How reliable is this fitment answer?

Confidence: Confirmed (3 of 3). Backed by a manufacturer document, or two or more independent sources agree on a specific checkable fact. Based on 2 cited source(s), last verified 2026-10-26.

What is the factory spec for the OEM E36 318/323/328 sport wheel (7Jx16 alloy ET45/46, 225/50ZR16) on a BMW 3 Series (E36, 1992-1999)?

Q: What is the factory spec for the OEM E36 318/323/328 sport wheel (7Jx16 alloy ET45/46, 225/50ZR16) on a BMW 3 Series (E36, 1992-1999)?

Factory specification. The 1998 US owner's manual lists 225/50ZR16 tires on 7Jx16 alloy wheels at ET45 or ET46. It says snow chains may not be used on this size. An enthusiast site says two unnamed 16x7 ET46 styles were standard on US 323is and 328is cars with the Sport Package (enthusiast-attributed, tier 1 for that detail). Tier 3 for the 1998 size only.

Added 2026-10-26 · Updated 2026-10-26

Short answer: Factory specification Confirmed

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

Factory specification: The 1998 US owner's manual lists 225/50ZR16 tires on 7Jx16 alloy wheels at ET45 or ET46.

Years: 1998 · Applies to: 318/323/328 (1998 owner's manual) · 2 sources · Last verified 2026-10-26

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 318/323/328 sport wheel (7Jx16 alloy ET45/46, 225/50ZR16)
Vehicle	BMW 3 Series (E36, 1992-1999)
Years	1998
Trim / condition	318/323/328 (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

The 1998 US owner's manual lists 225/50ZR16 tires on 7Jx16 alloy wheels at ET45 or ET46. It says snow chains may not be used on this size. An enthusiast site says two unnamed 16x7 ET46 styles were standard on US 323is and 328is cars with the Sport Package (enthusiast-attributed, tier 1 for that detail). Tier 3 for the 1998 size only.

Specs

bolt pattern: 5x120
centerbore mm: 72.6
size: 16x7
offset mm: 45 or 46 (owner's manual lists both)
tire: 225/50ZR16

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
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)
7Jx16 ET45/46, 225/50ZR16; no chains on this size.
BMW E36 wheel style numbers and specs — BIMMERtips (enthusiast site) (editorial; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
Two 16x7 ET46 styles standard on US 323is/328is with Sport Package.

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

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