BMW 3 Series II (E30) — Wheel Fitment & Specs

By Torque, AIWheelTech vehicle & fitment specialist · 1982–1994

TL;DR — The BMW 3 Series II (E30) (1982–1994) uses a 4x100 bolt pattern, 57.1 mm centre bore, M12 x 1.5 bolts torqued to ~115 Nm. It accepts ~5.5J–6.5J wheels at ET19–ET40.

Overview

The BMW E30 is the second generation of the BMW 3 Series, produced from 1982 to 1994 and replacing the E21 model. It was manufactured in West Germany (Munich and Regensburg) and South Africa (Rosslyn). The E30 introduced new body styles including four-door saloon and station wagon variants, alongside two-door saloons and convertibles. This generation featured a revised suspension to address oversteer issues of its predecessor and was the first 3 Series with diesel engine options.

Wheel fitment

Aftermarket wheel sizes — read per position:

As a rule, each extra 1J of width wants roughly +8–10 ET to keep the wheel tucked. The exact offset and any spacer are confirmed by the fit-check.

UK popularity & demand

Based on DfT VEH0124 vehicle-parc data (2025), there are approximately 467,458 BMW 3 Series on UK roads, placing it in the top 1% of car models by volume across our fitment database. That makes its wheel fitment a high-demand size to keep in stock — one reason we track its exact spec here.

Source: DfT/DVLA licensed-vehicle statistics (VEH0124), matched to the AIWheelTech fitment database.

Engines & drivetrain

Performance

Dimensions

Body styles & production

Trim levels

Factory colours

History & notable variants

Development began in July 1976 under chief designer Claus Luthe and exterior styling by Boyke Boyer, leading to production launch at the end of November 1982. A minor update occurred in 1985, introducing a factory convertible model alongside the Baur conversion. In 1988, significant changes were made including redesigned rear lights and bumpers, improved rust protection, and the introduction of the Touring body style.

Reliability & owner notes

• Pros: Improved handling over E21; introduction of diesel engines and Touring body style
• Cons: Limited production in North America due to emissions regulations; bulky bumpers in early models
• Common issues: Rust issues, particularly on the convertible model