 with 185/65R15 88T tires for the 318i sedan. Confirmed for 1998 only, the one model year this BMW document covers.
Specs
- bolt pattern: 5x120
- centerbore mm: 72.6
- size: 15x6
- offset mm: 42
- tire: 185/65R15 88T
- material: steel
Other wheels fitment for the E36
- 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
- OEM E36 M3 sedan Style 23 wheels (17x7.5 / 17x8.5 ET41) — 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
- 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)pp. 115-117 wheel and tire table, 1998.
Summaries are in our own words. Fitment is not guaranteed — disclaimer.
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