Will 17x9 ET42 wheels with 245/40R17 tires (square) fit a BMW 3 Series (E46, 1999-2006)?
Added · Updated
Short answer: Yes, reportedly Reported
Verdict:Fits Reported confidence (2 of 3) · 1 source
Yes, reportedly: Yes on non-M cars: a wheel marketplace calls 17x9 ET42 with 245/40R17 at all four corners the best street-performance size.
Safety-critical part. This claim comes from community or vendor sources, not the vehicle or part manufacturer, so its confidence is capped at "Reported". Have the work done or checked by a qualified professional and confirm part numbers with the manufacturer.
| Part | 17x9 ET42 wheels with 245/40R17 tires (square) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | BMW 3 Series (E46, 1999-2006) |
| Years | 1999-2006 |
| Trim / condition | non-M sedan, coupe, convertible, wagon |
| Verdict | Fits Reported to fit |
| 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
Yes on non-M cars: a wheel marketplace calls 17x9 ET42 with 245/40R17 at all four corners the best street-performance size. It says ET35-42 is the safe range for square setups, and ET30 needs extra rear clearance and camber. Single source; check clearance on lowered cars.
Specs
- bolt pattern: 5x120
- centerbore mm: 72.6
- size: 17x9
- offset mm: 42
- tire: 245/40R17
Related build entries
Other wheels fitment for the E46
- OEM E46 Style 45 wheel (16x7, 325i / 325xi) — Specification Factory spec
- OEM E46 Style 137 wheel (17x7, 330i / 330xi) — Specification Factory spec
- OEM E46 Sport Package Style 119 wheel (17x8) — Specification Factory spec
- OEM E46 Style 68M staggered wheels (17x7.5 front / 17x8.5 rear) — Specification Factory spec
- OEM E46 330i ZHP Style 135M wheels (18x8 ET47 / 18x8.5 ET50) — Specification Factory spec
- OEM E46 M3 Style 67M wheels (18x8 ET47 / 18x9 ET26) — Specification Factory spec
More for this car
- All BMW 3 Series (E46, 1999-2006) fitment answers · E46 common problems
- Newsletter archive: past issues with every new and corrected entry
Sources
- BMW E46 3-Series wheel specs and setup guide — WheelPrice (wheel marketplace) (vendor article; read 2026-10-26; full page read)17x9 ET42 with 245/40R17 square as the best performance fitment.
Summaries are in our own words. Fitment is not guaranteed — disclaimer.
Report a correction — spotted an error or have a better source? Email hello@chassisdex.com.